Scripture:
1 Corinthians 7:1-5
Sat, 7 May 2022

Rightful Due of the Other

Observation:

What does Paul say about sexual relations in marriage?

Deeper Reflection
SCRIPTURE PORTRAYS MARRIAGE AS “BOTH A CREATION ordinance, intended for companionship and procreation, and also since the fall as a divine remedy against sin”11. Sex has a particular place of great importance in marriage. Sex in marriage serves as a protection against “temptation to sexual immorality” (v.2).In verses 1 to 5, Paul addresses the issue of sex in marriage. There were members in the Corinthian congregation who “advocate total abstinence from sexual union”12, using the maxim “It is a good thing for a man not to have sexual intimacy with a woman”13 (v.1). Paul’s response to this is: Sexual union is a “duty” that a married couple “must fulfil” toward each other (v.3). “Duty” is “literally ‘the payment of what is due’”14, implying that married couples are “indebted to one another sexually”15. Why? Because “by the marriage vow each relinquishes the exclusive right to his or her body, and gives the other a claim to it”16 (v.4). The application that Paul intends is not “You owe me”, but “I owe you”. “You owe me” is selfish demand; “I owe you” is self-giving love. Paul’s emphasis is on the full mutuality and reciprocity of sexuality in marriage – against the prevailing culture of sex being viewed as the husband’s privilege and the wife’s obligation.On this ground of marital love, Paul gives this exhortation: “Do not deprive one another” in meeting and giving to each other’s sexual needs and fulfilment (v.5a). Note that the backdrop to this exhortation is “so that Satan may not tempt you” (v.5b).
11 John R. W. Stott, 84 12 Anthony C. Thiselton, 1 Corinthians: A Shorter Exegetical & Pastoral Commentary (Eerdmans, 2006), 101 13 Anthony C. Thiselton – his translation of 1 Cor 7:1 14 Gordon D. Fee, The First Epistle to the Corinthians, The New International Commentary on the New Testament (Eerdmans, 1987), 279 15 Gordon D. Fee, 279 16 F. F. Bruce, 1 and 2 Corinthians, The New Century Bible Commentaries (Eerdmans and Marshall, Morgan & Scott, 1971), 678
Application:

How will I respond to the biblical teaching of mutuality and reciprocity of sexuality in marriage?

Prayer:
Write a prayer to God as your response from your meditation on and application of the Scriptures.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for Church Board: To be a loving servant to their spouse in all things
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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Daily Devo
Daily Devotional Journal
Scripture:
John 20:19-21; Luke 4:14-21
Mon, 2 October 2023

Sent by the Lord

Observation:

What is the analogy that Jesus used in sending forth His disciples (v.21)?

Deeper Reflection
As we enter the month of October with our upcoming two Missions Sundays, let us focus our attention and prayers on Covenant EFC’s third Faith Exploit, “Disciple the Nations”. In today’s Scripture, verse 21 is a very significant statement that Jesus said to His disciples after His resurrection. And it applies equally to all those who are Jesus’ disciples today. There are three key observations we can make.First, the analogy that Jesus used – His having been sent by the Father – points us to Jesus’ foundational teachings that He came to accomplish the very will and works of the Father (Jn 4:34; 5:30, 36; cf. Lk 4:14-21). Second, the idea of Jesus’ disciples being “sent” reminds us that world missions is not a result of human initiative, but is God-initiated and God-directed. It is God’s mission in the world. Third, verse 21 reminds us that Jesus is not merely calling us to join God in His mission, but to relate to Him as our heavenly Father – in love, obedience and dependence.1Therefore, the more fundamental question is not “Are we being sent?” or “What must we do?”. Rather, it is “To what extent do we understand and treasure our sonship in relation to God our Father (Jn 20:17)?” So that, as beloved children of God, we will respond rightly to our heavenly Father who created us in His image, redeemed us in Jesus Christ, and called us to join Him in His mission. Out of gratitude and love towards God, we joyfully walk in the Lord’s will for us, and fully rely on His resources as we faithfully serve Him.
1 This is consistent with John’s emphasis in his writings on the Father-Son relationship that anchored and motivated Jesus in all that He did in submission and obedience to the Father’s will.
Application:

How do the purposes for which Jesus sends forth His disciples impact the
way I plan and live out the years of my life?

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, what manner of love You have bestowed on me that I should be called Your child! Every opportunity given to me to carry out Your will is a privilege for me to participate in Your glorious purposes. Help me to clearly discern the things that You want me to accomplish and to faithfully work at them with a heart that loves and depends on You and always seeks Your glory. Amen.
Prayer Pointers:
  • Give thanks and praise
  • Pray for leaders
  • Pray for significant people
  • Pray for those in need
  • Pray for self

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