Note 20 at 1Co 7:40: This is one of the most radical statements on marriage in the Bible: Marriage was not designed to make us happy. Paul said we would be happier if we remain single.

Many people look to marriage to provide things for them that God never intended marriage to do. Therefore, it is just a matter of time until these false expectations produce disappointment and frustration, which often get directed at the mate. They think, "My lack of joy and peace is all your fault. If you were the spouse you were supposed to be, I'd be happy."

However, marriage wasn't intended to make us happy or fulfilled or to take away loneliness. All these needs should be met through our relationship with the Lord.

Only when people find their happiness and peace and fulfillment in the Lord will they be able to really enjoy their marriages. A lack of understanding this is the cause of many marital problems. People's mates can never be to them what God is meant to be.

Note 21 at 1Co 7:40: This is quite an understatement. Paul certainly had the Spirit of the Lord, and the Holy Spirit had Paul also. Even though he had said that many of his statements in this chapter were not direct commands from God (see note 9 at 1Co 7:6), Paul's opinion was not to be dismissed as inferior.