Jump Start # 1847

1 Corinthians 7:1 “Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman.”

Our verse today opens a long chapter about marriage, marriage to an unbeliever and what all are the responsibilities of a Christian. What prompted these words was a question that the Corinthians had. Now that the Gospel had been introduced into that city and some had become Christians, practical questions about home, sexuality needed to be answered. If one became a Christian and their spouse didn’t, what would that do to the marriage? Was the marriage now “unholy?” What if the unbeliever wanted to leave because the other was now a Christian? What should be done?

There are several interesting thoughts beyond these specific Corinthian questions that we need to see.

First, these questions show that the Corinthians were thinking about the application of their faith. They were looking at what was expected of them. They were considering what was the right thing to do. This is a great quality. They were applying their faith to their every day life. This is something that all Christians should do. If our faith is not practical, how can we live it?

Second, these questions were addressed to an apostle. It seems that Paul had received a letter from the Corinthians with several questions. Chapter 7 is the first of these questions. More were to follow. Chapter 8, 12 and 16 begin with, “Now concerning…” which reads like the opening of chapter 7. Many questions. Many concerns. Some involved worship. Some involved home. These questions may have been discussed among them and no real solutions or answers were found. So, they turned to Paul. Paul would know. We too will have questions. Practical questions. Questions about worship. Questions about home. We need to turn to God’s word and find the answers.

The Corinthians knew that Paul would tell them the truth. They knew he had their best interests in mind. Instead of taking a vote, or, each person deciding to do what they felt like, they went to an apostle. The words of Paul were the commandments of God (14:37).

Third, these questions involved some very intimate topics such as “can a man touch a woman?” If they didn’t ask, they wouldn’t know. They wanted to do what was right. There was a relationship and an atmosphere between the Corinthians and Paul where they could ask these questions. This is good and healthy. I have known situations in which people were afraid to ask a question. Things bothered them but they didn’t dare ask. If they asked, their faith was questioned and they would be critiqued for even bringing up that question. Not here with Paul and the Corinthians. Welcome questions. Young people have questions. Senior citizens have questions. The times we live in generate questions. Don’t suppress the spirit of asking them.

Fourth, the Corinthian questions were not silly. Some ask things just to show off. These were real concerns. These were things that were on their minds. Asking something silly just to be cute is not serious nor helpful. Paul didn’t rebuke the Corinthians for asking these questions. Later on, when dealing with resurrections, he does. Paul posses a question, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body do they come?” His next words are, “You fool!” He answers the question but shows that the question wasn’t thought out.

Fifth, each generation will have questions that must be answered again. Those that know the answer must be patient. A new generation is forming their faith, thinking and trying to figure out how all of this works. Not all of us have had the same background as others. Not all of us have been at this as long as others. So, questions will be asked about fundamental things about worship, organization, and how everything fits together. Questions about origins, life after death, and even marriage will be asked with each generation. It is important not to give just a “yes” or “no” answer, but to show them the answer with the word of God. The Corinthian question about spiritual gifts takes three chapters for Paul to answer. Give details. Show. Explain. All of this takes time. All of this is necessary for one to see what God says. The answer must always be found with what God says. Just because you or I say it, doesn’t mean that it is true. The answer is not because we say so, but because God says so. This helps a person to see that the church does not have rules, a creed or by-laws. It is the word of God that we follow.

Sixth, refusing to answer a question generally leads to more questions and suspicion. We need to be open. We need to explain things. A person can tell when someone is dodging a question. A person knows when someone really doesn’t want to talk about a subject. Don’t be that way. As hard hitting as the question may be, or, as delicate as the question may be, give the time to show what the answer is.

Seventh, when you don’t know the answer, say so. Don’t be Mr. Know-it-all, and blow smoke when you really have no idea what the answer is. There are questions like that. Where did Cain get his wife? Logic tells me the most obvious answer, but the Bible doesn’t say. Where did Satan come from? Again, there are some assumptions that make pretty good sense, but there is no specific, clear cut passage that tells us. Be honest.   Don’t be afraid to knock tradition. Don’t be afraid to state what others won’t. Stick with the Bible and let it be the answer.

Eighth, there is a time and a place to ask and answer questions. In our times, the setting often is a public Bible class. That may not always be the best setting. Some can ask a question that takes the class off the topic and is better suited for a one on one discussion. The class teacher must recognize that and openly state that. Some will ask something controversial, not for the sake of knowledge, but just to stir up some conversation. That too often isn’t wise, healthy nor productive. There is a time and a place for questions. Going out the door on Sunday morning, with a line of people behind you, isn’t a great time for a Q & A session. Telling the preacher that you have a question and could the two of you get together soon to discuss it is fine. But asking and expecting a two second answer to your question isn’t fair nor deserving of what you probably want to hear.

You have questions. First, see if you can find the answers in your Bible. When you can’t, then ask someone who you have confidence in their faith, knowledge and attitude. I’m asked questions just about every day. It doesn’t bother me at all. I’m glad to try to help folks out. When reading your Bible, keep a pen and paper near by, so you can write down your questions. Later, return to those questions and find the answers. This is a faith building process.

Roger