LOVE ACTUALLY | MAY 18, 2025

A simpler way to access small group discussion guides

We’ve updated how we share small group discussion guides. Instead of downloading a PDF, you’ll now find the full guide directly below on this webpage. This change makes it easier to access and navigate the content across devices. Same content, just a more convenient format.

Singleness – Chip Henderson

SERMON HIGHLIGHTS

Key Passage: 1 Corinthians 7:7–9, 25–38

In 1 Corinthians 7, Paul challenges cultural assumptions by affirming that singleness is not less than marriage. Both singleness and marriage are good gifts from God, each with its own challenges and blessings. In times of distress, Paul even prefers singleness for the sake of greater focus and freedom in serving Jesus.

Paul urges believers not to see their season as something to escape but as something to steward. Singleness is not waiting to start life. It’s a meaningful and intentional season that can be lived fully for God’s glory. To those who are single:

  • Be confident. You are complete in Jesus.
  • Be content. Enjoy the life you have right now.
  • Serve Jesus. You have a unique opportunity for undivided devotion.

To the church, this is a call to honor both callings: married and single.

  • See singleness as good, not less.
  • Don’t define others by whether they’re dating or married.
  • Invite singles into your life.

Since the time is short and the world is passing away, our aim should be wholehearted devotion to the Lord, whatever season we’re in. Singleness is a sacred opportunity to live with clarity, focus, and purpose.

INTRO

Icebreaker Question

If you had a whole weekend completely to yourself—no responsibilities, no interruptions—what would you do?

Transition to Group Discussion Questions

It’s fun to think about what we’d do with a little extra time and space, but Paul challenges us to consider what we’re doing with the life we’ve been given right now. Whether married or single, each of us has a unique opportunity to live fully for Jesus. Let’s dig into what that looks like.

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Leader Note: Even though this week’s topic focuses on singleness, the truths apply to everyone—whether single, married, divorced, or widowed. Encourage your group to reflect on how they view identity, purpose, and relationships through the lens of Scripture. Use sensitivity and wisdom based on your group’s makeup. The goal is to create a space where everyone feels seen, valued, and challenged to pursue Jesus with undivided devotion.

  • Read 1 Corinthians 7:25–28. Paul links singleness to navigating hardship with fewer distractions. When life gets hard, how do relationships either help or complicate your ability to follow Jesus?
  • Read 1 Corinthians 7:32–35. Paul highlights the freedom of undivided devotion. What’s currently dividing your attention, and what would it look like to live with greater focus on Jesus?
  • Read Ephesians 1:3–4. You have been chosen and blessed in Christ. What helps you believe that truth when you’re tempted to think something or someone else is what you need?
  • Read Philippians 4:11–13. Paul had to learn contentment. What have your current circumstances been teaching you about contentment? Where do you resist learning it?
  • Read Psalm 90:12. If life is short and each day matters, how does singleness provide unique freedom to serve God and others with fewer constraints?
  • Read Isaiah 53:2–3 and Hebrews 4:15. Jesus lived a full, faithful, and relationally rich life. He was also single. What does His example teach you about living with purpose and belonging, no matter your relationship status?
  • Read Romans 12:1. Paul calls believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice. What would it look like for you to offer your current season of life, whether married or single, as an act of worship to God?

NEXT STEP

Take time this week to reflect on how you’re using your current season—whether single or married—to serve Jesus. Are there areas where you’re distracted, discouraged, or trying to rush ahead? Write down one way you can pursue undivided devotion to Christ this week and ask Him for the focus and courage to follow through.

PRAYER

Leaders, close your time by praying over the group. Acknowledge that everyone is in a unique season. Some are single, some are married, and some may feel stuck or unseen. Ask God to give each person clarity, contentment, and purpose. Pray that the group would find their identity and belonging in Christ, not in relationship status, and that they would use this season well for His glory.

Remind your group that they are fully known and fully loved by God and that no season is wasted in His hands.