In plain terms, if you have a biblical divorce combined with the gift of self-control, why not remain unmarried for the sake of the gospel? If you are left a widow and have the gift of self-control, why not remain unmarried for the sake of the gospel?

However, in sharp contrast, Paul makes a different application in v. 9. If you have a biblical divorce combined with the gift of proper-desire, you had better get married for the glory of God. He says such so that your proper-desire will not become improper desire:  sinful lust. Further, he says such so that a sinful lust will not become a sinful action:  sexual activity. The same dynamic applies to widows, especially those who are younger. If you are left a widow and have the gift of proper-desire, you had better get married for the glory of God for the same reasons noted.

Paul makes his point in regard to the divorced and to the widowed:  "but if they do not have self-control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn." If they do not have the gift of self-control in the area of sexual desire, Paul says they should get married. "Let them marry" is a command. His rationale is that it is better to marry than to burn with sexual desire. That desire must be channeled and fulfilled properly in the context of marriage. If one is not able to gain control over that desire, the sin of lust is sure to follow.

We will point out that some commentators have taken the phrase "better to marry than to burn" to refer to burning in Hell. In light of the context, that suggestion so far misses the mark that we deem it unworthy of further comment.

Paul does not give license for anyone to engage in sexual activity outside of marriage. He does not give license for anyone to lust. He is simply being realistically practical in regard to the way God has created and gifted each one of us. It is natural to be attracted to someone of the opposite sex. God has put that dynamic within the human constitution. Man may pervert that desire through inordinate lust, homosexual desire, or other forms of perversion. Yet, a desire to be with someone upon whom one has set his/her love is quite natural and deemed good in God's sight. Let us think biblically in these matters deriving a practical application of the theological dynamics laid before us in Scripture.

The third major issue to consider is focus. Our focus has to do with God's assignment and calling for our lives. We are commanded to rest in God's providence for us. All persons, married or single must rest in God's assignment and calling for their lives. Paul spells out this truth in 1 Corinthians 7:17.

Paul's concern is that the Corinthians rest in the position in which they have found themselves at the time of their calling. He says, "Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And thus I direct in all the churches."