How are we to apply 1 Corinthians 7:25-28 today?

Good evening. You will not typically read an article here in the evening hours, but in an effort to be spontaneous I thought I would go ahead and publish something tonight anyways. Consider it a bonus post 🙂 
1 Corinthians 7:25-28
 
The command Paul gives to the unmarried virgins in the Corinthian church is to “remain as you are…Are you unmarried? Do not look for a wife” (vv. 26, 27, NIV). This command must be understood within the context (as with any passage). In verse 9, speaking to the unmarried and widows, Paul states, “if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.” Paul’s main point in this section of Scripture (7:1-35) seems to carry with it a theme, “God’s commands is what counts…each man, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation God called him to…time is short…this world in its present form is passing away…be free from concern” (vv. 19, 24, 29, 31, 32). In summary, and in my own words, “while you are here in this life and on this earth, focus on God.”
 
But, what are we to make of this command to the virgins to remain as they are? How are we to apply this? There is no doubt that although this is not an explicit command from the Lord (v. 25), it is sound advice through the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Paul’s concern at his time of writing, and to us today, is that we are able to focus on the Lord, keep his commands, and live according to how we are each called to live. For some, this means marriage, for others this means remaining a virgin (v. 7). Paul recognized that marriage would cause hardship to the husband and wife (v. 28). Times of trouble, persecution, and other hardship are difficult enough as a single person, but they are much greater when married, and even more so when children come along. 
 
With all of that in mind, as well as the context of our passage (vv. 25-28), I believe it is safe to apply this command, or advice, entirely to our world today (directly transferable). Virgins, remain as you are unless you are burning with passion or believe that you were called to marry (given the gift to marry, v. 7). If you do marry, you are not sinning (v. 28), but will need to be prepared to face hardship (v. 28) and allow the troubles that come along to draw you closer to the Lord.
 
What are your thoughts on this passage? Do you agree with my conclusion?

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Lamp to my Feet Reminder – Job 5:8-11

Today is the final day for us to be taking a look at Job 5:8-11. Were you able to get it memorized this week? I hope that you were able to, and I also hope that through your meditation on this verse each day you were able to learn from it. What stood out to you? What does this verse mean, and what is the application? (Notice I did not ask what the passage meant to you, but what it meant. What is the meaning that God wrote into this passage? Once you have the meaning, what is the application (which should apply to the original audience and you). Just a quick Bible study lesson).

If you weren’t able to get it memorized, no worries. Take a few minutes to read over the passage below.

Job 5:8-11 (ESV)

As for me, I would seek God,
and to God would I commit my cause,

who does great things and unsearchable,
marvelous things without number:

he gives rain on the earth
and sends waters on the fields;

he sets on high those who are lowly,
and those who mourn are lifted to safety.

Return tomorrow for the next passage. Subscribe via email below this post and be sure to share the challenge with your friends (Facebook and Twitter options available below as well).