Paul actually eases into the subject. He transitions by saying, "Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman." Now that statement is significant in light of our discussion. Again, he has just finished saying that we should flee immorality and avoid fornication. Therefore, "it is good for a man not to touch a woman." His meaning is that it is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman.

Paul has a couple of things in mind here. First, it is good in the sense that one avoids immorality and sin. God is pleased with such. Second, it is good in the sense that marriage is not necessarily commanded for all. While God has told humans in general to be fruitful and multiply, and while Paul affirms the sanctity of marriage in a number of places, God does not require that all persons get married, nor does He require all Christians to get married. "It is good for a man not to touch a woman." God calls some to singleness as we shall see later in this chapter.

Paul actually may be combating false teachers here as well. Some see abstinence and celibacy as ideal. Those who engage in sexual relations, even in the context of marriage, are viewed as less spiritual by some. Paul gives no credence to such a notion. Sexual relations outside of marriage are forbidden. Sexual relations inside of marriage are commanded.

The second major issue to consider is marriage. We have already touched on the subject of marriage. We may break the subject down just a bit by briefly noting what Paul says in regard to those who are not married, those who are considering marriage, and those who are making the decision to marry.

Initially, when outside of marriage, Christians must employ self-control diligently. Note that self-control flows from one's contentment in life. In 1 Cor. 7:7, it is clear that Paul was content with his calling, his vocation, and his singleness. He makes the point that self-control flows from the gift of God. In other words, some have the gift of self-control and some have the gift of proper-desire. What do we mean by such designations? Let's look at v. 7 and find out.