How should a spouse not use the marriage relationship according to 1 Corinthians 7?
A spouse must not use the marriage relationship to defraud or bring pressure on the other for something arising from their own volition. Sexual intimacy should not be withheld as manipulation or coercion; any abstinence must be by mutual consent and only temporary, lest Satan tempt either partner toward incontinence.
Les explains Paul’s instruction that spouses are not to defraud one another or use the marriage relationship to bring pressure on a spouse for something of their own volition. Abstinence is allowed only by consent and for a time, but not for long; they are to come together again so Satan does not tempt them because of incontinency. Les notes the sex drive is powerful, God put it there for a purpose, and it is not to be abused. If partners agree to refrain for a period, that is well and good, but they should not overdo it; they should return together so neither is tempted to go outside the marriage relationship. Paul speaks this by permission, not commandment, and each has his proper gift of God.
Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
More Questions
Can a married couple agree to abstain from sex for a period of time?
A couple may abstain from the marriage relationship only by mutual consent, and if it is consented to for a time, that is all well and good.
Why does Paul say married couples should come back together after abstaining?
The reason a couple must come back together after a time of abstinence is so that Satan does not tempt one or the other — because of their lack of continency — to go outside the marriage relationship.