Discussion Guide: Status, Singleness, and Marriage

Dec 8, 2025

Discussion Guide

Sunday Sermon 12.07 - Status, Singleness, and Marriage

Opening Prayer

Father,

Teach us to remain content no matter our circumstances. I repent for the times in my life that I have looked to my current circumstances, whether good or bad, to determine whether or not I felt complete. Teach us to learn to see that You are always enough, and we can have joy no matter what we may be facing in our lives. Thank You for continuing to provide even in times where we weren’t content in Your provision and lead us forward with a new mindset focused solely on how You have given us all that we need in this life.

In Jesus name,

Amen

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Key Takeaways from the Sermon

This week's message challenged us to examine contentment in three key areas of life:

- Social/Financial Status - God can use you exactly where you are

- Relationship Status - Both singleness and marriage are gifts from God

- Loss of a Spouse - Christ is sufficient even in grief

Main Point: If our main goal is an eternal goal (glorifying God and fulfilling His mission), then our temporary circumstances don't matter as much as we think they do.

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Discussion Questions

Section 1: Contentment in Status (vv. 17-24)

1. Read 1 Corinthians 7:17-24. Paul tells slaves they don't need to be free to be used by God. What does this reveal about how God views our circumstances versus how we view them?

2. Personal Reflection: In what area of life are you most tempted to think, "Once I get _____, then I can really serve God"? (Examples: better job, more money, different location, retirement, etc.)

3. The sermon stated: "Discontentment in your status is essentially looking at God and telling Him that He is not enough to fulfill you." Does this feel too harsh, or does it ring true? Why?

4. How can we practically "remain" content in our current circumstances while still having healthy goals and ambitions?

Section 2: Contentment in Singleness (vv. 25-38)

5. Read 1 Corinthians 7:32-35. Paul describes singleness as providing "undivided devotion" to the Lord. How does this contrast with how our culture (and even church culture) typically views singleness?

6. The sermon mentioned we've made "marriage varsity and singleness JV." Have you witnessed this attitude in the church? How can we change this narrative?

7. For those who are single: How does viewing singleness as a gift (not just a waiting period) change your perspective on this season? What opportunities do you have right now that you might not have if married?

8. For those who are married: How can you encourage and support single believers without making them feel like "projects" who need to get married?

9. Jesus was single. Paul was single. Many effective missionaries and ministers throughout history were single. Why do you think we struggle to see singleness as a viable, God-honoring calling?

10. The sermon challenged: "Would you be supportive if your kids or grandkids were single for the sake of the kingdom?" How would you honestly answer that question?

Section 3: The Bigger Picture

11. Read Matthew 19:10-12. Jesus speaks about those who "live like eunuchs for the kingdom." What does sacrificial devotion to God's kingdom look like in practical terms today?

12. Paul repeatedly says it's "better" to remain single (vv. 38, 40), yet also affirms marriage is good and not sinful. How do we hold both truths in tension without devaluing either gift?

13. The sermon stated: "Marriage was never intended to make us complete. There's only one person that can do that, and His name is Jesus Christ."

How does our culture (including Christian culture) contradict this?

What happens when we expect marriage to complete us?

14. Practical Application: Whether single or married, what is one specific way you can steward your current season better for God's kingdom this week?

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Practical Application

For Everyone:

- Audit your contentment: This week, notice when you think "I'll be happy when..." or "I can really serve God after..." Write these down and pray through them.

- Practice gratitude: List 3 ways God can uniquely use you in your current season that might not be possible in a different season.

For Singles:

- Reframe your thinking: Instead of viewing singleness as a waiting room, ask God, "What do You want me to do with this gift of undivided devotion?"

- Take initiative: Identify one ministry opportunity or discipleship relationship you can invest in deeply because of the flexibility your singleness provides.

For Married Individuals:

- Examine expectations: Are you expecting your spouse to fulfill you in ways only Christ can? Confess any discontentment to God.

- Encourage singles: Reach out to a single person in your church this week with genuine encouragement about how you see God using them.

- Extend gratitude: Tell your spouse how much you appreciate them and how you enjoy doing ministry together as a team.

For Parents/Mentors:

- Change the narrative: Stop asking young people "When are you getting married?" and start asking "How is God using you right now?"

- Celebrate both paths: Make sure you affirm both marriage and singleness as legitimate, God-honoring callings.

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Prayer Focus

Spend 5-10 minutes in silent reflection, asking God:

- Where am I discontent?

- What am I waiting for that's keeping me from full devotion now?