Staying put in an ever changing world
Introduction
Continuing in 1 Cor 7 – we have considered singleness and marital intimacy, marriage and divorce
Now v17-24 which is all about staying put in a changing world
Life is in a state of change – examples
We cannot rely on our homes, our money, our government
Our hope is in God and our citizenship is in heaven
What really matters is keeping the commands of God
The Corinthians lived in a time of political uncertainty and persecution
1 Cor 7:26 – present distress
1 Cor 7:29-31 – have a light hold on things
Don’t live for the things of the world
Looking at v17-24 – life in an uncertain world
Accept your calling
Keeping the commands of God
Live as those bought at a price
Accept your calling
v17, 20, 24
Remain in your calling – this refers back to earlier verses
Be a Christian were you are
Example of Cliff Richard, Dan Walker
Honour God and keep His commands
Becoming a Christian
A mighty spiritual change – you are no longer a slave of sin but to please Jesus Christ
You have been given a new heart
Not a social change – examples
Be who you are in Christ and keep the commands of God
“but” – referring to what has been said before (v17)
Do not leave a non-Christian spouse
(but) if the spouse has left you then do not try to go back
A command from God (v17)
‘Now’
Don’t look at the Greek or Roman world and forget your Jewish identity (v18)
Do not wish you were part of another culture – accept your own Nationality and culture
Don’t look towards the Jews and seek to be more like them (in circumcision)
The status of circumcision is irrelevant (v19) – don’t let your cultural background define you
What defines you is that you are in Christ and keeping His commandments
The world looks for anything that can better itself – it is never content
Do not be discontent
Be content with such things that you have
Example from Alistair Begg
Be content in God whatever your circumstances
Keeping the commands of God (v19)
What really matters is keeping the commands of God
Quote from Solomon in Ecclesiastes
Quote from Jesus Christ “If you love me – keep my commandments”
John 15:14
Very challenging
Loving God and loving your neighbour as yourself
Gal 5:6
Quote from Spurgeon
Live as those bought at a price (v23)
God bought us at such cost
Explanation
We do not live to please men
We follow Christ
1 Pet 2:9
1 Cor 6:20, 7:23
Roman slavery (v21-22)
Slavery was rife in the Roman world – but we belong to Christ
Slaves could hold many privileged positions but have an owner
Slavery in Roman times is not how we would think about slavery today
If you can gain your freedom – do so
Do not think of yourselves as a slave to man but having liberty as the Lord’s freedman
Example of Joseph, Paul
We belong to God – even those who were free / had no master
Do not become slaves of men (v23)
Be submissive and serve others
Resist things that are wrong – examples
Stay as you are (v24)