Jan. 22, 2024
TEXT:  I Cor. 7:1-5

I. The context is clearly sexual contact (v. 1)
A. It is good for men and women to relate as brothers and sisters (I Timothy 5:2; Matthew 12:50)
B. It is good for men and women to relate in purity before the Lord (Philippians 4:8; I Thessalonians 5:22; I Timothy 4:12)
C. It is good for men and women to relate in sacred sexuality (II Timothy 2:22)
II. The context for sexual contact is clearly within marriage (vv. 2-4)
A. God forbids sexual expression outside of marriage (v. 2)
B. God commands married couples to be sexually intimate (v. 3)
1. God calls men to lead in their relationship with their wife
2. God calls men to lead by giving to their wife first
3. God calls men to lead in their marriage by setting the right example
C. God directs married couples to yield themselves to their spouse (v. 4)
III. The context of fasting is from sexual contact in marriage (v. 5)
A. Only with mutual agreement
B. Only for a specific time
C. Only for a spiritual reason
D. Only for a short recess to be resumed soon