Introduction

Good morning, family. Today's focus is a little bit different but equally important. We have all heard numerous sermons on the joys of marriage, the importance of family, but today we are going to ponder upon the blessings of singleness. We are going to explore the call to dedicated service, even in solitude. We're going to talk about being single, but not alone.

In our exploration of this topic, we will be relying heavily on the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:7, where he writes, "I wish that all of you were as I am. But each of you has your own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that." And also, the words of Jesus in Matthew 19:11, where He says, "Not everyone can accept this word, but only those to whom it has been given."

Paul, in his letter to Corinth, is here reminding us that being single is not a curse but a gift, a calling from God. And Jesus, in His divine wisdom, teaches us that this path is not for everyone, but only for those to whom it has been given.

Our discussion today also draws inspiration from the works of respected Christian author, John Stott, who once said, "The gift of singleness, far from being a second-class gift, is a high calling from God to a devoted and fruitful service to Him."

The Blessing of Singleness

In our exploration of the blessings of singleness, we must first acknowledge that our society often views singleness as a deficiency, a gap to be filled. However, the Bible presents a different perspective, one that we should embrace and cherish. Singleness, according to the scriptures, is not a deficit but a gift, a unique calling from God.

The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Corinthians, expressed his wish that all could be as he was - single. He viewed his singleness not as a burden but as a gift from God, a special grace that allowed him to dedicate his life wholly to the service of God. This perspective is radically different from the world's view, but it is one that we, as believers, should strive to understand and appreciate.

Singleness, as a gift, offers unique opportunities for service to God and others. It provides the freedom to devote oneself fully to the work of the Lord, without the distractions and responsibilities that come with marriage and family life. This is not to say that marriage and family are not important or valuable, but rather that singleness offers a different, equally valuable path of service.

In his singleness, Paul was able to travel extensively, preaching the gospel and establishing churches across the Roman Empire. His undivided devotion to God's work was made possible by his singleness. This is a clear example of the unique opportunities for service that singleness provides.

Moreover, singleness allows for a level of self-discovery and personal growth that is often harder to achieve in a marital relationship. The single life provides the space and time to delve deeper into one's relationship with God, to discover one's gifts and calling, and to grow in spiritual maturity. It is a time of preparation, of building a solid foundation in Christ, which is crucial for any future relationships.

In addition, singleness offers the opportunity for greater involvement in the church community. Singles can often dedicate more time and energy to serving in various ministries, mentoring younger believers, and participating in mission work. They can form deep, meaningful relationships with other members of the church family, thus enriching the community as a whole.

However, it's important to note that the blessing of singleness is not without its challenges. Loneliness, societal pressure, and the desire for companionship can make the single life difficult. But these challenges can also serve to draw us closer to God, as we learn to rely on Him for comfort, strength, and fulfillment.

The Call to Dedicated Service

The call to dedicated service is a profound aspect of Christian living, whether one is single or married ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO