Being Single | 1 Corinthians 7:7-40

Summary

God has given some, but not everyone, the gift of singleness. Regardless, our relationship with God trumps any social status, whether single or married. He has called us to be faithful in whatever season we’re in. There are four truths to remember about singleness:

1. Being single is a gift for some but not for all.
   • Some are given the gift of singleness, which looks like freedom from the desire for marital connection and contentedness without sexual intimacy (1 Corinthians 7:7). This is a good and not abnormal thing.
   • Even if you haven’t been given the gift of singleness, you might choose it because it’s the better option (1 Corinthians 7:8).
   • Just because you’re single now doesn’t mean God has given you the gift of singleness and that you’ll always be single. Desiring to be married is a good desire (1 Corinthians 7:9).
2. Being single isn’t second class.
   • Jesus was single, and He was God. Paul, one of the most influential Christians on the planet, was single. If they were single, singleness is not inferior.
   • You don’t have to change your social status to be more godly. Your relationship with God trumps any social standing you could ever have (1 Corinthians 7:17-24).
   • Wherever God has you right now is your assignment for this season, whether you’re single or married. Glorify God wherever He has you (1 Corinthians 7:17).
   • Married individuals must be careful not to unintentionally reinforce the narrative that singleness is second class.
3. Whether you’re single or married, your greatest source of satisfaction should be Jesus Christ.
   • The present form of this world is passing away, so don’t base your joy or satisfaction on something temporary. Marriage is a thing of this world – it’s a gift from God, but it’s on the clock, too (1 Corinthians 7:31).
   • You can’t ask marriage or singleness to do what only God can: satisfy the deepest longings of your soul.
4. While you’re single, don’t just fill your time – steward your time.
   • Marriage makes life more complex and divides your attention. It’s not a bad thing, but there’s more responsibility (1 Corinthians 7:33-34).
   • Don’t miss the opportunity during your single season to secure an undivided devotion to the Lord. This is a period of time where you can run full speed toward Jesus without having to get synced up with a spouse (1 Corinthians 7:35).

Discussing and Applying the Sermon

• Pray for a future spouse, but don’t wait on a future spouse. Don’t sit in a holding pattern when God wants to do a work in you and through you now.
• Surrender your singleness daily to the Lord. Loosen your grip on your hopes and dreams and acknowledge that God’s ways are perfect.
• Cultivate rhythms of gazing at Jesus. Study the Bible more, go for prayer walks, serve at church, etc. What rhythms can you incorporate?
• If you long to be a parent, start by being a spiritual father or mother as a Christian mentor (1 Timothy 1:2). Where can you serve to foster these relationships?
• Fully invest in a community group, and don’t believe the lie that you can’t hang out with married couples or families with children because you aren’t in the same life stage. Who can you invite into your family or what family can you invest in?

Other Mentioned or Recommended Resources

• Additional Scripture: Psalm 16:11, Colossians 1:16