1 Corinthians 7:32
Verse
Context
The Unmarried and Widowed
31and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away.32I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the work of the Lord, how he can please the Lord.33But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife,
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Without carefulness - Though all these things will shortly come to pass, yet do not be anxious about them. Every occurrence is under the direction and management of God. The wrath of man shall praise him, and the remainder of it he shall restrain, and none can harm you if ye be followers of that which is good. We should all take the advice of the poet: - "With patient mind thy course of duty run; God nothing does, nor suffers to be done, But thou wouldst do thyself, couldst thou but see The end of all events as well as He." Byrom. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord - He has nothing to do with a family, and therefore can give his whole time to the service of his Maker, having him alone to please.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
without carefulness--I would have you to be not merely "without trouble," but "without distracting cares" (so the Greek). careth--if he uses aright the advantages of his condition.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But I would have you without carefulness,.... This is another reason, by which the apostle confirms the advice he gives to virgins to remain such, because the married state is full of cares, whereas the single life is no more free from them; and therefore he wishes them to continue in such a state, that they might be without anxious and distracting cares of temporal things, things relating to the good decorum and sustenance of a family, and so be more free and at leisure for the service of God; which he illustrates, by showing the different cares that married and unmarried persons are involved in: he that is unmarried, careth for the things that belong to the Lord; such as hearing the word, reading it, meditating upon it, praying to God and attending upon all ordinances, taking every opportunity to glorify God, and do good to others; but this is not to be understood as matter of fact, that unmarried persons are so studiously concerned for these things, or that this is the case of all of them; there are many unmarried persons think nothing about them; and are not at all concerned with them; but the meaning is, that such persons are more at leisure, and can more conveniently attend to these things, and ought so to do; and they that have the grace of God will be more or less solicitous to observe them: how he may please the Lord; for when these things are attended to in faith and fear, from a principle of love, and with a view to the glory of God, the good of their own souls and others, they are well pleasing to the Lord; and though they are not meritorious of eternal life, yet they are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ, and will be taken notice of with approbation, and followed with a reward of grace another day.
1 Corinthians 7:32
The Unmarried and Widowed
31and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away.32I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the work of the Lord, how he can please the Lord.33But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Corinthians) ch.7:25-8:13
By Zac Poonen5.5K43:461CO 7:32In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the time we live in is short and that the world is not our permanent home. He urges believers to prioritize serving the Lord over their attachments to worldly things, including marriage. The preacher also discusses the importance of considering the feelings of others in matters such as food and possessions, living according to love rather than just knowledge. Ultimately, he reminds listeners that our acceptance by God is not based on external factors like food or earthly joys, but on our devotion to Him and our focus on eternity.
(Godly Courtship) 06 Marriage, Courtship and Marriage
By Denny Kenaston2.6K1:10:33Courtship1CO 7:32In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of recognizing the potential for service in young people. He uses the example of Mormon missionaries to illustrate this point. The speaker then transitions to the topic of marriage, emphasizing the need to first be married to the Lord before considering marriage to another person. He highlights the importance of having a vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ in order to make wise choices about marriage. The sermon concludes with the pastor expressing his joy in uniting dedicated Christians in marriage.
Dreams in Flames - Part 1
By Winkie Pratney2.1K1:01:54PSA 34:5PRO 31:10MAT 6:33MAT 7:7MAT 22:391CO 7:32In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on Jesus and loving others rather than being self-centered. He encourages listeners to reach out and help others, as this will bring beauty into their lives. The speaker also discusses the qualities of a virtuous woman, highlighting the importance of inner beauty and character. He concludes by emphasizing the significance of being a woman of God and how this can attract a godly man. The sermon references the story of Isaac and Rebecca from the Bible to illustrate these points.
Clerical Celibacy
By Ian Paisley0MAT 19:111CO 7:81CO 7:32EPH 5:251TI 4:1Ian Paisley delivers a sermon critiquing the doctrine of Celibacy within the Roman Catholic Church, highlighting the lack of scriptural support for it and the detrimental effects it has had on clergy members and society. He exposes the corruption, immorality, and hypocrisy that have been associated with the enforcement of celibacy, leading to widespread debauchery and moral decay among the clergy. Paisley emphasizes the negative impact of celibacy on the clergy's spiritual well-being, their relationships, and their ability to serve as moral examples to the laity, ultimately condemning it as a tool used by the Papal throne to consolidate power rather than promote holiness.
The Philokalia Volume 1
By Desert Fathers0MAT 4:1MAT 6:331CO 7:32GAL 3:28JAS 5:13Evagrios the Solitary provides teachings on asceticism and stillness in the solitary life, emphasizing the importance of detachment from material things, simplicity in diet, and avoidance of worldly distractions to pursue the blessings of stillness. He highlights the need to resist temptations and thoughts inspired by demons, recognizing their influence on the intellect. Evagrios advises on fasting, vigilance, and taming passions like desire and anger through ascetic practices and acts of compassion. He warns against self-esteem and the dangers of seeking recognition from others, urging humility and sincerity in spiritual pursuits.
The Way to Please God
By James Smith0PRO 16:7ROM 8:81CO 7:322CO 5:9PHP 2:13COL 1:101TH 4:1HEB 11:6HEB 13:161JN 3:22James Smith preaches on the importance of living a life that pleases the Lord, emphasizing the need to detach from worldly desires and focus on seeking to please God above all else. He highlights key principles such as having right views of God, being reconciled to Him through Christ, exercising filial confidence, keeping our eyes on Him, and cheerfully acquiescing to His will. Smith also stresses the significance of honoring Jesus, striving against sin, being zealous for God's cause, avoiding what displeases Him, and aiming at His glory in all aspects of life.
Leave Your Cares With the Lord
By Mary Wilder Tileston0PSA 22:10PRO 16:3MAT 11:281CO 7:32PHP 4:6Mary Wilder Tileston preaches on the importance of trusting in the Lord and surrendering all cares and burdens to Him. She emphasizes the need to fully rely on God's mercy and triumphs, allowing our souls to roll all weight onto Him without worry or anxiety. Tileston highlights the key to happy and effective service as putting our work into the Lord's hands and leaving it there, without taking back the burden or trying to control the outcome ourselves.
Examples of Circumspect Behaviour
By Clement of Rome0EXO 15:20NUM 2:172KI 4:38MIC 7:51CO 7:32Clement of Rome emphasizes the holy and separate lifestyles of the prophets and apostles, highlighting their dedication to serving God without the distractions of relationships with women. He points out how Moses, Aaron, Joshua, and other prophets lived in male-only communities, ministering before God and teaching the people to maintain order and holiness. The Scriptures testify to the well-ordered arrangements of the Israelites, marching without stumbling, with men and women separated even in their worship and praise of the Lord. Elisha, Gehazi, and the sons of the prophets also lived in a similar manner, dedicated to God without the presence of females.
Untimely Matrimony
By John Hames0PRO 4:231CO 7:322CO 6:14EPH 6:111PE 2:11John Hames warns the congregation about the deceptive tactics of Satan, particularly focusing on how untimely matrimony can be a tool used to hinder the spiritual growth of young converts. He emphasizes the importance of being vigilant and discerning in relationships, urging believers to prioritize their spiritual well-being over worldly desires. Hames cautions against rushing into marriage, highlighting how the enemy can use the desire for companionship to distract individuals from their walk with God and lead them astray.
Courtship #5
By Denny Kenaston0PRO 18:221CO 7:32EPH 5:22COL 3:51TH 4:3Denny Kenaston preaches about the importance of being married to the Lord first before considering marriage, emphasizing the need for a strong relationship with God as the foundation for a successful marriage. He discusses the significance of courtship in preparing for marriage, highlighting the importance of seeking wisdom, guidance, and maturity before entering into a relationship. Kenaston advises young people to establish holy standards in courtship, maintain purity, seek counsel, and involve parents in the decision-making process. He stresses the need for a godly character, overcoming struggles, and being under authority when choosing a life partner, encouraging a marriage that is blessed by God and built on agape love, phileo love, and eros love in the right order.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Without carefulness - Though all these things will shortly come to pass, yet do not be anxious about them. Every occurrence is under the direction and management of God. The wrath of man shall praise him, and the remainder of it he shall restrain, and none can harm you if ye be followers of that which is good. We should all take the advice of the poet: - "With patient mind thy course of duty run; God nothing does, nor suffers to be done, But thou wouldst do thyself, couldst thou but see The end of all events as well as He." Byrom. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord - He has nothing to do with a family, and therefore can give his whole time to the service of his Maker, having him alone to please.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
without carefulness--I would have you to be not merely "without trouble," but "without distracting cares" (so the Greek). careth--if he uses aright the advantages of his condition.
John Gill Bible Commentary
But I would have you without carefulness,.... This is another reason, by which the apostle confirms the advice he gives to virgins to remain such, because the married state is full of cares, whereas the single life is no more free from them; and therefore he wishes them to continue in such a state, that they might be without anxious and distracting cares of temporal things, things relating to the good decorum and sustenance of a family, and so be more free and at leisure for the service of God; which he illustrates, by showing the different cares that married and unmarried persons are involved in: he that is unmarried, careth for the things that belong to the Lord; such as hearing the word, reading it, meditating upon it, praying to God and attending upon all ordinances, taking every opportunity to glorify God, and do good to others; but this is not to be understood as matter of fact, that unmarried persons are so studiously concerned for these things, or that this is the case of all of them; there are many unmarried persons think nothing about them; and are not at all concerned with them; but the meaning is, that such persons are more at leisure, and can more conveniently attend to these things, and ought so to do; and they that have the grace of God will be more or less solicitous to observe them: how he may please the Lord; for when these things are attended to in faith and fear, from a principle of love, and with a view to the glory of God, the good of their own souls and others, they are well pleasing to the Lord; and though they are not meritorious of eternal life, yet they are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ, and will be taken notice of with approbation, and followed with a reward of grace another day.