1 Corinthians 7:25-39
Introduction
“You complete me.” This phrase is often heard in romantic comedies, where one person expresses love for another by viewing that person as their missing piece. But single people are not unfinished puzzles. They are meant to maximize their uniqueness and completeness under the rule of God. Whether married or single, all people have a supernatural identity given to them by God and a supernatural relationship with God. Identity is tied to God first, not to a companion. God intended for single people to be complete until He brought them into marriage. Therefore, an unmarried individual is not an incomplete person. Like Adam, who walked with God and was whole before the union, singles are complete because of their relationship and connectivity to God.
Singles are called to find their significance in what God wants them to be and to do. First, they must be committed to the will of God. They need to find fulfillment in God’s will even if that will is not what they want. Second, single individuals must be devoted to the Word of God. God gave Adam His Word before he was married, and marriage came out of Adam’s commitment to the Word. If unmarried people ignore the Word, they will inevitably yield to the culture. Third, singles need to learn contentment, which means being at ease where you are until God changes your situation. The culture—and sometimes even churches—want to make singles discontent with their status, but they can only find their contentment in the Lord.
In finding contentment, a single man or woman must learn to wait for the Lord, but waiting does not mean doing anything. Waiting means operating within the boundaries of God while trusting Him for a mate. Singles have the opportunity to work diligently for the Lord. Staying focused on Kingdom priorities provides stability in singlehood and creates a space to serve the Lord, bless others, and allow Him to make connections. Single people should look for other Christians who are going in the same spiritual direction as they are. We can ask God to provide like-minded companionship and opportunities to serve as we fulfill our Kingdom purpose through our singlehood.
Getting Started
- How do you put a puzzle together? Do you start with the edge pieces first or with any piece at random? Do you look at the image on the box the whole time or do you put the box away?
- How is singleness presented in media today? Are there examples on TV or in movies of singles who are admirable, moral, or godly?
Let’s Get Personal
- If you are single now, what is the hardest part for you about being single? If you are married, what was most difficult for you when you were single?
- What have you believed about singleness that is contrary to this biblical paradigm? Why is it important for singles to know they are complete in God?
- How have you struggled to be willing to wait on God? Have you found like-minded friends who help you stay committed to God’s will?
Take the Next Step
- Whom do you know that is struggling with singleness? How can you encourage them this week to reaffirm their identity in God and to find Kingdom purpose in their singleness?
- How do you need to recommit to God’s will and God’s Word and refocus on Kingdom priorities? What opportunities do you have to serve the Lord this week or month?
- Want to go deeper? Take time to look at the following passages: 1 Corinthians 7:25-39; Genesis 2:15-22; Acts 7:9; Matthew 6:33; Proverbs 30:21-23; Matthew 22:30; Genesis 39:1-23; Luke 1:26-38; John 11:1-44; Genesis 50:15-21; Philippians 4:11-23.
Renew Your Mind
“But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord.”
1 Corinthians 7:32
