Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

The Single Christian
Mark A. Copeland
INTRODUCTION
1. Lessons are often presented on the subject of “Home and Family”...
a. Discussing the challenges of marriage and parenting
b. Describing the responsibilities of spouses, parents, and children
2. In many cases, little is said concerning those who are single...
a. Perhaps because the “nuclear” family is assumed to be the norm
b. Yet many are single, and may feel left out
[The Bible does have things to say about being single. As we consider what is said, perhaps it may be
beneficial to begin by answering some questions...]
I. QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SINGLE CHRISTIAN
A. WHY WOULD ANYONE BE SINGLE...?
1. Some may be single by circumstance
a. Such as women who have never been asked to marry
b. Such as men who have not yet found a woman to accept their proposal
c. Such as those who are divorced, perhaps through no fault of their own
d. Such as those who are widowed, suffering the loss of their spouse
e. Such as those too young to marry, or too sick, etc.
2. Some may be single by choice
a. Perhaps they prefer the single life on its own merits
b. Perhaps they have chosen to remain single for other reasons
1) Jesus said some would be single for the sake of the kingdom - cf. Mt 19:11-12
2) Paul considered his singleness a “gift from God” - cf. 1 Co 7:7-8
3) Some may simply not be drawn toward the opposite sex
3. Sometimes, circumstances make being single the best choice
a. As in times of persecution - cf. 1 Co 7:25-28
b. Or in times of war, tragedies, etc.
-- With so many possible reasons, we should be careful not to presume why one is
single
B. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO BEING SINGLE...?
1. Freedom from care
a. As in times of distress or persecution - cf. 1 Co 7:26-28,32a
b. In such times, it is a blessing not to have to worry about a spouse and children
2. Freedom to serve the Lord
a. As Paul describes in 1 Co 7:32b-35
b. There are opportunities to serve the Lord that may not be as open to with familial
responsibilities
1) E.g., preaching in foreign countries
2) E.g., doing more for others in the local congregation
C. WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES TO BEING SINGLE...?
Topical Sermons 329