7:3-6 What does Paul mean by what he says here?
7:3-6 What does Paul mean by what he says here?
Paul teaches here that married believers are not to refuse to cohabit with each other because neither of them has complete authority over their body to deny the other's conjugal rights. Both must recognise their dependence upon each other.
Abstinence is permitted for a period of time for fasting and prayer if mutually consented to (CP V5 with Joel 2:16) but the husband and wife must resume marital relations immediately afterwards.
This is so neither of them will be tempted to sin through lack of self control when sexually aroused. If sexuality is not given its proper context for expression, it is in danger of spilling over into sexual immorality.