Likewise he who is called while free is Christs slave. Do you have to become a member of a different people group? Christians are prone to this too. God used Pauls place of calling mightily. Gods life gives us courage as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. This is a word that is so often translated in the gospel of John and the letters of John as the word abide. You have heard this morning about how He transforms the lives of all those who trust Him. I have to think about my actions, what did I do, what didnt I do? Am I perhaps seeing signs, I got this parking spot here, I got a phone call there, is God speaking to me by his providence? And if we understand its broad cultural application, it offends all of us. But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity" (RSV). There were some Jewish Christians who insisted on that, however. Verse 19 says literally, "Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God (is everything)." In other words, don't make such a big deal out of whether you are circumcised or not, or whether you are white or black or red or Swedish. Verse 17 says, "Let everyone lead the life which the Lord has assigned to him." Stated as a prayer, the main point today is: Father, grant to us all the grace to be conscious of your presence at our work and to obey your commands in all our vocational relationships. Should the believer pull out in order to keep pure? The principle that Paul had already taught in relation to marriage is here mentioned clearly three times. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24. We need to think long and hard about whether what we communicate to our children about success is biblical or just American. Paul is saying that circumcision has nothing to do with this. But Paul was urging that this was not at all necessary for a believing Jewish person to do. There is provision for freeing slaves in the Old Testament, and we are familiar with a tax collector who became a preacher and fishermen who became missionaries. Now if we read the word called as it is translated there it almost sounds like what Paul is saying is that we are called to these assignments. Its a fundamental principle for us here today, dear brothers and sisters. Then Paul expands that principle to show us that its a general principle that should affect all of our lives. The third word is calling or called, and we see this all over this passage. Our responsibilities to our families, to our work, to our neighbors, to our churches. One of the most amazing and encouraging verses in the Bible is 2 Corinthians 5:17. Some of them had become born again by faith in Jesus, and were now brand new creations in Christ. The universal default principle is that you should stay where you are. 1 Corinthians 7:17,20 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. Here now the word of the Lord from 1 Corinthians 7:1-9. Many of them had lived very sinful lifestyles. 1 Corinthians 1:1-17 - God Calls Us to Unity - Study and Obey Slaves were sometimes highly educated and trusted with administrative responsibility. We start seeking out fellowship with other Christians. So often when we go to the Bible, we are trying to get answers to our questions; what school should I go to, who should I marry? Fourth, and finally, this text implies that the job you now have, as long as you are there, is God's assignment to you. Ultimately your circumstances are of deeply secondary importance. He used circumcision and slavery as illustrations to describe God's sovereignty over the social and religious barriers of his day. Paul says that its good, if you can, to remain in the situation that you are in. Should you leave whatever you are doing and go do whatever you think Holy Spirit should be doing? This has far-reaching cultural implications: if you are black, don't try to become white; if you are white, don't try to become black. . Building On The Past - 1 Corinthians 10:1-12. The "called" are not all who hear the preaching, but those who receive it as wisdom. It is no accident that you are where you are. Most modern versions say, "Were you a slave when called? Am I living my best life now? 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 New International Version Concerning Change of Status 17 Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. If they were called to God in a state of cultural slavery, then they are to be faithful to walk with Jesus Christ as His servants within that state of slavery. In our last time together, we talked about Pauls answer to this important question from 1 Corinthians 7:12-14. All Videos Images Commentaries Devotionals Other Translations Sermons Related Scriptures Podcasts Blogs. Do not be concerned about it. Thats the most important thing. For this objective teaching of the eternal word of God recorded for us in the scriptures of the Old and new testaments, which is the only rule to direct us concerning God and what duty we owe to God. But before we can understand either of these applications, we need to clarify a key word in the principle itself. Old sinful habits and practices begin to be set aside. This is my rule in all the churches. Luke 1:26-45 Study Guide: What did Mary Know? I have no doubt that, if all our young people are bending every effort to stay close to God and to obey the commands of Scripture, God will distribute them in the world exactly where he wants their influence for him. 24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.1 Corinthians 7:24, ESV. Text: Acts 19:1-20 Sermon Series: On Mission. Yet if you are in the condition of a bondservant, understand you dont need to seek a change from that either. We can say in this situation, how can I serve? A believing husband should not divorce his unbelieving wife, and a believing wife should not divorce her unbelieving husband. This is clear from the fact that he had Timothy circumcised (Acts 16:3), and from his own statement that he becomes all things to all men that he might save some (1 Corinthians 9:22). Search the scriptures, but not for an answer. Do you notice how he was able to say how thankful he was for his calling? 24 and are . We are to go to the same job or the same schoolbut were to now do it all as before God, and as His servants, and with trust in Him, and as unto His glory. Paul is not pronouncing a blanket condemnation upon all those who adopt aspects of other cultures and give up aspects of their own. We want the Bible to give us clear answers. You can't be white if you want to be accepted." This isnt to sugar coat slavery; it could be a very bad condition and thats why people did try to save up money to buy their own freedom. Instead, they should stay in the marriage in which God had called them to Himself. You have the same objective passages to look at, but you need to look at how that will be applied in your situation. They were called into a relationship with Jesus Christ from the midst of a sinful culture. The hope of glory when he returns. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men.1 Corinthians 7:23, ESV The people group that God assigned you by your birth is in no way a hinderance to believing the gospel and following after the call of Jesus Christ to believe in him. Let him not be circumcised. If a Gentile man became a believer in Jesus the Jewish Messiah, he himself did not have to then become Jewish. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new (2 Corinthians 5:17). In other words, so that we can have by the transformed lives to the gospel lives that are lived obediently to what God is calling us to. In light of the glorious heavenly calling that we have received, our earthly circumstances are in fact rather unimportant. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him Learn more about Desiring God Ways to Follow. To be perpetually mindful of his presence and favor. 8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single, as I am.1 Corinthians 7:8, ESV This was meant for all of Gods people in Christ. This doctrine of effectual calling changes what we expect out of life. Rather, he meant that ones place in the social structure as a slave didnt affect whether or not someone was able to be a follower of Jesus. Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Are we doing this in response of faith and the obedience to Jesus Christ in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in? GOD says, I called you in the middle of an assignment that I had given you, you just werent aware of my presence in that. Were on a mission to change that. We will have confidence when Jesus Christ returns. Amen. Paul is saying that in the new covenant the separation of people groups by national entities is no longer important. 17 Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. There are times where opportunities present themselves to make something different of our circumstances. 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 A Sermon By Scott Lindsay We are continuing this morning in our study of Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, picking up at verse 17 of chapter 7 and working through to verse 24 of that same chapter. Sermon. Now; this fundamental principle is given to us in three verses. Praise God for the total transformation that comes from being a new creation in Christ. 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 April 21, 2002 Intro: Again Paul seems to be alluding to a series of questions presented to him. 19 For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. A life that is lived in faith to Jesus and the way the he appoints for believers to live in. Most people in the world have no experience of lasting joy in their lives. They would find his favor to be life and his loving kindness to be better than life.. God's revealed will for you (the only will you are responsible to obey) is your sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3), not your vocation. You dont have to leave what you are doing; you dont have to quit your job and enter full time vocational ministry. In verses 17-24, we see that Paul applies this principle to all of life. The Bible tells us that there are two elements of this. mThis is my rule in nall the churches. And to give you faith to believe that Jesus became a human being for us and for our salvation, because he lived the perfect righteous life that was required of us and died the cursed death of sinners that we deserved in our place. Bible Study & Sermon Videos; 1 corinthians 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 16:17-18. Understand that ancient slavery, the kind that Paul was familiar with at this time, was very different than the kind of slavery that was practiced in the United States until the Civil War. We are to "remain with God" rather than be bitter about how our life has unfolded and work hard to try to fix it (1 Corinthians 7:17, 24). John Piper Dec 9, 1984. But it's true. In those days, people would often sell themselves into slavery to pay off debts. We're the "church on the hill. We wonder if the grass is greener or if our good shepherd might be leading us to greener pasture syndrome. 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 New American Standard Bible 17 Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this way let him walk. So, what does Paul mean, dont worry about circumcision, just worry about keeping the commands of God. With long-suffering and prayer and humble, exemplary conduct, the believing partner longs to win the unbeliever. He is saying that in the gospel there is an antidote for despair in menial jobs and an antidote for pride in highly esteemed jobs. That speaks of the total transformation of our inner self. How do I bloom where Christ has put me? But it may be, as Jesus predicted in Matthew 10:34ff., that the rebellion and unbelief of the unbelieving spouse will turn Christianity into a sword that severs, instead of a peaceful balm that heals. Understand that this is the glorious gospel of salvation in Christ. There were people that were preaching that in order to be a Christian you had to first be circumcised. He says in verse twenty-two, Notice verse 17, "Let everyone lead the life which the Lord assigned to him, and in which God has called him." Those arent even the right questions to ask.Instead we need to ask how do I serve Christ and others here, right now in these relationships, in these circumstances that God has put me? Christianity is a message that the calling of God transformations whatever you are doing so that you can remain there. My life is to obey God and enjoy his presence.". You have to look at what the scriptures teach, and you have to ask for Gods illumination to see how that relates to what is in front of me. You have to be asking does this person really love Jesus. Responsible Freedom - 1 Corinthians 8:1-13. John 7:1-13, 40-52 Study Guide: What's the Deal with Jesus? They are different from circumstance to circumstance and person to person. You should be able to say to your position, "Never mind. With these other questions since you can take a different job or you can go to a different church, we have to ask harder questions. They are new creations. Then we ask am I obeying? We cant help but repent from our sins and turn to him in faith to accept the faith offered in Jesus Christ. Their sins are completely forgivencast into the sea of Gods pardoning grace. In whatever place of life we were in, at that time when we were called by God to place our faith in Jesus and trust Him as our Savior, we are to remain there as if with God. I have a responsibility to my wife that no one in heaven or earth shares. He is not to become uncircumcised. But this was not the calling Paul had in mind. "The lot is cast in the lap, but the decision is wholly from the Lord" (Proverbs 16:33). 23 You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. But if you translate it as a command to seek freedom, the true point of the passage is obscured. Amen (1 Timothy 1:12-17). Rather, we are to walk as a faithful Christian in the very place of life where God has called us to Himselfand to let Him use us there, in that place, as His witnesses for Christ. You must be white in order to be approved." Confirming the Witness of Christ. Between the top two pieces are verses 18 and 19 where the principle is applied to the issue of circumcision and uncircumcision. We dont pray for an answer but for an illumination. Don't let that be a care to you; but, even if you can become a freedman, rather make use of (your present position)." How do you know if they are good or if you should pursue them? Let me conclude now with some practical implications. And so, the apostle Pauls specific instruction to usthat is, that we remain in the place we were in at the time God called us to Himselfshould be understood to mean that we are not to continue practicing sin. "So brethren," Paul concludes in verse 24, "In whatever state each was called, let him remain with God." And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 (ID: 1640) In 1 Corinthians 7:17-24, Paul called for stability and contentment among believers regardless of their station in life. He also gives us some illustrations of what this principle should look like in some specific cases. All things truly have become new. A brand new inner lifemade gloriously new in Christhas begun. March 17, 1904. How do I sort through my own mixed emotions when Im trying to make decisions on how to live in the various circumstances of my life? Now that they were made new on the inside, did their condition as married people also need to change? But that raises and important and practical question. Let me suggest a few things. Spit-Shine Tomorrow's Sermon Before You Go To Bed Tonight By Rick Malm on March 2, 2023 7 Ways To Keep From Killing Your Message By Carey Nieuwhof on March 1, 2023 People Listen In Different Wayscan You Reach All Of Them? And what we all need to hear is that what lies most on the heart of God is not whether we move from one to the other, but whether in our present work we are enjoying God's promised presence and obeying his commands in the way we do our work. He makes them new creations from their inner-most being, and calls them to walk faithfully with Him in the outer life. Now; Paul doesnt just merely state this principle to us. That's basically what uncircumcision and circumcision stood for. If you have an opportunity to go and follow a different religion that rejects the Lord Jesus Christ, that in sin. Portland OR 97231, Posted by Pastor Greg Allen on January 27, 2019 under 2019 |, Bethany Bible Church Sunday Message; January 27, 2019 from 1 Corinthians 7:17-24. In verse 19, Paul wrote, Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing And we should understand that Paul, in saying this, didnt mean that such things didnt matter. These three statements of Paul's principle divide the text into two parts. Imagine you had the opportunity to work for that person as a low-level staffer at the White House. The second is opportunity, I see this word in verse twenty-one. Look carefully at that phrase as God has distributed to each one. This sermon (1 Corinthians 1: 10 - 17) was preached at West Ewell Evangelical Church, Surrey, on Sunday 15 March 2015. They might be translated slightly differently in your Bible, but we are going to go with the words that ESV has since thats what Im preaching from. We begin to read the Bible with new passion and understanding. For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman." 2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. We should stay where our Lord has called usso long as He has us therebecause thats the place where He wants us to serve as His faithful missionaries to others that are in our life. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. Then he looks to the noble free man and says, "Do not become proud, for in Christ you are a slave. Dont put yourself in slavery because you were brought with a price. Having discussed the principle of staying in the God-ordained relationship of marriage when you become a Christian, Paul now discusses this principle in two other connections. Between the bottom two pieces are verses 2123 where the principle is applied to slavery and freedom. Devote yourself to that with all your heart, and take whatever job you want. 24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.1 Corinthians 7:17-24, ESV We can remain our situations because we abide with God. They may look the same on the outside, but their inner beingtheir spiritis completely transformed. Any date. He makes me lie down in green pastures. We are thankful for this. He is author of. He could have said, "For being a slave is nothing, and being a freedman is nothing, but keeping the commands of God is everything." Seized By Temptation - 1 Corinthians 10:13. Picking Your Fights - 1 Corinthians 9:1-23. Indeed, becoming a slave of the right person could be a career choice. As theyve had to search the scriptures and see the various principles and how the light of Gods word shone into their lives by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We begin to pray about everything. You are not my life. I believe this is the word of God for us today, and I would like to unfold it for a few minutes from 1 Corinthians 7:1724. One of the questions that they asked had to do with their marriages. You are where you are by divine assignment, even if you got there by fraud. He says if you have an opportunity to gain your freedom, avail yourself of that opportunity. The question this morning is do you hear Gods effectual call? A man who lived his life doing very menial tasks and he started this mental, spiritual exercise whereas he was doing menials tasks he tried to remember that he was in the presence of God and spending his life praying. Are you feeling and sensing Jesus Christ drawing you to himself through his spirit? Genesis 5:22-24 Jun 14, 1981. Acknowledging God in every moment of every day in prayer. Then and only then may circumcision (as Paul implies in Romans 2:25) and other cultural distinctives become beautiful, in a very secondary and derivative way as expressions of the obedience of faith. For those principles from your word, for the clear teaching of your word to so saturate everything we think and do that your Holy Spirit can illuminate our responsibilities, our vows, our promises, the needs of others around us in a way that accords with what you have taught in your word. Gods Calling Teaches Us to Abide with God 7 Now concerning the matters about which you wrote: "It is good for a man not to have sexual relations with a woman." 2 But because of the temptation to sexual immorality, each man should have his own wife and each woman her own husband. God can save you and make you clean. Its not quite what Paul is dealing with, but we might as well address it since Paul comes close to the topic. Gods peace gives us comfort in the midst of our tears. Then verse 24, "So, brethren, in whatever state each of you was called, there let him remain with God." First Corinthians 7:17-24 expands on Paul's rule of thumb: that Christians should remain in whatever situation they were in when they came to faith in Christ. Even in there God made a way that he powerfully calls us out of ourselves and open our eyes to see Jesus and how good and glorious and radiant he is. John 7:14-24 Study Guide What's the Deal with Jesus? 20 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. The call of God which puts us into believing, loving fellowship with Jesus is a powerful, effective call that draws us to the Son (John 6:44, 65). Regardless of your circumstances. The first time is in verse 17; where Paul writes, But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk.. We should seek to serve God in whatever situation He places useither now or later. You should not be driven from one by fear or despair, nor allured to the other by wealth or pride. He should not become uncircumcised. Theme: We are to walk as a faithful Christian in the place of life where God has called us to Himself. Am I in the will of God? In the last analysis, nothing else will matter but that. And Paul's answer is: You don't need to abandon your vocation if you can stay in it with God. Its in almost every verse. Look at that word remain in verse twenty. If instead we are looking to serve, theres always opportunity. Your Job as Ministry. 24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.1 Corinthians 7:17-24, ESV It is so important, in fact, that Paul repeats it three times in this short passage. Likewise, Paul also said, Was anyone called while uncircumcised? 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 Live as You Are Called 17 Only let each person lead the life3 lthat the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. 22 For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. 1. How to Survive the Last Days, Part 3 - 1 Corinthians 16:17-24. But as you see, Zacchaeus didnt remain in that sinful lifestyle any longer. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. Stay where you are and obey God. 44:54. All of us are prone to asking whether or not the grass may be greener somewhere than where we are living our lives right now. Now we need to see how Paul applied this principle in his day, and what it means for us today. Encourage my heart when I tend to despair, and humble me when I tend to boast. Our big idea today is this,We can abide in our circumstances because God calls us to abide with him. Paul says you are missing the point, you dont have to worry about the ethnic or national boundaries that existed in the old covenant because the call of Jesus Christ comes to all kinds of people in all kinds of cultures and the call says, follow Jesus where you are. How do we discern the Lords word in our lives? Let him not become uncircumcised. You would not work whenever you please, but you would work at the pleasure of the president, every moment of your life. This is my rule in all the churches. Your job is to search the scriptures and ask how this speaks into the general principles as you are praying for illumination. God had providentially called them from within that particular relationship in order that He might use them as a witness to their unbelieving husband or unbelieving wife. Thats why Paul said that circumcision is nothing, uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.. For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lords freedman. Even so, we know that they are a sinner and you are a sinner. As one commentator, Lenski, writes, Paul is taking the minor idea of these assignments that we have, and he is including them with the major blessing to the call to faith in Jesus Christ.. Not only that, but this translation does not do justice to all the words in the Greek ("even" and "rather") which come out in the alternative translation: "Were you called as a slave? There is no new prophecy, no new words from the Lord, they are already given to us. The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want. So; thats what this principle looks like in relation to outward traditions. Thats the call, our assignments are ultimately irrelevant. 18 Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? In verse 21, he wrote, Were you called while a slave? (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) Paul went on to tell them that, if their unbelieving husband or unbelieving wife resented their new life in Christif they hated their faith so much that they did not want to stay with them any longerthen the believer should allow that unbelieving spouse to go. Paul gives a resounding no in verse 3. As a declaration it would be: How you fulfill the demands of your vocation is an essential part of Christian discipleship. This is all made clear in 1 Corinthians 1. If you are Mexican, don't try to become American; if you are American, don't try to become Mexican.
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