The big picture: Jesus – Knowing him and following him. Caring about what he cares about…

• Verse 29 – Time is short, so focus.
• Verse 32 – Minimize earthbound concerns.
• Verse 35 – Free and clear for Jesus

Nature of sex:

• Meant to be a good thing
• Usually overemphasized culturally
• Not a need, but indeed a driving force
• It is a gift not to be constrained by sexual or relational desires (v 7)
• The average person can control themselves.

What about relational reasons for marriage?

• vv 8 & 9 – Better to marry than to burn with passion.

Submission and authority in marriage

• The biblical approach is one of mutual submission, one to another.
  • • Consistent/regular mutually enjoyed and engaged sex is the recommended standard within marriage (under normal circumstances).

Abstinence may be advantageous or necessary at times and should be mutually understood.

Self-control is necessary regardless of marital status

Address to men.

• Are your expectations and desires reasonable?
  • • What would your standard be if this was anything else?

• What does your mutual submission look like to your wife?
  • • Are you doing your part to make sure she is also enjoying the experience? Are you making it a chore for her?
    • Are you considering her nonsexual needs/wants?

When’s the last time you rubbed her feet? Took out the trash? Watched the kids for a night? Do you even know what she needs/desires and how is your body (self) submitting itself to those needs?

Address to women

• If your sex life is out of balance, ask yourself why?
  • • Is it something that can be resolved, and are you making inroads to doing so?

Are preferences being communicated?

Is past trauma affecting your desire? Are you seeking healing?

Is he doing something wrong or harmful? What are you doing to hold him accountable or help? Do you need help?

Is it a control thing or a punitive thing?

Are you reasonable?

A concession and not a command

• Though singleness may not be considered a favorable position, it is an advantageous one.
  • • If you can at all help it, consider singleness.
    • Revel in what you have now

Live life now

Get help now

Grow, move, and plan now.

Don’t compromise. It always, always, always makes things worse.

• Let’s stop discrediting those who’ve made the higher choice and capitalize on our navy seals of Christianity.
• 1 Cor 7:35- I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.