What About Celibacy? 1 Corinthians 7

 Concerning Married Life

7 Now for the matters you wrote about: “It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.” 2 But since sexual immorality is occurring, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman with her own husband. 3 The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife. 5 Do not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 I say this as a concession, not as a command. 7 I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.

Paul continues to teach on the subject of sexual immorality.  It would appear that the Corinthians had written to Paul asking him for advice on this matter.  When Paul says, "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman" it is obviously in the context outside of marriage.  Later in the passage he will talk about the importance of healthy sexual relations between a man and his wife.  Paul gets very practical when he states it is good for a man and wife to have sexual relations on a regular basis.  Paul goes as far as to say it is the duty of BOTH the husband and wife to fulfill this aspect of marriage.  While it is okay to abstain from sex for a period of time, Paul warns against the temptation it might provide and the vulnerability to the evil one this practice creates. 

Paul concludes by referring to his own choice of celibacy.  Paul talks about it in another chapter saying that choosing celibacy can create a freedom to serve the Lord not as easily accessible as  married people. Married people spend time in their commitment to each other and their family.  Importantly Paul says this is NOT for everyone.  He describes celibacy as a gift, not an obligation.  The thought requiring celibacy for all people regardless of their calling, is foreign to Paul and has been misued today.  

How does Paul's teaching on sexual intimacy within marriage strike you?  Why do you think he emphasizes the importance of each person in a marriage fulfilling their duty to their spouse?  How do you think his teaching might lessen the about of sexual immorality and adultery that happens in our world and within the church?