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"So that Satan does not tempt you..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 7:5

AWARENESS OF SPIRITUAL ATTACKS

Paul gave good and sound advice to the Corinthians. Marriage was an institution given by God Himself. The Corinthians also needed to be aware of spiritual attacks mounted by Satan.

“Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her,
and likewise also the wife to her husband.
The wife does not have authority over her own body,
but the husband does.
And likewise the husband does not have authority
over his own body, but the wife does.
Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time,
that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer,
and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you
because of your lack of self-control.”
1 Corinthians 7:3-5

1. Due affection

a) This is another euphemism employed.

b) The conjugal relationship between husband and wife needed to be understood.

2. Authority

a) The husband has authority over the body of his wife.

b) Likewise, the wife has authority over the body of her husband.

3. Abstinence

a) This is to be agreed upon.

b) A valid reason for abstinence.

i) Fasting

ii) Prayer

c) The spiritual angle was highlighted for good measure.

d) Other reasons could also have been valid:

i) Health issues

ii) Times of mourning (e.g. bereavement)

4. Returning to giving affection

a) This was recommended.

b) Paul was aware that Satan could cause either party to be tempted.

c) Immorality was a rampant problem that needed to be resisted consciously.