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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
Bible Questions and Bible Answers
Christians know that the Bible has the answer to every question that deserves an answer (see 2 Peter 1:3, Deuteronomy 29:29, 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Early Christians did not have a complete Bible, so they often asked the Apostles. In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul answers some that the Corinthians had asked. While the questions themselves are not recorded, most are easily discerned by the answers that are recorded.
QUESTION: MUST A CHRISTIAN BE MARRIED IN ORDER TO BE IN GOOD STANDING WITH GOD AND WITH HIS/HER BRETHREN?
Answer: No, while marriage is not required, neither is it forbidden. However, if one lacks self-control, “it is better to marry than burn” with passion (see verses 1-2, 7-9).
QUESTION: THE SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP IN MARRIAGE; IS IT BLESSED BY GOD? WHO SHOULD CONTROL THIS RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUSBAND AND WIFE?
Answer: The “Victorian” view that such is unholy is wrong. It should be a mutually satisfying relationship and should not be denied except by mutual agreement (see 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, Genesis 1:31, Hebrews 13:4 and 1 Peter 3:7).
QUESTION: WHAT IS THE CHRISTIAN’S RESPONSIBILITY TO AN UNBELIEVING SPOUSE? [Note: Some circumstances are especially significant because Jesus did not directly address them while on earth.]
- If someone becomes a Christian and his/her mate does not, must the believer leave the unbeliever?
Answer: No, if the unbelieving spouse is willing, the marriage should continue. The spouse and the children must be considered, verse 14.
- What if the unbelieving spouse leaves or abandons the family? Is the Christian so “bound” to that person that he/she must abandon their commitment to God?
Answer: No, in fact the Christian literally is not and never has been so “bound” that their faith must be compromised or denounced. Is the Christian free to marry again? No. Jesus gave “fornication” as the only reason a Christian might have the right to remarry (see Matthew 5:32, 19:9, Mark 10:11-12).
QUESTION: MAY A CHRISTIAN CONTINUE IN THE SAME LIFESTYLE AS BEFORE HE/SHE BECAME A CHRISTIAN?
Answer: Verses 20-24 tell us that though they must abandon their former sinful behavior (including “fornicators..idolaters.. adulterers..thieves homosexuals.. covetous..drunkards..extortioners” 6:9-11), they need not deny being a Jew by race, nor should slaves run away from their masters. If they can find a legitimate way to be freed from slavery, they were advised to do so. As in all questions we might ask today, the answers assume that the reader will respect all other Bible passages that give Christians instructions on morality, wholesome living and good attitudes toward believers and unbelievers alike. That principle will always be good to remember.
QUESTION: CAN A WIDOW OR WIDOWER MARRY? ARE THERE ANY RESTRICTIONS UPON SUCH A MARRIAGE?
Answer: Romans 7:1-3 informs us on this subject, but 1 Corinthians 7:39-40 specifically applies in this context. The widow or widower is “at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.” It is never wise for a Christian to marry one who is not a Christian. In 7:12-14 we see that, while it is not innately sinful for Christians to be married to non-Christians, anyone who is or has been in such a marriage arrangement knows the problems that can arise, especially when children are involved.
In this question, the one under consideration has been married but is no longer married because of the death of his/her spouse. The answer given by Paul—whom the Holy Spirit inspired—is that if a widow/widower chooses to marry, they may do so, but they must marry “only in the Lord.” This new marriage must be in harmony with the same biblical principles concerning marriage as any other, including who is and who is not eligible to be married.
There are other issues to be discussed in answer to these questions, but these are submitted for a general understanding of the challenges early Christians faced, and similar issues that may face Christians today. We are richly blessed to have, in the Bible, heaven’s answers to our own questions, all from the mind of our heavenly Father.
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"The word ‘bondage’ in 1 Corinthians 7:15 translates the Greek word dedoulotai, (third person singular, perfect indicative passive of douloo) as ‘enslaved, subservient, bound by the will of another.’ It follows, therefore, that the contention by some today that this word describes the marriage relationship, and that an abandoned party is free to remarry is, in effect, to say a married woman is in a state of slavery."
Guy N. Woods,
Questions and Answers,
Volume II, p.32
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Felines and Falling Away
As I write this, my cat is missing. Late last night I opened the door to check for a package. As fast as lightning, kitty ran past me, out the door and into the bushes. It was cold out and I wasn’t dressed for a cat search, so I closed the door, got appropriately dressed and went looking for him. By the time I returned, he was nowhere to be seen. Finally, I gave up the search and went to bed. As I lay there, the same thought continued to run through my mind. “Why wouldn’t that stupid cat stay put in the house?” In the house he enjoyed warmth, companionship, food, water and attention. Outdoors there was nothing but the cold, stray dogs, coyotes and a host of other dangers. Still, when the door opened, he just had to run out. “What a dumb cat,” I thought. And, at the same time, I couldn’t help but think about some spiritual parallels.
1. Too many Christians leave the safety of the Lord’s church. The Bible teaches that the child of God can fall from grace (Galatians 5:4). He can stray or wander from the truth (James 5:19-20; 2 Peter 2:20-22). He can fall away and become so callous that repentance becomes impossible (Hebrews 6:4-6). Like my foolish feline, some run out the door of the sheepfold when opportunity presents itself.
2. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. How many Christians forsake everything they have for the pleasures of the world (1 John 2:15-17)? How many husbands have left their wives and the Lord for what seemed like a better relationship (Matthew 5;32; 19:1-9; 1 Corinthians 6:13-20)? How many Christians have given up worshipping God and serving Him (Matthew 4:10) in order to pursue things that simply perish with the using (Colossians 2:22)? True, they thought they would be happier but instead of happiness they found emptiness and sorrow (Galatians 6:7-8). I’m sure when the temperature dipped, kitty probably wished he had remained inside.
3. Apostasy leads to sorrow. Certainly apostasy leads to sorrow for the person who persists in it (2 Peter 2:20-22). Still, those who go astray seldom, if ever, really think about the pain they cause others. Should a person choose to sin and leave the Lord, he hurts, not only himself, but also faithful family members, friends and brethren. What congregation has not felt the sting of one of their own abandoning them for carnal pursuits? It saddens me to think that my cat may be lost for good, but that is nothing in comparison to that of a prodigal child of God who opts to leave the Father for a “far country” (Luke 15).
4. Repentance leads to rejoicing. When sinners repent, heaven rejoices (Luke 15:7,10). I can remember several occasions when a wayward child of God came home. I have seen tears flow and hearts thrill at such an occasion. I’m sure if that dumb cat shows up, we will all be happy. We will pick him up, scratch his head, give him some food and vow to be more careful before opening the door. However, as happy as his return may make us, again, such pales in comparison to one of our brothers or sisters coming home after being away from that which is most precious.
“Why wouldn’t that stupid cat stay in the house?” That’s a question I have pondered since late last night. But here’s a better one: “Why would any child of God not stay faithful to the Lord?” With that question in mind, let us be careful, “…Let him who stands take heed lest he fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12). Let’s not be like that stupid cat.
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