1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Ps Paul Cheng
~5 min read
Dear Bethelites,
Through the inspiration of the Spirit, the Apostle Paul dealt with the topic of singlehood and its blessedness which was contrary to the mindset of many who believed that only marriage is blessed. In our last pastoral exhortation, we touched on his first point which was “marriage may bring trouble.” Today, we will continue with Paul’s second point, and I have restated it as, “marriage is temporal.”
II. Marriage is Temporal
But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none. And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away. (1 Corinthians 7:29-31)
The phrase the time is short means this life is brief; we have only an appointed time on this Earth. It will not be long before all these things are coming to an end. We must always live with this perspective that our time on this Earth is short.
Dear friend, is this how you are living your life? Do you live your life as if it would not be long? Do you live believing in the imminent return of Jesus Christ (almost two thousand years have come and gone, even though it is two thousand years but it is still short compared to eternity)? Do you live believing that today could be your last day?
Many years ago, when I was in Singapore, I once saw a man crossing the road. He looked very healthy, and all of a sudden, he collapsed in the middle of the road. Soon the ambulance arrived, and the medical personnel tried to resuscitate him, but they failed. At that point, I was with some Christian friends, and I said to them, “That man might have crossed this road a thousand times. But who would have thought that today would be the last time he crosses this road? Did he say goodbye to his wife and children (if he had any) before he left home? If he did, that would be his last goodbye? If he did not, it was too late! That is just how fragile life is!”
Some of you may have been married for quite a long time; perhaps you have just celebrated your thirtieth anniversary. Some of you may be sad, hurt and weeping because of certain bad experiences. Others may be happy and rejoicing because of a recent promotion or the purchase of a new property. Life is too short to be dictated by the circumstances and situations.
Paul went on to say, it remaineth (which means from now onwards), that both they that have wives be as though they had none. And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; And they that use this world, as not abusing it. In other words, do not abuse or be dependent on the pleasures of this world.
It does not mean we are to be ignorant or indifferent to our current situation. It does not mean you say to your spouse, “We are married, but from now onwards, we will act like we are not. We have a house, but we will act like we do not have anything.” The children are happy, but you say to them, “Stop laughing and smiling!” Or your friend is weeping, and you say to her, “Stop crying and wipe away those tears!” That was not what Paul meant.
The time is short; keep your eyes on the future. There will come a day when there will be no marriage. There will come a day when your current circumstances will be no more; whether difficult situations or victorious situations, they will all come to an end. There will come a day when all the things you own will be burned up; all those things that you are so obsessed with, business, politics, world events, etc., they will all be gone.
So even if you are married, live in light of the day when there won’t be any marriage anymore. Live in light of eternity. Marriage, sorrow, rejoicing, possessions and pleasure all have a proper place in the Christian life, but once they dominate our thoughts and behaviours, they have become sinful. Do not let the temporal things of this life hinder us from the eternal things of God!
Even though you are so sad, and you have been weeping, do not be overwhelmed by your present circumstances. Live in light of the future day when there will be no more tears. You may have lost a loved one in the Lord, and it is so painful, for it breaks your heart every time you think of him or her, but you remember that the day will come, in the sweet by and by, when we shall meet on that beautiful shore in Heaven. You may have some glorious moments in your life, but again you remember, that is only momentary, for soon it will be over. You look forward to the glorious moment in eternity that will last forever and ever.
Live your life in view of eternity, and this must be the driving force in our life. Look forward to the kingdom that is coming, and the One who is bringing it, For the fashion of this world passeth away, which means the manner of life, and the way of doing things in this world, will soon pass away.
Some of our young people would be getting married. Marriage is a good thing, and it is called the grace of life. If you have been blessed by God with it, you should embrace it. But marriage is not everything, and it is certainly not the most important thing. What is important is the eternity in Heaven that is coming!
Marriage is the closest relationship between two earthly persons, as you become one flesh, but it is not an eternal relationship. It is only till death do us part, and death brings an end to your marriage. What is important is the everlasting relationship that is coming, in heaven!
Being single can be a good thing, given the current situation. But ultimately, it must be God’s will. If the Lord has called you to be single, He will give you the wisdom, strength and ability to live such a life, to the glory of His precious name!
With love in Christ,
Pastor Paul Cheng
1 CORINTHIANS 7Singleness Or Marriage (Part 1)Singleness Or Marriage (Part 1)1 Corinthians 7:1, 6-7
Singleness Or Marriage (Part 2)Singleness Or Marriage (Part 2)1 Corinthians 7:2-5
Divorce and Remarriage (Part 1)Divorce and Remarriage (Part 1)1 Corinthians 7:10-11
Divorce and Remarriage (Part 2)Divorce and Remarriage (Part 2)1 Corinthians 7:12-16, 39
Be Faithful to Your Calling (Part 1)Be Faithful to Your Calling (Part 1)1 Corinthians 7:17-19, 21-23
Be Faithful to Your Calling (Part 2)Be Faithful to Your Calling (Part 2)1 Corinthians 7:20, 24
Should I Remain Single (Part 1)Should I Remain Single (Part 1)1 Corinthians 7:25-28
Should I Remain Single (Part 2)Should I Remain Single (Part 2)1 Corinthians 7:29-31
An Undivided Devotion To The Lord (Part 2)An Undivided Devotion To The Lord (Part 2)1 Corinthians 7:36-40
An Undivided Devotion To The Lord (Part 1)An Undivided Devotion To The Lord (Part 1)1 Corinthians 7:36-40