<< Previous | Index | Next >>"THE SINGLE CHRISTIAN" INTRODUCTION 1. Lessons are often presented on the subject of "Home and Family"... a. Discussing the challenges of marriage and parenting b. Describing the responsibilities of spouses, parents, and children 2. In many cases, little is said concerning those who are single... a. Perhaps because the "nuclear" family is assumed to be the norm b. Yet many are single, and may feel left out [The Bible does have things to say about being single. As we consider what is said, perhaps it may be beneficial to begin by answering some questions...] I. QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SINGLE CHRISTIAN A. WHY WOULD ANYONE BE SINGLE...? 1. Some may be single by circumstance a. Such as women who have never been asked to marry b. Such as men who have not yet found a woman to accept their proposal c. Such as those who are divorced, perhaps through no fault of their own d. Such as those who are widowed, suffering the loss of their spouse e. Such as those too young to marry, or too sick, etc. 2. Some may be single by choice a. Perhaps they prefer the single life on its own merits b. Perhaps they have chosen to remain single for other reasons 1) Jesus said some would be single for the sake of the kingdom - cf. Mt 19:11-12 2) Paul considered his singleness a "gift from God" - cf. 1 Co 7:7-8 3) Some may simply not be drawn toward the opposite sex 3. Sometimes, circumstances make being single the best choice a. As in times of persecution - cf. 1 Co 7:25-28 b. Or in times of war, tragedies, etc. -- With so many possible reasons, we should be careful not to presume why one is single B. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO BEING SINGLE...? 1. Freedom from care a. As in times of distress or persecution - cf. 1 Co 7:26-28, 32a b. In such times, it is a blessing not to have to worry about a spouse and children 2. Freedom to serve the Lord a. As Paul describes in 1 Co 7:32b-35 b. There are opportunities to serve the Lord that may not be as open to with familial responsibilities 1) E.g., preaching in foreign countries 2) E.g., doing more for others in the local congregation C. WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES TO BEING SINGLE...? 1. The danger of temptations a. Physical desires can be strong 1) If so, then one should not be single by choice 2) Marriage is for those who don't have the "gift" of singleness - 1 Co 7:8-9 b. If single by circumstance, one needs to be extra careful 1) They may not have the help of close supervision by other family members 2) It is more tempting when no one is looking! 3) They need to be extra sure to lean on the Lord - cf. 1 Co 10:13 2. The danger of loneliness a. Not to be confused with solitude, which many single people enjoy b. Loneliness can lead to depression, which can render one ineffective in the service of God 3. The danger of self-centeredness a. Living alone, it is easy to become set in one's own ways b. One may soon forget of the how or need to accommodate others [The single life may not be better or worse than married life, only different. It does come with its own unique challenges, of which all Christians (married or single) should be aware. Now if I may, offer some...] II. COUNSEL REGARDING SINGLES IN THE CHURCH A. TO THOSE WHO ARE SINGLE... 1. Utilize the advantages of being single a. Use your freedom to increase your service to God - 1 Co 7: 32-35 b. Don't be selfish with the extra time and freedom you have c. Don't begrudge others who may not do as much as you because of their other responsibilities (e.g., children, spouse) 2. Watch out for the dangers of being single a. Temptations - make an effort to develop a close relationship with the Lord b. Loneliness - accept invitations to be with others, initiate opportunities to be with others c. Self-centeredness - offer yourself in service to others; be flexible 3. Remember that you are in the "family of God" a. You have many mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, children - cf. Mk 10:29-30 b. Make the effort to develop and utilize these relationships B. TO THOSE WHO ARE NOT SINGLE... 1. Be acceptive toward those are single by choice a. If they have the "gift of God" for singleness, don't consider them strange b. Thank God for His diversity of gifts to His people c. Utilize those who use their singleness for increased service to God 2. Be understanding toward those who are single by circumstance a. The challenges they may face due to no choice of their own b. The temptations they may face living the single life 3. Be sensitive toward all who are single, whether by choice or circumstance a. Their need to be part of our "family" in Christ b. Their need for friendship and involvement in our activities CONCLUSION 1. No matter what our station in life, God can give us the strength and wisdom to lead productive and joyful lives! 2. If you are single, and your service to Christ has been hindered by misconceptions... a. Either your own b. Or those of others -- Then I hope this lesson may be of some help May we all be sensitive to the particular needs of one another, and help each other glorify God with our lives, as diverse as they may be!<< Previous | Index | Next >>
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