BETHEL SUNDAY SCHOOL 12 JAN 2020
Text: 1 Corinthians 7:36 – 40

THE ROLE OF THE FATHER IN MARRIAGES

1. This was significant in the early days

2. They had a prominent role over their daughter

a. To give them to marriage

b. To withhold them from marriage

THE FATHER’S CONCERN
(1 Corinthians 7:36)

1. A father may feel he is behaving improperly towards his daughter

a. To withhold marriage of his daughter

b. She may be considered “Past the flower of her youth”

2. The wisdom needed to decide

a. To give his daughter to marriage, or

b. To withhold his daughter from marriage

c. There is no sin to marry or not to marry

d. But wisdom is needed to decide what is truly best!

COMMENDATION TO A FATHER WHO IS STEADFAST
(1 Corinthians 7:37)

1. He stands steadfast in his heart

a. He knows what is best for his daughter in his heart

b. He is able to remain steadfast in his heart

2. He “having no necessity”

a. He is not pressured by bridal gifts to marry his daughter off

b. He does not need to marry her daughter off for any material gains


3. He has “power of his own will”

a. He has the power or authority to fulfil his own will

b. He does not have to submit to the authority of others to marry his daughter off

4. Commendation given

a. Paul commends this father

b. To choose what is best for his daughter

c. To be steadfast in his decision

5. An added word to avoid misunderstanding (1 Corinthians 7:38)

a. Once again Paul is not against marriage

b. Those who choose to have their daughter marry – does well

c. Those who can choose not to give their daughters to marriage – does better!

A FINAL IMPORTANT WORD CONCERNING MARRIAGE
(1 Corinthians 7:39 – 40)

1. Marriage is for life!

2. A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives

3. Those who are widowed

a. They are freed to re-marry

b. They encouraged to marry people who are believers “In the Lord”

c. They, in Paul’s opinion, would be happier if they remain widowed

4. “I think I also have the Spirit of God” 1 Corinthians 7:40

a. Paul is conscious of the Spirit of God in him

b. He seeks to apply the wisdom of the Spirit of God as he counsels others on life matters such as marriage