Previously, we settled the issue of polygamists that come to Christ and what Paul said about them:  "Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and REMAIN AS YOU WERE WHEN GOD FIRST CALLED YOU. This is my rule for all the churches"( 1 Cor 7:17 NLT).

Also, I must reiterate that this scripture doesn't apply to a believer who has come to know Christ and have knowledge about God's monogamous plan or order of marriage. If there is any Christian who after getting to know Christ willingly becomes polygamous, in my opinion, such a fellow should restitute. His repentance must bear the fruit of restitution not just mere confession. Pastorally, he must be under discipline until repentance is ascertained.

Paul's focus in 1 Cor 7:17 is for that polygamous man who was in the world and has met the Lord. Paul says he should remain in the condition he was when he met Christ. The context of the scripture is clear and need no argument except we want to bring our legalistic bias into it.

While this injunction is scripturally valid, there are exceptions to this. That is the thrust of what I want to share today. Biblically, there are polygamists that should restitute.

#.1 The first is that polygamist who after salvation has perceived the call of God into the five fold or help ministry

1 Timothy 3:2, 12 KJV says,

[2] A BISHOP then must be blameless, the HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

[12] Let the DEACONS be the HUSBAND OF ONE WIFE, ruling their children and their own houses well.

The scriptures above established there were polygamists in the church of that time who probably were eyeing ecclesiastical offices. Paul did not force restitution on just any polygamist but he gave an exception to the rule which applies to those who are called into the ministry.

If a polygamist becomes a pastor, how will he preach monogamy to singles and married in the church? He has no scriptural locus standi to do that. To help the polygamist become a worthy minister, Paul mandated monogamy for anyone who will be in ministry.

He reiterated the same point in Titus 1:5-6 which says, "For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: [6] if any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly".

If a polygamist who has come to know the Lord is sensing God's call into the ministry, he must restitute and retain the first wife that he married properly. At this point, it is not optional, it is a must. Further, he has to pray well, seek counsel, share the position of scriptures with his wives and engage his pastors to mediate in the process.