1 Corinthians 7:1-31
After having warned the believer against impurity in 1 Corinthians 6:13-20, the apostle speaks to him in 1 Corinthians 7:1-40 about the path which he can undertake with the Lord’s approval: that of marriage. The young Christian who has kept his pathway according to the Word (Psalms 119:9), will have to wait upon the Lord more than ever for this major decision.
Instructions are then given, either by direct inspiration of the Lord, or by the apostle as the fruit of his experience, to help those whose marriage situations are difficult, especially a brother or sister with an unbelieving spouse. Note that the encouragement of v. 16 is for a believer already married when converted and not to someone who disobeys 2 Corinthians 6:14.
"You have been bought with a price," repeats v. 23 (1 Corinthians 6:20). The suffering that we cost the Lord Jesus to rescue us from the power of Satan and the world, is the grand motive for us not to go back to sinful ways. The Lord wants free men and women to serve Him. But it is He who chooses the conditions under which he wants everyone to serve: national, social, and the work place. Before deciding any change, let us make sure it is according to His will.