7:29-31
Paul then expands on why he is giving this advice, and broadens out the application again. The essence of all this is that we should be kingdom focused. The world tells us that getting a sexual partner is the most important thing in life, it isn’t. It tells us that we should be obsessed with our feelings, whether those of joy or sadness. It tells us to be forever seeking more worldly goods, and to seek advancement in the world. All these things are passing away. Now Paul is not telling us to live as hermits! We have to have dealings with the world, there will be times of joy and times of mourning, many of us are married, but these things are not to be the defining characteristics of our lives. Seeking God’s kingdom is to be the defining characteristic.
7:32-35
The wording seems a little strange, “I want you to be free from anxieties, the unmarried man is anxious ...” (or “concern” in NIV). However, the intent seems clear enough. If you are single then you can be fully devoted to the Lord. If you are married, then you will rightly have concerns for your wife. Getting married brings responsibilities and obligations. This is why the traditional marriage service talks about marriage not being something to be entered into lightly. Paul stresses that he is not laying down a law, instead he is trying to get the Corinthians to think. Earlier on in the letter Paul has spoken about having the mind of Christ. So often we just think in a worldly way. We need to consider the consequences of all that we do, and all decisions that we take.
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