1 Coronthians 7:9

[NeedAMiracle]

Ok. So I've been seeing a lot of posts lately on relationships, sex, sexual addictions, etc. I applaud all the young adults on this board for dealing honestly, and maturely (for the most part) on these subjects, as I know that they're not so easily discussed in the secular world.
I've always contemplated 1Corinthians 7:9. I know what God is trying to say in this verse, but one thing I've noticed is that most of the older translations of the Bible: American King James Version, King James Version, American Standard Version etc. all read "But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn." I don't think in the context of this passage that Paul was saying burn in hell (although giving ones self over to lust of any kind will certainly make one a candidate for hell). So, burn from what?? In the more modern versions: New International Version, New American Standard Bible, International Standard Version it reads "But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion." Yet we get to the New Living Translation, which reads But if they can't control themselves, they should go ahead and marry. It's better to marry than to burn with lust." The God's Word Translation reads," if you cannot control your desires, you should get married. It is better for you to marry than to burn [with sexual desire]".
I know that passion, and lust are very similar words, but why did the modern translators of this Scipture (NLT rev. 2007, GWT rev. 1995) decide to use the word lust? Knowing the state of the church of Corinth at the time Paul relayed this message, and the sexual depravity of today's society, we can be assured that God was no-doubt referring to sexual lust.
So, let me get to my point.....I've read a lot of posts here about sexual depravity, and the overwhelming majority of the ladies here say that it would be a deal-breaker for a possible relationship. I tend to agree with the ladies. That's why at 41, I'm still single. I would never want to put someone I care for through that kind of turmoil, embarrassment, or feelings of inadequacy. I've kept myself from possible relationships knowing that I struggle, and have been strugling with it for over 30 years. But yet, I'm struggling with what Paul was saying. Was Paul just talking to the heathon? Was he singling out just the non-believers, or was he talking to all of Corinth? Believers, and non-believers alike? Is Paul really actually trying to say that if a Believer (I'm parallelng to todays society) struggles with sexual immorality, that it's OK to marry? That he should get married?
If anyone can interject, and discuss this scripture, I'd like to get opinions, and more understanding of this verse.

 

[jjones76]

What a great, yet loaded question!!! Here is my two cents worth, feel free to take it or leave it

I believe the scripture, any translation, is talking to believers, simply saying...If you can't contain yourself, it is better to get married than commit adultery /fornication, etc. As a divorced woman, I can tell you this can be a very very strong struggle. But, I believe that if I keep my eye on God, then He will either control my emotions, or send me a man to share that with. I don't think it means, grab the first available person and get married...but if the desire is so strong, then certainly put yourself in places to find dates and hopefully a relationship will develop.

Hope that helped a little

 

[NeedAMiracle]

Interesting perspective jjones76. But yet, so many women nowadys aren't willing to even give a chance to a man that has struggled with sexual impurity. I believe that sexual impurity corrupts the mind, and spirit, thus making it hard for anyone that has lived this kind of lifestyle to truly experience any kind of true intimacy. So, I can understand, and support a female perspective. Why set yourself up from the beginning for that kind of struggle, since sexual immorality is very hard to break?? Then again, sometimes I feel that if I had a good Christian woman, that I would'nt need, or desire to fill that void of lonliness in my life. So, I'm lonely because I dont have anyone to love, but I don't have anyone because I'm lonely, and fill the void with sexual immorality. The "Spiral of Degradation" is a viscous cycle!!!
So, could what Paul said actually apply to Believers too?

 

[greatkraw]

8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I.

9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

some people get the idea it is more spiritual tore main single

if 2 people are close it is silly to deny an unquestionable attraction - to do so does not glorify God

(the word contain relates to the word burn)

it does not glorify God to deny one's humanity or sexuality

it does glorify God to possess your own vessel

1 thess 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

 

[NeedAMiracle]

8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I.

9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

some people get the idea it is more spiritual tore main single

if 2 people are close it is silly to deny an unquestionable attraction - to do so does not glorify God

(the word contain relates to the word burn)

it does not glorify God to deny one's humanity or sexuality

it does glorify God to possess your own vessel

1 thess 4:4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

I must've missed it. What exactly are you trying to say? I've read all these verses PLENTY of times before. Maybe you might "explain" them to me now?

 

[greatkraw]

burn simply means attraction - it does not have to be sinful but it can lead to sin unless dealt with appropriately

 

[Pete_Martinez]

Modern translations say it as to burn with passion. I agree with Kraw's interpretation.

 

[SeekinHIM]

Dear Needamiracle,

There are a few things to consider here. If you desire to be married, this is good. What Paul was trying to say, was if someone was overwhelmed with desire to be married, so they could fulfill the "act of marriage" properly, then they should marry. Paul was not married, and perhaps he struggled with this at times, maybe right here in this passage............I don't believe he was addressing the unbelievers in these passages, as the book (letter) was addressed to the people of the church.....Which was a mess itself with all of the immorality going on............

What is your desire brother? Remember desires come from the LORD, temtations come from the enemy. (....And He will give you the desires of your heart.............) It is good to get married............(he who finds a wife finds a good thing............)

If you are struggling with falling in this area, there is a way to release it to the LORD. You must declare that you surrender ALL OF YOUR SEXUAL DESIRES to HIM, make it your resolve. If you have fallen prior to this, repent, confess it, release it to Him and thank the FATHER that JESUS' Blood has washed it/them away.

Go on and EXPECT HIM to lead you to a wife, in HIS time of course................When the temptations come to fall, OUTLOUD REBUKE THEM, DECLARE THAT YOU HAVE SURRENDERED YOUR SEXUALITY UNTO GOD UNTIL YOU ARE MARRIED...............Say it outloud, repeatedly if necessary........And then thank the LORD for HIS victory in this area of your life............Praise HIM, sing to HIM, etc., etc..............Very soon the enemy will stop because he sees that you mean what you say...............He will back off, for the LORD will make him back off.

BE ENCOURAGED BROTHER....................I AM PRAYING FOR YOU.

SeekinHIM

 

[Pheonix]

I believe this verse is speaking about two christians who are in a relationship. Dating, courting, or engaged. This theory of course blows up when you ask the question "Then if you are attracted to someone should you get married".

Personally I think when it comes to relationships premarital or extramarital (Wifes female friends) a person needs to contain and crush the desire for physical relations. If they are attracted to someone other than their spouse, they need to look very seriously at their own marriage and spouse. Focus on your spouse, and bury your desires in them. As for premarital relationships, a person needs to contain their desires because of the respect they hold for the other person as their brother/sister in christ. If for whatever reason they both cannot contain, then they should be married before something disasterous occurs that leaves them both embittered, embarressed or regretful. The worst thing for any relationship is a feeling of regret in regards to some part of it.

I guess the important question to ask is how much do you love the other person? Not can you wait, but will you wait. Do you love them enough to deny yourself?

That's my two cents

 

[Moviefan2k4]

From my understanding of that sentence, Paul was simply saying that at some point in their lives, most people will feel sexual desires, and will be eager to get married so they can rightfully express those desires with their spouse. Paul offers his opinion that staying single is better, but also notes that he has no direct command from God on the matter. The Message Translation says it this way:

"I do, though, tell the unmarried and widows that singleness might well be the best thing for them, as it has been for me. But if they can't maintain their desires and emotions, they should by all means go ahead and get married. The difficulties of marriage are preferable by far to a sexually tortured life as a single." ~1st Corinthians 7:8-9 (MSG)~

In my opinion, Paul understood that not all Christians are at the same place, even in the sexual arena. He knew that not all of us are called to remain single, even though he had chosen to do so.