There must have been some present crisis.  Was it the pressures of an immoral life and hostile environment?  It seems that there was a level of persecution in Corinth, but it was only to escalate for the next two hundred years.  In times of crisis, worry can be debilitating, especially worry about family.  Paul wants the unmarried to be spared the troubles of seeing a spouse fall prey to temptation or persecution.  However, marriage (and by inference sex within marriage) is not sinful.

1 Corinthians 7: 25-28

²⁵Now about virgins: I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. ²⁶Because of the present crisis, I think that it is good for you to remain as you are. ²⁷Are you married? Do not seek a divorce. Are you unmarried? Do not look for a wife. ²⁸But if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. But those who marry will face many troubles in this life, and I want to spare you this.

Questions

1. What class of people are we speaking about?
2. In light of present circumstances how is it best to live?
3. Has a virgin sinned if they marry?
4. How does this passage apply to our times?
5. How does this passage speak to the cult of romance in the culture?