1 Corinthians 7:2-17 - Homilies By E. Hurndall

Marriage: its nature and duties.

I. NATURE .

1. It is the union of one man and one woman. ( 1 Corinthians 7:2 .) Polygamy and polyandry are rigorously excluded from the sanction of the Christian faith. The former was tolerated by God in early times, but never enjoined or commended. The first union, in Eden, was of the Christian order. The wisdom of the dictum of Christianity has been exemplified by universal experience. All other arrangements are prolific of evils.

2. It is a union for life. ( 1 Corinthians 7:39 .) No hint is given of temporary wedlock.

3. It is a bond not to be lightly severed.

4. It is an exclusive union. It is to avoid fornication ( 1 Corinthians 7:2 ).

5. Those who enter upon it must do so prudently. This is developed in the apostle's argument as to the respective advantages of celibacy and marriage. And:

6. In the Lord ( 1 Corinthians 7:39 ) will apply to all cases. Marriages are to be continued with the ungodly, but not to be commenced. Of our choice we are not to be "unequally yoked." We are not to marry in order to convert. Many do this and, soon discover their mistake. They are like the woman who journeyed to Rome to convert the pope, but instead of converting his holiness, his holiness converted her!

II. DUTIES .

1. The body of one is to be surrendered to the other. ( 1 Corinthians 7:4 .) Cohabitation may be suspended for a time by mutual consent, for special purposes, but with distinct recognition of speedy reunion. Care must here be exercised, lest temptation be occasioned. There is no command for this temporary separation; it is permitted, not enjoined or even recommended.

2. Mutual pleasing. ( 1 Corinthians 7:33 , 1 Corinthians 7:34 .) This, referred to as a natural result, may be regarded as an implied injunction. Corroborated by Ephesians 5:21-25 . It is evidently needful. But it has limits; we must not displease God in order to please husband or wife.

3. The highest spiritual interests of one to be sought by the other. ( Ephesians 5:16 .) A special ease is supposed, which, however, opens up a wide question of home influences. How earnestly should we desire the salvation of those most closely united to us! How terrible the thought of final separation! The home presents the best opportunities of winning the ungodly to Christ. Not by words so much as by life . The influence is very continuous, and is exercised by those nearest and often dearest. Still, much grace is needed for such a ministry as this. Faults, jealously concealed in public, are often undisguised and freed from check in the household. We may do great harm as well as great good in the home; we may drive from Christ as well as draw towards him. The converted husband or wife is the pastor of the unconverted. Solemn responsibility! Care for the higher interests involve care for the lower. In all things those united in marriage should seek each other's good. This will involve much—

(1) self. restraint,