Spend time in prayer and silence with God, asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.
Bible Reading
Now in response to the matter you wrote about: It is good for a man not to use a woman for sex. But because sexual immorality is so common, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman should have sexual relations with her own husband. A husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise a wife to her husband. A wife does not have the right over her own body, but her husband does. In the same way, a husband does not have the right over his own body, but his wife does. Do not deprive one another—except when you agree for a time, to devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again; otherwise Satan may tempt you because of your lack of self-control. I say this as a concession, not as a command. I wish all people were as I am. But each has his own gift from God, one person has this gift, another has that. I say to the unmarried and to widows: It is good for them to remain as I am. But if they do not have self-control, they should marry, since it is better to marry than to burn with desire. To the married I give this command—not I. but the Lord—a wife is not to leave her husband. But if she does leave, she must remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband—and a husband is not to divorce his wife. But I (not the Lord) say to the rest: If any brother has an unbelieving wife and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. Also, if any woman has an unbelieving husband and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce her husband. For the unbelieving husband is made holy by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy by the husband.
– 1 Corinthians 7:1-14a
Devotion
God created man and woman as sexual creatures. Therefore, sex should be viewed as a good gift from a great God. Sex as God designed it is to be enjoyed within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman. This “one-flesh” relationship is the most intense physical intimacy and the deepest spiritual unity possible between a man and woman. God approves of sexual relations within marriage alone, where husband and wife are to serve each other and meet each other’s physical needs. Paul indicates that sexual problems in marriage can hamper the spiritual journey of believers. Paul also acknowledges the reality of sin and the impact it has on human sexuality. He also leaves room for God’s grace and forgiveness in our brokenness. In this chapter, Paul addresses the Corinthians’ questions concerning several different possible situations concerning sex and marriage.
The Big Question
Do any of these situations apply to you? If so, what do you believe God may be saying to you through His Word? Does this passage stir up something inside of you? How do these truths differ from cultural standards concerning human sexuality today? What is Paul’s bigger message concerning sex and marriage?
Conclude your time in prayer and silence, reflecting on what God revealed to you today.