I. PAUL’S INSTRUCTIONS ON MARRIAGE IN AN IMMORAL SOCIETY (1–16)

1. What was Paul’s answer to the matter they had written him about? (1) Based on 6:18–20, what does verse 1 mean? (See the footnote. The KJV and RSV translate “not to marry” as “do not touch.”) What were Paul’s practical instructions on how to flee sexual immorality? (2–5) What was Paul’s view of celibacy? (6–7; cf. Mt19:11–12)

2. What advice did Paul give to the unmarried? (8–9) To the married? (10–11) Why did he say, “…not I, but the Lord”? (10; cf. Mt19:3–9) How does Paul instruct those who have an unbelieving spouse? (12–16) Though it is not easy, why should these instructions be kept?

II. REMAIN IN THE SITUATION TO WHICH GOD CALLED YOU (17–28)

3. What rule did Paul give to all the churches? (17) What situations did Paul have in mind? (18–21) Why should Christians not try to change their human situation? Through Christ, what new relationship do we have with God? (22–24) What really counts? (19b)

4. What advice did Paul give to virgins, and what motivated his advice? (25–28)

III. FREE FROM EARTHLY CONCERN (29–40)

5. Read verses 29–31. What attitude toward human affairs was Paul teaching? On what basis did he give this advice? How can we live like this? (Ro13:11–14; 2Pe3:10–13)

6. What can divide a Christian’s interests? (32–34) What should be our primary concern? What advice does Paul give to engaged people? (36–38) To widows? (39–40) Read verse 35. What did Paul want for us, whether married our unmarried?