Godly Homes in An Ungodly World -

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What About Singles?

Why speak of singles in a study about the home?

• Because often, singles are seeking the right mate or considering the direction of their lives.

• God’s word is to govern one’s life during this time

Being single is NOT wrong!

• Nor is it a weakness or flaw in one’s character.

•Heb. 13:4, “Marriage is honorable…” is not saying it is mandatory or the alternative is not honorable

• Let us be careful before playing “matchmaker”!

The Bible and singles

• Many singles in the Bible – Paul, Daniel, Jeremiah, Elijah, and Jesus.

• Perhaps others including Timothy, Mary & Martha, etc.

• We read of widows, indeed.

The Bible and singles

•Matt. 19:12, “For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to accept it, let him accept it.”

The Bible and singles

•1 Cor. 7:8, “But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am.”

•1 Cor. 7:32-35 – he who is unmarried cares about the things of the Lord. He can do more for Him

Why some are singles

• Some are not ready to marry yet – making preparations

• Some have not found the right person

• Some don’t want to get married• Some have been made single• Some cannot marry – cf. Matt. 19:9, 1 Cor. 7:10-11

Dangers of the single lifestyle

The risk of loneliness •We were made to be with others cf. Gen. 2:18, Eccl. 4:9-12, Prov. 17:17, 18:24, etc.•Being lonely can lead to depression, desperation, bitterness, jealousy, etc.•WARNING: Don’t let loneliness lead you to the wrong mate!

Dangers of the single lifestyle

Potential for selfishness•Selfishness is always a sin - cf. 2 Tim. 3:1-5, Jas. 4:1-3•Prov. 18:1, “A man who isolates himself seeks his own desires; He rages against all wise judgment.”•We are commanded to care about others, cf. “one another”

Dangers of the single lifestyle

Sexual temptations•We live in a sensual society where fornication is not condemned. •1 Cor. 7:2-5, Marriage created to satisfy desires. Singles do NOT have this provision and are more likely to face such temptations

Fornication is NEVER acceptable to God! Don’t ever believe that God wants you to be happy more than He wants

you to be holy and faithful!1 Cor. 7:9

Living the single lifestyle

Accept your lot in life

•Be content. Phil. 4:11-12, 1 Cor. 7:17-24 •If you are single, by choice or lot, make the best of it!

Living the single lifestyle

Develop Spirituality

•Seeking His kingdom first Rom. 8:5-6, Col. 3:1-2•Remember again 1 Cor. 7:32-39. You can live for the Lord

Living the single lifestyle

Associate with the godly

•You still need friends – choose them wisely 1 Cor. 15:33, Prov. 13:20

Living the single lifestyle

Develop godly habits•Pray, study the Bible, assemble, etc. Seek to teach others. Cf. 1 Cor. 7:5 – the reason why husband and wife can be apart for awhile.

Living the single lifestyle

Do good for others•Nowhere does the Bible commend the isolated lifestyle.• Every Christian is to care about others – Jas. 1:27, Gal. 6:10, 5:13, etc.

Living the single lifestyle

Seek godly wisdom from others

•You need to know where to get advice! Prov. 27:17

Living the single lifestyle

Eliminate at ALL costs, sexual temptations

•You are still human. Without a spouse, be extremely vigilant to avoid all forms of temptation! •2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Cor. 6:18•Song of Solomon 2:7, “Do not stir or awaken love until it pleases.”

Whatever your lot in life…

Seek to fulfill it in Him!