Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 7:6–7

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1 Corinthians 7:6–7

From the Confessions: The Defense of the Augsburg Confession

Concerning the Marriage of Priests 

Nor can any human authority, any law, any vows remove this declaration: “It is better to marry than to burn,” because they cannot remove the nature or concupiscence. Therefore all who burn, retain the right to marry. Paul’s command to avoid fornication by every man having his own wife binds all those who do not truly control themselves. The conscience of each person must decide.

Pulling It Together: Paul does not say here that he wishes all were celibate. Rather, he speaks of his gifting from God’s Spirit to keep himself under control. He would prefer that all were like himself, self-controlled in matters of sexual appetite. But because all are not able to be so disciplined, he commands them to marry. All must decide for themselves whether they have this gift from God.

Prayer: Spirit of the living God, empower me to control myself. Amen.

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