Scripture Guide

Singleness

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THIS WEEK’S SCRIPTURE:

“I would like you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is concerned about the Lord’s affairs—how he can please the Lord. But a married man is concerned about the affairs of this world—how he can please his wife—and his interests are divided. An unmarried woman or virgin is concerned about the Lord’s affairs: Her aim is to be devoted to the Lord in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned about the affairs of this world—how she can please her husband. I am saying this for your own good, not to restrict you, but that you may live in a right way in undivided devotion to the Lord.” — 1 Corinthians 7:32-35 (NIV)

Throughout 1 Corinthians 7, Paul gives very practical and realistic wisdom concerning marriage and singleness. He gives equal value to both situations because he knows that we all have equal callings in the body of Christ. No relationship status is greater than being a child of God and an ambassador for Christ. As a single person himself, Paul speaks to the perks of single living as well. 

While it may be frustrating to hear this for those who desire marriage, there is truth here. The unique gift of singleness is the freedom to individually discover who God has made you to be as His child. You can adventure with Jesus and say yes to opportunities to serve, grow, and learn as He leads you. While that beauty may be easily forgotten, mainly by the constant comparison and “the-grass-is-greener” mentality that poisons all of our minds, the gift is real. It’s a gift that you’ll miss if you don’t admire and embrace it. 

Ultimately, both singleness and marriage are simply modes in which we get to live out our God-given purpose. If we believe that God is our good and true Creator, then we must believe that abundant life comes from obeying Him. So what did the Creator make us for? 

Singleness does not prevent you from experiencing the good life that God created you to live! These purposes for you aren’t dependent on your relationship status. The truth is this: Marriage is a gift, just like singleness is a gift.

For the single person who desires marriage, God sees you. You can long for something while still choosing contentment and gratitude. You can be honest with God, persistent in prayer, and intentional with dating, all at the same time. Just remember, you were made for God. Your deepest longings and affections will only be satisfied in Him. And He’s worthy of your trust, your worship, your surrender, and your love.

For the single person who’s mourning the loss of a relationship, God sees you. He knows the grief of losing someone you love. He came to earth to experience that for you, but also to give you an eternal hope that will sustain you. Come to Him in all your pain and questions, and let Him comfort you. Let Him remind you of how He’s always been the One who will never change, never fail, and never leave.

For the single person who feels alone, God sees you. He wants you to experience His abundant life, which comes from trusting Him, walking in an intimate relationship with Him, and others. Singles belong in the family of God, too. Your relationship status doesn’t disqualify you from being in relationship with Your Creator and His family.

For everyone who’s chosen to follow Jesus, your mission and God-given purpose are the same. Reflect Him, be transformed by Him, make disciples of Him, and worship and enjoy Him forever.

Read this week’s Scripture in addition to these supporting Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 7:25-38; Genesis 1:26-27; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 22:37–38; Psalm 16:11; John 10:10

Study Questions:

  • According to 1 Corinthians 7:32–35, what does Paul identify as the unique opportunity of singleness?
  • What do these passages teach about who you are and what God created you for?
  • How do these passages shape your view of what “the good life” is and how to live it?
  • How do these passages reframe your views on singleness, marriage, and your overall purpose?

Meditate on this week’s passage and ask yourself these questions.

  • What stuck out to me through this passage? 
  • What’s God showing me?
  • What truth can I take with me into today?

God’s Word invites transformation. Today’s about putting what you’ve learned into practice.

  • Based on what I just learned about God, what habits, attitudes, or changes do I need to make?
  • What can I take away from this passage and apply to my life?
  • In what ways can “undivided devotion to the Lord” look different in different seasons of life?
  • How can I practically use my relationship status to draw closer to God and make His name known?

Application Challenge: 

If you’re single, take time this week to have fun 1:1 time with God. Whether it’s grabbing lunch or coffee, going on a prayer walk, or taking a drive with no agenda besides talking to and worshiping God, enjoy the gift of singleness. If you’re not single, consider how you can pray for single friends to live life fully with Jesus, right where they’re at.

Scripture to Pray:

“You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water. I have seen you in the sanctuary and beheld your power and your glory. Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. I will be fully satisfied as with the richest of foods; with singing lips my mouth will praise you.”—Psalm 63:1-5 (NIV)

Guided Prayer:

Father God, thank You for creating us all with the same purpose and intentionality. The life you offer us is full of joy, peace, love, and opportunities to live on mission for You wherever we’re at, regardless of our relationship status. In Your greatness, You actually allow our relationship status to be useful in serving You. May those of us who are single continue to trust You, worship You, obey You, and be formed by You in every adventure. May those who aren’t continue to live this way in their relationship as well. And may both single and married people within Your church truly be a unified, welcoming, and supportive family who do life together. Amen.

Looking back on this week’s Scripture, remember that singleness is not lesser or greater than marriage. In fact, it’s a gift with unique advantages to be enjoyed for and with Jesus. Your relationship status doesn’t define you, qualify you, or prevent you from walking in your God-given calling.

  • What’s one way I can enjoy God’s presence through rest, relationship, or serving others? 
  • What blessings can I thank God for as I reflect on this week? 

This weekend, set aside intentional time to go to church, do something you love with Jesus, and connect with others.

Group Discussion Guide:

Pick your favorites to discuss with your group, family, or friends.

  • Your identity and purpose aren’t determined by your relationship status. Do you believe this is easy or difficult to live out? Why? 
  • What cultural messages about relationships have impacted you most? What truth do you need to believe to counter any lies you’ve been told?
  • How can comparison keep you from embracing the season God has you in? What steps can you take to stop comparing yourself?
  • Based on these Scriptures, what does “the good life” look like, specifically as followers of Jesus? 
  • Everyone experiences longing and waiting. Regardless of your current relationship status, there’s probably something you desire that you don’t have. How can you honestly bring your desires—whether for marriage, healing, or companionship—to God while also cultivating contentment in Him?
  • What are some practical ways you can enjoy God and His gifts without making those gifts your ultimate source of fulfillment?
  • Whether you’re single, dating, engaged, or married, what would it look like to pursue “undivided devotion to the Lord” this week?
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