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◄ Being Single►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction:
Being single is a state of life that is addressed in various parts of the Bible. It is often viewed through the lens of individual calling, purpose, and service to God. The Scriptures provide guidance and examples of single individuals who lived fulfilling lives dedicated to God's work.

Biblical Examples of Singleness:
The Bible presents several notable figures who were single and served God with distinction. The Apostle Paul is perhaps the most prominent example. In1 Corinthians 7:7-8, Paul writes, "I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that. Now to the unmarried and the widows I say this: It is good for them to remain unmarried, as I am." Paul viewed his singleness as a gift that allowed him to focus entirely on his ministry.

Another significant figure is Jesus Christ, who lived a single life. His singleness was integral to His mission, allowing Him to dedicate Himself fully to His ministry and the salvation of humanity.

Singleness as a Gift and Calling:
The Bible acknowledges singleness as a unique gift and calling. In1 Corinthians 7:32-34, Paul explains, "I want you to be free from concern. The unmarried man is concerned about the affairs of the Lord, how he can please the Lord. But the married man is concerned about the affairs of this world, how he can please his wife, and his interests are divided." Singleness is portrayed as an opportunity to serve God without the distractions that can accompany marriage.

Contentment and Purpose in Singleness:
The Bible encourages contentment and finding purpose in one's current state, whether single or married.Philippians 4:11-13 states, "I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. I know how to live humbly, and I know how to abound. I am accustomed to any and every situation—to being filled and being hungry, to having plenty and having need. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." This passage underscores the importance of relying on Christ for strength and contentment in all circumstances, including singleness.

Service and Devotion:
Singleness is often associated with a greater capacity for service and devotion to God. InLuke 2:36-37, we read about Anna, a prophetess who was widowed and dedicated her life to worship, fasting, and prayer in the temple. Her singleness allowed her to serve God with undivided attention.

Community and Relationships:
While the Bible acknowledges the benefits of singleness, it also emphasizes the importance of community and relationships.Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Single individuals are encouraged to engage in the community of believers for mutual support and encouragement.

Conclusion:
The Bible presents singleness as a valid and honorable state of life, with its own unique opportunities for service and devotion to God. It encourages single individuals to find contentment and purpose in their calling, while remaining active participants in the community of faith.

Topical Bible Verses

1 Corinthians 7:1-40
Now concerning the things whereof you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
Topicalbible.org

2 Corinthians 6:14
Be you not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship has righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion has light with darkness?
Topicalbible.org

Greek

2048. eremos -- solitary, desolate
... you observe a patch of corn, a clump of olives, asingle palm' " (, 22).].... lonesome,
ie (by implication) waste (usually as a noun, chorabeing implied) -- desert...

Library

His Acknowledgment that the DivineBeing isSingle' is Only Verbal...
... Book I. Section 19. His acknowledgment that the DivineBeing issingle'
is only verbal. "EachBeing has, in fact and in conception...

On aSingle Eye
... What shall we say, if, other circumstancesbeing equal, she prefer the rich man
to the good man? It is plain, her eye is notsingle; therefore her foolish...

So Far He Has Set Forth aSingle Exposition of the Passage; but on...
... So far he has set forth asingle exposition of the passage; but on whose... mouth of
this other,' whose assertions he evidently wishes to exhibit asbeing what is...

Showing How we Should Go Out to Meet God
... Asingle intention offers to God praise and honour and all virtues: and it pierces
and... and all things, and finds God within the simple ground of its ownbeing....

Such are the Doctrines which are to be Found in These Works of...
... which are to be found in these works of yours which yousingle out from all... There
was, you say, an invisible world before this visible one came intobeing....

Letter v. --The Fear ofBeing Wanting in Submission.
... to those who guide you, and beware in future of omitting asingle communion you
have... An evident sign that I am right is that you acknowledge tobeing upset and...

The Cost ofBeing Cruel and Stubborn
... THE OLD TESTAMENT THE COST OFBEING CRUEL AND STUBBORN.... west wind to blow which took
up the locusts and drove them into the Red Sea; not asingle locust was...

Concerning the Ranks of the Initiated.
... the darkness within the mind, by overlarding it with smeared pretence, but that
it by itself isbeing led, not by human attractions but bysingle and monastic...

That in God There is but one Only Act, which is his Own Divinity.
... This word then, Theotimus, whilst most simple and mostsingle, produces all the
distinction of things;being invariable produces all fit changes, and, in fine...

None of These Answers Will You Give Us. You Turn to Other Things...
... declaration that it is this very flesh in which we live which rises again, without
the loss of asingle member, and without any part of the bodybeing cut off...