A Theology of Singleness (1 Corinthians 7)
This sermon explores a foundational Christian understanding of singleness, drawing heavily from the Apostle Paul's teaching. It invites listeners to reframe their perspective on both single and married life within the larger narrative of God's unfolding kingdom.
This sermon presents a Christian theology of singleness and marriage rooted in living within the "overlap of the ages." It asserts that ultimate fulfillment and family come from Christ and the future kingdom, equalizing both states and challenging cultural idolatries.
Overview
The sermon begins by establishing a New Testament theology of singleness, primarily from 1 Corinthians 7. It addresses Paul's seemingly enigmatic statements about marriage bringing troubles and the shortness of time, revealing them to be part of a sophisticated "kingdom theology."
This kingdom theology describes living in the "overlap of the ages"—between Christ's first and second coming. During this time, all earthly activities, including marriage, buying, mourning, and rejoicing, are to be lived in light of the future, recognizing their provisional and penultimate nature.
The sermon argues that this perspective equalizes singleness and married life. Ultimate desires for love, acceptance, and security will be fully satisfied at the "wedding supper of the Lamb," making no earthly relationship the final source of fulfillment. This challenges both Western individualism, which idolizes personal happiness, and traditional cultures, which idolize family.
Finally, singleness is presented as a gift, offering unique opportunities to avoid idolatry, cultivate deeper friendships, and engage in more dedicated service. The preacher warns against believing the lie that obeying God leads to unhappiness, stressing that God promises to fill and satisfy those who come to Him.
Key points
- Paul's New Testament theology of singleness in 1 Corinthians 7 is based on the principle of living in the "overlap of the ages."
- This means Christians are to view all earthly life, including marriage and singleness, in light of the future kingdom of God.
- No earthly relationship can ultimately satisfy the deepest human desires; complete fulfillment is found in Christ and the future "wedding supper of the Lamb."
- The Christian view uniquely equalizes singleness and marriage, challenging both Western cultural individualism and traditional cultural pressures.
- Singleness is presented as a gift, offering opportunities for more extensive friendships, personal growth, and focused service.
- The sermon identifies two idolatries: seeking sexual fulfillment outside marriage (Western) and self-condemnation for not being married (traditional).
- God promises to fill and satisfy those who obey Him, directly countering the lie that obedience leads to missing out on happiness.
In Tim Keller's words
“For this world and its present form is passing away.”
“Among those shadowy brides, he is always adored, always the perfect lover. No demand is made on his unselfishness, no mortification ever imposed on his vanity.”
“I am the Lord thy God. Obey me and I will fill you.”
Outline
- I. The New Testament Theology of Singleness (1 Corinthians 7)
- A. The Enigma of Paul's Words
- B. The Kingdom Theology: Overlap of the Ages
- C. Living in Light of the Future
- D. The Equalization of Singleness and Marriage
- II. The Uniqueness of This Theology
- A. Contrast with Western Individualism (Self-Fulfillment)
- B. Contrast with Traditional Cultures (Family as Paramount)
- C. Christianity's Astonishingly Different Approach
- D. Singleness as a Viable Paradigm
- III. Singleness as a Gift
- A. Avoiding Idolatry and Selfishness
- B. Opportunities for Deeper Friendships and Growth
- C. Capacity for Increased Service and Ministry
- IV. Practical Implications
- A. Avoiding Self-Idolatry through Sexual Misuse (CS Lewis on Masturbation/Pornography)
- B. Avoiding Pickiness in Partner Selection (Idolatries of Looks/Wealth)
- C. Seeking Community Input in Partner Search (The Family of God)
Scripture references
1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
1 Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;
2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.
10 I am the Lord thy God, which brought thee out of the land of Egypt: open thy mouth wide, and I will fill it.
1 Now the serpent was more subtil than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?
2 And the woman said unto the serpent, We may eat of the fruit of the trees of the garden:
Insights
Our deepest longings find their ultimate satisfaction only in the future kingdom.
This present life, whether single or married, is always a foretaste.
God's care is not measured by earthly relationships or possessions.
Questions & answers
What is the sermon's core theological principle regarding singleness?
The sermon's core principle is that both singleness and marriage are lived in the "overlap of the ages," meaning all earthly life should be lived in light of the future kingdom of God and the ultimate satisfaction found in Christ.
How does the sermon define the "overlap of the ages"?
The "overlap of the ages" refers to the present time between Christ's first coming (beginning the kingdom) and His second coming (bringing it in fullness). In this period, both the old world's suffering and the new world's renewing spirit coexist.
Why does Paul say married people will face troubles and he wants to "spare" them?
Paul's statement is understood within the context of the future kingdom. He suggests marriage, while good, can easily become an object of idolatry or a source of self-absorption, diverting focus from Christ, who offers ultimate fulfillment.
What makes the Christian view of singleness unique compared to other cultures?
Christianity offers a radically different perspective, validating singleness as a viable adult life paradigm. It challenges Western individualism, which values marriage only for self-fulfillment, and traditional cultures, which see honor and legacy solely through family.
How is singleness described as a "gift" in this sermon?
Singleness is described as a gift because it can free individuals from the idolatry and selfishness often associated with marriage. It creates greater opportunities for deep friendships, personal growth, and focused service to others and ministry.
What is the "original lie" mentioned in the sermon and how does it relate to singleness?
The original lie, paraphrased from the serpent in the Garden of Eden, is that obeying God means missing out on happiness. This lie distorts both married and single life, leading people to seek fulfillment outside of God's design, either through worldly indulgence or self-condemnation.
Flashcards
Turn your pastor's sermon into notes like this
Record at church or paste a YouTube link. Sermon Notes gives you summaries, scriptures, flashcards, and a daily devotional from your own sermons.
More from Tim Keller
Related on similar themes
Source
Unofficial AI summary for study purposes. Watch the full sermon on Gospel in Life. Sermon Insights is not affiliated with or endorsed by the pastor or church.