Scripture - 1 Cor 7:14-16 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. 15 But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace. 16 For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?
Observation - In this portion of scripture Paul is trying to clear up some major misconceptions about the relationship of marriage and the eternal impact actions of married and unmarried people have. He is trying to explain the sanctity of marriage at the same time encourage men and women to not be desperate to marry but to focus on their call from God. In verses 14-16 Paul gives some encouragement to those living with unmarried spouses. While frustrating to be in a home where the beliefs and views are completely different - Paul says stay there because you have great impact on the unbelieving spouse. You don't know - you might get them saved. He goes on to say that the unbelieving spouse is sanctified or made holy by the believing spouse. In my mind - it shows me God's great concern for this person. God would flow over the grace to that person to encourage them to come to a saving knowledge of His son.
Application - I am reminded of this couple we used to know. The wife came to church and gave her heart to the Lord. She was in some tough situations and began to clean up her actions and change her life. She plugged in to some serving areas of the church and for a few years prayed desperately for her husband to share her faith. I remember the discouragement as we walked through this relationship with her. He would come on special occasions but never really was impacted by Jesus. Then one day about 7 or 8 years later - I heard that he came to church, connected with the pastor, was encouraged to come for a consistent period and then soon after gave his heart to Jesus. Their marriage is better than ever and God is moving greatly in their lives. We toss aside relationships too quickly - we need to hold on and see what God can do.
Prayer - Father help me to encourage those with unbelieving spouses and to pray continually for their salvation.
Observation - In this portion of scripture Paul is trying to clear up some major misconceptions about the relationship of marriage and the eternal impact actions of married and unmarried people have. He is trying to explain the sanctity of marriage at the same time encourage men and women to not be desperate to marry but to focus on their call from God. In verses 14-16 Paul gives some encouragement to those living with unmarried spouses. While frustrating to be in a home where the beliefs and views are completely different - Paul says stay there because you have great impact on the unbelieving spouse. You don't know - you might get them saved. He goes on to say that the unbelieving spouse is sanctified or made holy by the believing spouse. In my mind - it shows me God's great concern for this person. God would flow over the grace to that person to encourage them to come to a saving knowledge of His son.
Application - I am reminded of this couple we used to know. The wife came to church and gave her heart to the Lord. She was in some tough situations and began to clean up her actions and change her life. She plugged in to some serving areas of the church and for a few years prayed desperately for her husband to share her faith. I remember the discouragement as we walked through this relationship with her. He would come on special occasions but never really was impacted by Jesus. Then one day about 7 or 8 years later - I heard that he came to church, connected with the pastor, was encouraged to come for a consistent period and then soon after gave his heart to Jesus. Their marriage is better than ever and God is moving greatly in their lives. We toss aside relationships too quickly - we need to hold on and see what God can do.
Prayer - Father help me to encourage those with unbelieving spouses and to pray continually for their salvation.
