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"There is a difference between a wife and a virgin."

Text: 1 Corinthians 7:34

ADDRESSING THE WOMEN

Paul now gave his attention to the women. He made a clear distinction between those who were married and those who were not.

“There is a difference between a wife and a virgin.
The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord,
that she may be holy both in body and in spirit.
But she who is married cares about the things of the world-
how she may please her husband.
And this I say for your own profit,
not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper,
and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.”
1 Corinthians 7:34-35

1. “The unmarried”

a) She can set aside her time to the things of the Lord.

b) She can devote herself to cultivating holiness.

i) In body.

ii) In spirit.

2. “The married”

a) She has responsibilities to her family.

b) She has to be concerned about the things of the world.

c) And how she may please her husband.

3. The distinction

a) This is very clear.

b) Either decision is not sinful.

4. “And this I say to your own profit”

a) The word “profit” is with reference to the quality and significance of one’s life.

b) A life dedicated to serving the Lord is truly “profitable”.

i) To the blessing of many people.

ii) To the honour and name of the individual.

5. Not a leash but what is proper

a) Paul’s advice was not to be seen as a leash.

b) His advice was sound and good (“proper”).

c) The challenge is to serve the Lord without distraction.

This was how Paul understood what it means to serve the Lord wholly. He lived as he preached!