Embracing Singleness: A Season of Urgency and Devotion
Summary
Singleness is a unique season in life that offers both challenges and opportunities. In today's world, many songs and cultural messages suggest that being single is either a time of loneliness or a period of self-indulgence. However, the Bible provides a different perspective, particularly through the teachings of Paul. Singleness is not merely a waiting period before marriage but a valuable time to live with urgency and devotion to God. Paul emphasizes that singleness allows individuals to focus on their relationship with Jesus Christ, which is the ultimate source of fulfillment. This season provides the flexibility to serve God in ways that might be more challenging for those who are married.
Paul's first principle is that singleness is a good place to live out the urgency of the end times. Just as we feel urgency in everyday situations, like a sports game, we should feel urgency in our spiritual lives. We have limited time to share the gospel and make disciples, and singleness offers a unique opportunity to focus on these tasks without the distractions that can come with marriage.
The second principle is that singleness allows for undivided devotion to the Lord. In a world full of distractions, God desires our full attention. Singleness provides the chance to serve God wholeheartedly, without the divided interests that can accompany marriage. This season can be a time of deep spiritual growth and service.
The third principle acknowledges that singleness may not be for everyone, especially those struggling with sexual temptation. Paul advises that marriage is a good and acceptable option for those who find it difficult to remain single. Both singleness and marriage are gifts from God, and each person must discern their calling.
Finally, Paul addresses those who have been widowed, affirming that both singleness and remarriage are acceptable choices. The key is to live with an eternal perspective, recognizing that our ultimate fulfillment comes from our relationship with God, not our marital status.
In conclusion, whether single or married, we are all called to live with urgency and devotion to God. Singleness is a special season that offers unique opportunities to serve and grow in our faith. Let us embrace this time, keeping our eyes on Jesus and living for His glory.
Key Takeaways:
1. Urgency in Singleness: Singleness is a unique opportunity to live with a sense of urgency for God's kingdom. With fewer distractions, singles can focus on sharing the gospel and making disciples, recognizing the limited time we have before Jesus returns. [06:15]
2. Undivided Devotion: Singleness allows for undivided devotion to the Lord. Without the responsibilities of marriage, singles can dedicate more time and energy to serving God and growing in holiness, offering their full attention to His work. [15:04]
3. Navigating Sexual Temptation: While singleness is a valuable season, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those facing strong sexual temptations. Paul advises that marriage is a good option for those who struggle, emphasizing that both singleness and marriage are gifts from God. [25:15]
4. Contentment in Every Season: Whether single or married, contentment comes from our relationship with God. Psalm 23 reminds us that true fulfillment is found in walking with the Lord, who provides for our needs and leads us to green pastures. [31:15]
5. Eternal Perspective: Our marital status is not the defining aspect of our identity. As believers, we are called to live with an eternal perspective, looking forward to the ultimate union with Christ at the marriage supper of the Lamb, where we will be in perfect fellowship with Him. [34:15]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:45] - Exploring Cultural Views on Singleness
[03:10] - Fulfillment in Christ
[04:34] - Urgency in Singleness
[06:15] - Living with Urgency
[07:34] - Marriage and Eternal Perspective
[08:47] - Relativizing Life's Aspects
[12:49] - Undivided Devotion to the Lord
[14:23] - God Desires Our Full Attention
[15:04] - Singleness and Holiness
[18:31] - Opportunities in Singleness
[21:11] - Serving in Missions
[22:49] - Local Service Opportunities
[23:55] - Navigating Sexual Temptation
[25:15] - Marriage as a Good Option
[27:37] - Singleness and Remarriage
[28:52] - Choices for Widows and Widowers
[30:30] - Identity Beyond Marital Status
[31:15] - Contentment in God
[32:32] - Eternal Perspective and the Bride of Christ
[34:15] - Perfect Fellowship with Jesus
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Embracing Singleness
Bible Reading:
- 1 Corinthians 7:29-38
- Psalm 23
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Observation Questions:
1. According to 1 Corinthians 7:29, what does Paul mean when he says "the appointed time has grown very short"? How does this relate to the urgency of singleness? [07:34]
2. In the sermon, what examples are given to illustrate the urgency of living for God's kingdom? [06:15]
3. How does Paul describe the difference in focus between a single and a married person in 1 Corinthians 7:34? [15:04]
4. What does Psalm 23 suggest about finding contentment and fulfillment in God, regardless of one's marital status? [31:15]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of urgency in 1 Corinthians 7:29-31 challenge the way believers prioritize their time and resources? [07:34]
2. What might "undivided devotion to the Lord" look like in practical terms for someone who is single, according to the sermon? [15:04]
3. How does the sermon suggest that singleness can be a gift, especially in terms of serving God and others? [18:31]
4. In what ways does Psalm 23 provide a framework for understanding contentment in every season of life, including singleness? [31:15]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current season of life. How can you live with a greater sense of urgency for God's kingdom, as Paul suggests in 1 Corinthians 7:29? [07:34]
2. Are there specific distractions in your life that prevent you from offering undivided devotion to the Lord? What steps can you take to minimize these distractions this week? [14:23]
3. If you are single, how can you use this season to serve God in unique ways that might be more challenging if you were married? Consider opportunities within your church or community. [18:31]
4. For those who struggle with sexual temptation, how can Paul's advice in 1 Corinthians 7:36-38 guide your decisions regarding relationships and marriage? [25:15]
5. How does Psalm 23 encourage you to find contentment in your relationship with God, regardless of your marital status? What practical steps can you take to deepen this relationship? [31:15]
6. Think about someone in your life who might be feeling lonely or unfulfilled in their singleness. How can you support and encourage them to see this season as an opportunity for growth and service? [30:30]
7. How can you maintain an eternal perspective in your daily life, ensuring that your identity is rooted in Christ rather than your marital status? [32:32]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Urgency in Singleness
Singleness is a unique opportunity to live with a sense of urgency for God's kingdom. In this season, individuals can focus on sharing the gospel and making disciples, recognizing the limited time we have before Jesus returns. Without the distractions that often accompany marriage, singles can dedicate themselves to the mission of spreading God's word and living out their faith with purpose. This urgency is not about rushing through life but about prioritizing what truly matters in the light of eternity. [06:15]
1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (ESV): "This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away."
Reflection: What is one specific way you can prioritize sharing the gospel in your daily life this week, recognizing the urgency of the times we live in?
Day 2: Undivided Devotion to the Lord
Singleness allows for undivided devotion to the Lord. Without the responsibilities of marriage, singles can dedicate more time and energy to serving God and growing in holiness, offering their full attention to His work. This season can be a time of deep spiritual growth and service, where individuals can explore new ways to serve God and deepen their relationship with Him. In a world full of distractions, God desires our full attention, and singleness provides the chance to serve Him wholeheartedly. [15:04]
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."
Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can reduce distractions to focus more on your relationship with God. What practical steps can you take to make this change today?
Day 3: Navigating Sexual Temptation
While singleness is a valuable season, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those facing strong sexual temptations. Paul advises that marriage is a good option for those who struggle, emphasizing that both singleness and marriage are gifts from God. Each person must discern their calling and understand that God provides different paths for different people. It's important to seek God's guidance in navigating these challenges and to find contentment in the path He has chosen for you. [25:15]
1 Corinthians 7:8-9 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you struggle with self-control? How can you seek God's help and guidance in these areas, and what practical steps can you take to address them?
Day 4: Contentment in Every Season
Whether single or married, contentment comes from our relationship with God. Psalm 23 reminds us that true fulfillment is found in walking with the Lord, who provides for our needs and leads us to green pastures. Our marital status does not define our worth or our happiness; instead, our relationship with God is the source of true contentment. By focusing on our spiritual journey and trusting in God's provision, we can find peace and joy in every season of life. [31:15]
Philippians 4:11-13 (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. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent situation where you felt discontent. How can you shift your focus to find contentment in your relationship with God, regardless of your circumstances?
Day 5: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Our marital status is not the defining aspect of our identity. As believers, we are called to live with an eternal perspective, looking forward to the ultimate union with Christ at the marriage supper of the Lamb, where we will be in perfect fellowship with Him. This eternal perspective helps us to prioritize our spiritual journey and to focus on what truly matters in the light of eternity. By keeping our eyes on Jesus, we can live for His glory and find fulfillment in our relationship with Him. [34:15]
Colossians 3:1-4 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory."
Reflection: What is one earthly concern that often distracts you from focusing on your eternal relationship with Christ? How can you intentionally shift your perspective to prioritize your spiritual journey today?
Quotes
Singleness can give you a lot of flexibility to focus on what it is you'd like to focus on. [00:01:28] (8 seconds)
We don't need to be married to fulfill the purpose God has for us, that purpose being a relationship with Jesus Christ. A relationship with Jesus Christ is the only place that you can find true fulfillment. [00:03:47] (15 seconds)
God wants your full attention. And sometimes, we're living the life, we're like, oh yeah, gotta do this. Gotta take care of that. Oh, this looks fun to do. I'm going to be over here doing this. And God's there saying, I'm ready for you. [00:14:41] (13 seconds)
A single believer should be having welling up within their heart a desire to say, how do I grow in my holiness both in body and spirit? [00:15:37] (15 seconds)
Are you offering your undivided devotion to the Lord? It's something that every believer is commanded to. Put Jesus number one as your main focus as you live. [00:18:25] (13 seconds)
Here's the thing you've got to know. Every single one of us is called to resist sexual temptation. Sexual temptation is a fight that many of us continue to fight and will fight until the day we die and the practice of sin is taken away from who we are when we go home to be with the Lord. [00:23:55] (20 seconds)
But Paul says there are others who are in a place where they say, you know what? I don't think I'm cut out to be single for my whole life. I don't think I'm designed at this season or from what I can tell to be celibate for the rest of my life. And so to those individuals, Paul says, staying single is a good thing. And getting married is a good thing, too. [00:24:54] (25 seconds)
The principle here is that singleness and remarriage are both acceptable for widows and widowers. Both good options. Does anybody like it? When you get to choose between two good choices. Anybody like that? You like chocolate or vanilla? I like them both. Milkshakes, for goodness sake, okay? [00:28:52] (22 seconds)
Because in Psalm 23, which was written by David, a single man at the time, he experienced what it's like to have a fulfilling relationship with God. [00:31:24] (15 seconds)
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