Questions and Answers

Written By Betty Predmore

1 CORINTHIANS 7: 1-24

(August 11)

Questions ... so many questions! Have you ever been in a situation where you didn't know what you should do, so you had to ask question after question?

I was recently appointed to a board of directors of a civic organization. As their new secretary, I had big shoes to fill. There were so many things to get accustomed to doing, including website maintenance, emails, event announcements, and keeping of other pertinent information.

For the first few days, as I was trying to get my bearings, I felt embarrassed because I had to keep asking question after question of the outgoing secretary. I was sure she would think I had no brains at all!

The truth was it was a lot to absorb at once. Added to that is the fact that I am a perfectionist, so everything had to be just right. It was a little bit stressful for me, and her too, I imagine.

But my questions got answered, I got familiar with what is expected of me, and now I am a lot more settled into my role. The reason for that is because when I asked, she gave me the proper information I needed to do the right thing.

That is what Paul is trying to do. The believers of Corinth have a lot of questions...

Should we abstain from sex in our marriage because it has been said that sex is perverted and immoral?

If my spouse is not a believer, should I divorce him (or her)?

If I am a widow or not married, should I marry or stay single?

If I am a believer but my spouse is not, and they decide to leave, what should I do?

Paul takes their questions to heart and offers his wisdom. Because of all the sexual immorality going on all around them, they needed special, specific instructions to avoid being caught up in the temptations of their society.

Paul instructed that abstinence is not proper for marriage, unless mutually agreed upon.

He also noted that those who are widows or not married should remain that way, as he was. In that way, there would be less distraction from the things of God. But if desire was an issue for them, then they would be better off to marry than to commit sexual sin.

Believers should not leave their spouses, according to Paul. This situation was an excellent opportunity for the believing spouse to bring holiness into the marriage and be the example of Christ in the home.

However, if the unbelieving spouse should decide to leave, let them go and they would no longer be bound to each other.

Paul sums it up in this way, "Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you and remain as you were when God first called you." (Verse 17)

No matter how bound we may feel when called by the Lord, we can rest assured that we are FREE in him, being a slave only to Christ. The immorality and sin of this world should not enslave us. We should live as God has called us to live.

Those are some pretty definite instructions for living a moral life. They are often not followed in today's culture. We can look around and see many examples of disobedience.

We all have questions. God has all of the answers. But we still have to listen and obey.

Betty Predmore

Betty Predmore is a writer, blogger, speaker and ministry leaders. She is the founder of Mom-Sense, Inc., a ministry designed for mentorship, connection and service to women of all life circumstances. Through this ministry, women are encouraged and supported with scripture and life application. Mom-Sense helps women overcome life struggles through small group classes with biblical curriculum, individual counseling, bible studies, and other areas of support.

Betty also directs the Imperial Valley Life Center, which is a non-profit faith-based pro life women’s resource center. She has a passion for saving the unborn and supporting mothers through pregnancy and motherhood.

Betty loves to speak at events, sharing the love of Jesus with other women. She does this through practical life application mingled with God’s word, and sprinkled with humor. Having experienced a broken home, divorce, abuse, grief, single motherhood, blended families, and adoption, she uses the broken places and movement of God in her own life to share His word in an inspiring way. She enjoys sharing her blogs on social media as a way of reaching out on a broader spectrum. Betty has many speaking topics which can be found on her website: www.bettypredmore.com

As an author, she has had the opportunity to impact women and reach deep into their hearts with her words of inspiration and encouragement. Through Pondering Virtue and Whispered Grace, she has created wonderful tools for the woman who is seeking direction in her spiritual walk.

Betty serves on the writing team of A Wife Like Me, and is also a contributor to Moms Encouraging Moms and Gift of Thorns. Her blogs have appeared in several magazine publications throughout the years including Southern Faith Magazine, Purposeful Life, and Aspiring Woman Magazine.

While Betty thrives on her ministry opportunities, her greatest blessings come from being a wife to Jim and a mama to their wonderful collection of children, who bring joy, laughter, and an occasional tear to her days.


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