Marriage Is a Hetero Sexual Relationship

October 5, 2015 Year B

1 Corinthians 7:1-9

Whatever the question was that was directed at Paul, he had a direct answer. Perhaps it was: “Is it good for a man to have sexual relations with a woman?” Paul’s answer states no (1 Corinthians 7:1). But then Paul explains that sexual immorality is so rampant (1 Corinthians 7:2), that each MAN should have his own WIFE, and each WOMAN should have her own HUSBAND (1 Corinthians 7:2). This answer reflects the biblical definition of marriage. Marriage by definition is between a man and woman.

The definition of marriage also reflects a responsibility to be fulfilled, which is to have sex (1 Corinthians 7:3). Sex is between a husband and wife. This means that sexual relationships have boundaries. Sexual relationships happen within the fence of marriage, not outside of it (1 Corinthians 7:3). The WIFE has rights over the HUSBAND’s body. The HUSBAND has rights over the WIFE’s body (1 Corinthians 7:4).

Sexual relationships are not to be neglected (1 Corinthians 7:5). The only exception is for a spiritual connection between the husband and the wife in prayer. Sex can get out of control. Sex is so powerful and so desirable that one might try to fulfill its desire outside of marriage (1 Corinthians 7:6). This is Paul’s encouragement, but he does not want to sound legalistic. Paul is celibate and does not have sexual desires. (1 Corinthians 7:7).

The Paul turns to those who are unmarried. He says that being single is just as good as being married. One is not sinning if one is single (1 Corinthians 7:8). But if one has sexual desires, then it is time to be looking for a spouse to fulfill that desire (1 Corinthians 7:9).