Sermon Outline: Sunday, September 14th, 2025

Speaker: Michael Forrest

I. The Gift of Availability (1 Corinthians 7:6-8)

A. A Free Gift of God (Romans 6:23; 1 Corinthians 12:4-11)

Application: How am I using the gifts God has given me? How can I better honor God with my time and abilities?

II. Called for Contentment (1 Corinthians 7:17-24)

A. A Calling for Good Works (Ephesians 2:10)

B. Envy and Contentment

C. A Heritage and an Everlasting Name (Psalm 127:3; Isaiah 56:3-5)

D. In Christ, No One Misses Out (Philippians 4:11, Ephesians 1:3)

Application: How can we patiently serve God in the calling He has called us in with contentment?

III. Undivided Devotion (1 Corinthians 7:32-35)

A. Count the Cost (Luke 14:27-28)

Application: Have you counted the cost to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord?

Small Group Questions

Sunday, September 14th, 2025

OBSERVE

Read 1 Corinthians 7:6–9. How does Paul describe singleness?
How does Paul contrast the anxieties of married and unmarried people in 1 Corinthians 7:32–35?
What does Isaiah 56:3–5 promise to those who feel cut off from legacy or family?
How does Paul connect the gift of singleness with availability for ministry?

DISCUSS

How does the world’s view of singleness differ from Paul’s?
Why do you think Paul calls singleness a “gift” when many people don’t feel that way?
What might envy reveal about our view of God’s calling and timing?
Why is undivided devotion to the Lord so central in Paul’s teaching here?
How might church culture unintentionally elevate marriage above singleness, and what is the effect?

RESPOND

If you are single, what special opportunities do you think your availability affords you? If you are married, what does it look like for you to be inclusive of the single people around you?
Where do you need to fight envy and instead embrace contentment in your current calling?