Embracing Singleness: A Divine Gift and Calling

 

Summary

In our journey through life, we often encounter various seasons, and one such season is that of singleness. Singleness is not a burden, but rather a blessing, a unique opportunity bestowed upon us by God. It is a time characterized by freedom and the absence of certain anxieties that accompany marital life. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the value of singleness, highlighting the advantages it offers in serving the Lord without distraction.

Singleness allows for undivided devotion to God. It is a time when one can fully immerse themselves in missional work, community service, and other kingdom-building activities without the need to consult or coordinate with a spouse. This freedom is not to be taken lightly; it is a gift that enables us to serve God in ways that might be more challenging within the confines of marriage.

Contentment in singleness is crucial. It is about embracing the life God has given us and finding joy in it. Contentment does not come from external circumstances but from a heart aligned with God's will. When we are content, we can see the beauty and purpose in our current state, whether single or married.

However, singleness also presents its challenges, particularly when it comes to managing our passions. The desire for intimacy is God-given and natural, but for the single person, it requires a higher level of self-control. Paul advises those who struggle with self-control to seek marriage, where such desires can be rightfully fulfilled. Yet, for those called to singleness, God provides the strength to manage these desires in a way that honors Him.

Singleness is not a sign of being unwanted or unloved; it is not a punishment but a calling for a purposeful life that glorifies God. It is a season to be valued and used for God's glory. Whether we remain single or eventually marry, our focus should be on living a life that reflects God's love and serves His kingdom.

Key Takeaways:

- Singleness is a divine gift, not a societal curse. It is a season of life where one can experience profound freedom and the capacity to serve God without the encumbrances of marital responsibilities. This perspective transforms singleness from a state of lack to one of abundant opportunity. [14:32]

- Contentment is key to embracing singleness. It is not about the absence of desire but the presence of peace and satisfaction in God's plan for our lives. Contentment allows us to appreciate our current season and the unique ways we can contribute to God's work. [15:39]

- The single life is marked by a special kind of availability to God. It is a time when we can say "Here I am, Lord" without reservation, ready to be used for any mission, service, or calling He places before us. This availability is a powerful tool in the hands of a sovereign God. [23:08]

- Self-control is a virtue that singles must cultivate, especially in the area of sexual desires. While these desires are natural and God-given, singles are called to manage them in a way that honors God and aligns with His purposes for their lives. [24:25]

- Singleness can be a high calling, not a consolation prize. It is a life that can be lived honorably and used mightily by God. Those who are single should not feel lesser but rather empowered to live out their calling with dignity and purpose. [33:27]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Corinthians 7:6-9 (ESV)
> "Now as a concession, not a command, I say this. I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another. To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am. But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion."

2. 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 (ESV)
> "I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord."

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Paul describe as the benefits of singleness in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 7:6-9, what advice does Paul give to those who struggle with self-control?
3. How does Paul’s perspective on singleness differ from the cultural view of singleness mentioned in the sermon? [05:20]
4. What are some of the practical freedoms Paul mentions that come with being single? [19:12]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul consider singleness a gift from God, and how does this perspective challenge common societal views? [08:45]
2. How can contentment in singleness be achieved according to the sermon, and why is it important? [15:39]
3. What does Paul mean by saying that the unmarried can have "undivided devotion to the Lord"? How might this look in practical terms? [23:08]
4. How does the sermon suggest singles should handle their natural desires for intimacy? [24:25]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current view of singleness. How does it align or differ from Paul’s perspective as discussed in the sermon? What steps can you take to adopt a more biblical view of singleness? [08:45]
2. Contentment is key to embracing singleness. What are some practical ways you can cultivate contentment in your current season of life? [15:39]
3. Paul talks about the unique availability singles have to serve God. What are some specific ways you can use your singleness to serve in your church or community? [23:08]
4. Managing passions is a challenge for singles. What strategies can you implement to maintain self-control and honor God with your desires? [24:25]
5. How can you shift your perspective to see singleness as a high calling rather than a consolation prize? What changes in mindset or behavior might this require? [33:27]
6. Think about the societal pressures and cultural messages about singleness. How can you guard against these influences and stay focused on God’s plan for your life? [11:02]
7. If you are single, how can you support and encourage other singles in your church community to see their status as a gift and an opportunity for undivided devotion to God? [23:50]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Singleness as Divine Gift
Singleness is often perceived through the lens of societal expectations, which can paint it as a phase to be endured until one enters into marriage. However, the divine perspective on singleness is radically different. It is seen as a gift from God, a season filled with potential for growth, service, and deepened relationship with the Creator. This time of life offers a unique kind of freedom, allowing individuals to engage in activities and missions that might be more challenging with the responsibilities that come with marriage. It is a period where one can focus on personal development and on serving God and others with an undivided heart. Embracing this season as a divine gift means recognizing its inherent value and the opportunities it presents for living out one's faith in a profound and impactful way [07:40].

1 Corinthians 7:32-34 (ESV)
"I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband."

Reflection: How can you use your current season of singleness to serve God and others in ways that might be more challenging if you were married?

Day 2: Finding Contentment in God's Plan
Contentment in singleness is not about the absence of desire for companionship or other life changes, but rather about finding peace and satisfaction in the life God has ordained for us at this moment. It is a state of heart that sees the beauty and purpose in the present, trusting that God's plan is perfect and that He is using every season for our growth and His glory. This contentment allows individuals to live joyfully and purposefully, contributing to the kingdom of God in unique ways that are available to them in their current state of life. It is about aligning one's desires with God's will and finding joy in the journey, regardless of the destination [15:39].

Philippians 4:11-12 (ESV)
"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a heart of contentment in your singleness, trusting in God's timing and plan for your life?

Day 3: Availability to God in Singleness
The single life is marked by a special kind of availability to God, a readiness to respond to His call without hesitation or the need to balance familial obligations. This availability is a powerful tool in the hands of a sovereign God, who can use our willingness to serve in unexpected and impactful ways. It is a time to offer ourselves fully to God, saying "Here I am, Lord," and being open to whatever mission, service, or calling He places before us. This openness to God's leading is a unique aspect of singleness that can lead to significant contributions to the kingdom of God and personal spiritual growth [23:08].

Luke 9:59-62 (ESV)
"To another he said, 'Follow me.' But he said, 'Lord, let me first go and bury my father.' And Jesus said to him, 'Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.' Yet another said, 'I will follow you, Lord, but let me first say farewell to those at my home.' Jesus said to him, 'No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.'"

Reflection: What are some ways you can demonstrate your availability to God's calling in your life right now, especially in areas where being single gives you more flexibility?

Day 4: Cultivating Self-Control in Singleness
For singles, the challenge of managing desires, particularly those of intimacy, requires a higher level of self-control. These desires are natural and God-given, but they must be managed in a way that honors God and aligns with His purposes. Cultivating self-control is not only about resisting temptation; it's about redirecting one's passion towards God and His kingdom. It involves creating healthy boundaries, seeking accountability, and finding fulfillment in a relationship with God and in service to others. This virtue is essential for singles as they strive to live lives that are pleasing to God and reflective of His love and holiness [24:25].

1 Thessalonians 4:3-5 (ESV)
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God;"

Reflection: What practical steps can you take to cultivate self-control in your life, especially in areas where you feel most challenged?

Day 5: Singleness as a High Calling
Singleness is not a consolation prize or a sign of being unwanted; it is a high calling from God. It is a life that can be lived with honor, purpose, and dignity. Those who are single are called to live out their lives in a way that glorifies God, using their unique gifts and opportunities to make a difference in the world. This calling is not lesser than that of marriage but is a different path that God uses mightily for His purposes. Singles should feel empowered to embrace their calling, knowing that their value and worth are not determined by their relationship status but by their identity in Christ and their faithfulness to His call [33:27].

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV)
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: How can you live out your singleness as a high calling from God, using your time, talents, and resources to glorify Him and serve others?

Quotes

"Instead of looking at my singleness as a burden, I can see it as a blessing. Now instead of an outcast, I can see opportunity." [14:32] (Download | )

"Paul learned to be valuable in enabling him to live a life of singleness was contentment." [15:39] (Download | )

"Remaining single and celibate helps in keeping one completely devoted to the work of the Lord. This is the good stuff of the single life." [20:52] (Download | )

"Singleness places you in a unique position of service to God where you're available for every missional opportunity, every community service project." [23:08] (Download | )

"Being able to live a single and celibate life... that's your ability to exercise self-control over your body and your passions." [24:25] (Download | )

"If God is calling you into that lifestyle, he will provide you with the ability to control your desires on a higher level than most." [28:35] (Download | )

"God may very well be calling some of you to live a single life... it's not for your personal punishment but for his glorious purpose." [32:50] (Download | )

"Paul under the inspiration of the holy spirit of God... I think it's safe to assume that God holds a life of singleness to be in very high honor." [33:27] (Download | )

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Transcript
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