We abide in Christ now, so that when he appears with all his holy angels and all the armies of Heaven, we wont be frightened. I have to think about my actions, what did I do, what didnt I do? And thirdly, I believe we should always strivewherever He has usto be a faithful witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. Literally the verse says, "Let each one remain in the "calling" (not state) in which he was called." Rejoice in the Lord and hope in him and you will be freer than all the anxious nobles." 24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.1 Corinthians 7:17-24, ESV 1 Corinthians 1:1-17 - God Calls Us to Unity - Study and Obey In verse 21, he wrote, Were you called while a slave? We dont need to be so concerned with what we are getting out of life. Paul's first application of the principle is not to vocation, but to circumcision and uncircumcision. He applies it like this: if you were converted as a Gentile, don't try to become a Jew. Lets have enough confidence in Gods call upon us to trust Him in it, and to let Him use it, and to even thank Him for it. . Yet if you are in the condition of a bondservant, understand you dont need to seek a change from that either. If everything on the inside is new, should we then completely get rid of every aspect of the outside life and start over? Stay Where You're Called (1 Corinthians 7:17-24) In the eleventh century, King Henry III of Bavaria grew tired of court life and the pressures of being a monarch. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. Its taking the objective teaching of scriptures and applying it to the specifics of our lives. The Sermon below tackles about the Biblical teachings about marriage, marital relationship and divorce. And if we understand its broad cultural application, it offends all of us. 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. 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.. 4 For the What do the scriptures teach about how God leads and directs the various circumstances in our lives? Now, dear brothers and sisters; how do we apply this principle? Do not be concerned about it. There's the crucial phrase. We have in this congregation nurses, teachers, carpenters, artists, secretaries, bookkeepers, lawyers, receptionists, accountants, social workers, repairmen of various sorts, engineers, office managers, waitresses, plumbers, salesmen, security guards, doctors, military personnel, counselors, bankers, police officers, decorators, musicians, architects, painters, house cleaners, school administrators, housewives, missionaries, pastors, cabinet makers, and many more. Specifically, Paul talks about the divisions between the Jews and the Gentiles. Theme: We are to walk as a faithful Christian in the place of life where God has called us to Himself. Let me give you an illustration of what this might look like. Stay in the relationship you were in when God called you to faith. No, Paul says this is my rule in all the churches. We will have confidence when Jesus Christ returns. Thats why Paul said that circumcision is nothing, uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.. 1 Corinthians 7:17-31. The principle that Paul had already taught in relation to marriage is here mentioned clearly three times. Never mind. Once the person came the sign gave way to a reality. To seek Godly counsel. New Testament Sermons - Sermon Notebook Even so, we know that they are a sinner and you are a sinner. It was to be a follower of the traditions of the Jewish people. In the last analysis, nothing else will matter but that. Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. That was a very important question that was being asked by the Christians in the ancient city of Corinth. Their sins are completely forgivencast into the sea of Gods pardoning grace. Before we can move onto anything else, respond to the call of God in Jesus Christ. The hope of glory when he returns. 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? This idea of effectual calling when we are drawn out of our sin to Jesus Christ, that is included in the assignments in which the calling finds us. a. This is the word of our God for us this morning. When I read in Ephesians five that I need to lay down my life for my wife, I have to think about my conversations with her. These questions plague us.This passage doesnt establish our circumstances as unalterable. This is a very unfashionable teaching in contemporary western society, because it cuts the nerve of worldly ambition. And it assumes that God had been sovereignly working in our lifeall the way up to that point in time at which He called us into a relationship with Himself through the gospel. And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Someone was just as able to be called to God through Christand to live for Jesus just as faithfullyin a state of slavery as much as in a state of freedom. If you have an opportunity to go and follow a different religion that rejects the Lord Jesus Christ, that in sin. You must be white in order to be approved." But the next things that Paul goes on to talk about in verse twenty through twenty-three are vertical boundaries. The question this morning is do you hear Gods effectual call? God can save you and make you clean. We wonder if the grass is greener or if our good shepherd might be leading us to greener pasture syndrome. There was a monk whose name was Brother Lawrence who wrote a booked called, Practicing the Presence of God. Not only the president but anyone at higher rank than you could dump whatever work they wanted to on you. The word of God for all us "success seekers" is this: Take all that ambition and drive that you are pouring into your upward mobility and pour it instead into a spiritual zeal to cultivate an enjoyment of God's presence and obedience to his revealed will in Scripture. 1 Corinthians 7,17-24 - Faithlife Sermons Likewise, Paul also said, Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Preach on topics including unity among believers, immorality, spiritual gifts, the meaning of love, and the certainty of the resurrection. 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). I think we have a great example of this from the Bible. Let me conclude now with some practical implications. In both of those cases, Paul is saying remain in your assignments, whatever they may be as you await the hope of glory when Christ returns. Notice verse 17, "Let everyone lead the life which the Lord assigned to him, and in which God has called him." New practices and habits begin to be embraced. These are our assignments, the relationships that God has given us to live in. Let's all pray before we set out to work: "God, go with me today and keep me conscious of your presence. Then Paul turns in verses 2123 to apply his principle to the issue of whether one is a slave or a freedman. This calling is the Holy Spirit's pull into fellowship with Christ. Hes talking about this calling about what Jesus has done and a calling to believe that what Jesus has done is for me.Let me read you what the Westminster Larger Catechism, Question 67 defines the effectual call as it looks at all the places this word is used in scripture. Bible Study & Sermon Videos; 1 corinthians 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 16:17-18. 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. That is when he invites us to trust in the Lord Jesus through faith. They wrote to the apostle Paul; and they asked him many questions about such things. Were on a mission to change that. So, in verse nineteen Paul says, just to explain this a little further, 1- They seem to be looking to Paul as an example for the Christian life. Sometimes we think of calling in the sense of vocation, but the word calling as Paul uses it has to do with Gods effectual calling. 24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.1 Corinthians 7:17-24, ESV He showed Zacchaeuas love and mercy; and He even went to Zacchaeus house for dinner. So; thats what this principle looks like in relation to outward traditions. You have to be asking does this person really love Jesus. This is my rule in all the churches. We know this not only because of the exceptions Paul allowed to his principle here in 1 Corinthians 7 (cf. Pray with me. In other words, in communion with God this would secure their contentment and happiness. There were some who had forsaken that sign and who had become uncircumcised. by Alistair Begg. He used circumcision and slavery as illustrations to describe God's sovereignty over the social and religious barriers of his day. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:1-7. Its not that we have a different Bible and the infallible word of God is just open to interpretation. Paul is saying that circumcision has nothing to do with this. 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. All of us, in whatever assignments we find ourselves, we are the slaves of Jesus Christ and that transcends any worldly employment or assignment. 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. It will transform and transcend everything else you do. Follow Desiring God on Facebook . #1Corinthians 7:17-24 | Sermon Outlines Prepare your messages on God's Word in 1 Corinthians with sermon outlines or an . Respond to Gods effectual call through faith in Jesus. Those that He has called to Himself by faith in Jesus were chosen by Him for that relationship long before they were ever born. Zacchaeus became a new creation by faith in Jesus. But Paul was urging that this was not at all necessary for a believing Jewish person to do. 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). 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. 1 corinthians 7 17 24, Sermon series on 1 corinthians 7 17 24, Sermon The Bible tells you to love your neighbor as yourself and that looks different in different relationships. In Corinth, there was a grave danger facing a girl who had reached the age of marriage. What matters is whether we are being encouraged and humbled by the presence of God. During dinner, he stood up and said. But otherwise, the believer is to remain in the place where God had called them to Himself; and they should continue walking faithfully with Him there, and allow Him to use them as His witnesses for the kingdom of Jesus. Do you notice how he was able to say how thankful he was for his calling? Your job is your ministerial assignment, just as much as mine is. "Were you a slave when called? 1 Corinthians 7:17 Sermons: Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one When Paul says in verse 17, "Let everyone lead the life . By Leslie Holmes on February 28, 2023 15 Outstanding Quotes To Recharge Your Preaching 1 Corinthians 7:19, ESV Romans 4:1-5 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? We begin to treat our daily responsibilities and duties more seriously. But their husbands or wives had not done so. Not for an answer, but for the wisdom that other believers, who are further along in the faith perhaps, have gained through the Holy Spirits illumination in their lives as they have been faced with similar questions. You dont need an objective ruling, you need illumination. That was about the most offensive thing Paul could say to a Jew: Circumcision is nothing. They were believers who now, suddenly, found themselves married to non-believers. Any duration. Please place your trust in Him. . I think it is true in the final analysis that this is not an absolute prohibition of accepting freedom, anymore that verse 18 was an absolute prohibition of circumcision. That speaks of the total transformation of our inner self. A- He has discussed marriage and divorce. You are called in whatever assignment you find yourself to abide with God through faith in Christ. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. Another example in verses 1216 is the question, What should we do if one marriage partner puts his or her faith in Christ but the other doesn't? Second, I suggest that we should always be flexible to change. 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. Sermon Your Job as Ministry Jun 14, 1981 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 John Piper Article The Spiritual Power of Staying Put Why Christians Are Slow to Leave Jan 19, 2023 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 Scott Hubbard Article The Best Form of Slavery Feb 11, 2012 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:22 John Piper Article We pray. The "called" are not all who hear the preaching, but those who receive it as wisdom. Do you remember the story of Zacchaeus the tax collector in Luke 19? We start seeking out fellowship with other Christians. But that is not the way Paul has used it eight out of the nine times it occurs in this paragraph. So I command in all the churches. The moment any woman or man or young person places their faith in Jesus Christ, they become completely born-again in Him. He says if you have an opportunity to gain your freedom, avail yourself of that opportunity. As Richard Hayes writes, To be the slave of a powerful master could be an honorable station. 18 Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? All of those things are, by the providence of God, a part of our callingin the very midst of which He calls us into a relationship with Jesus. John 5:1-18 Study Guide: Do You Want to be Healed? Thats why slave of Christ, in verse twenty-two, could be an honorable designation suggested a position of some authority.. And so I direct in all the churches. Let him not seek circumcision. Some Jewish men made themselves Hellenisticthat is, members of Greek cultureby doing so. Now, Paul is then drawing the application of this point to probably one of the most difficult circumstances to find yourself in, that of a bondservant, a slave. 1) God put us here. So in answer to their question, he told them no. Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? You are where you are by divine assignment, even if you got there by fraud. 21 Were you a bondservant when called? Sermon Discipleship is a Process by Brian Bill. This sermon (1 Corinthians 1: 10 - 17) was preached at West Ewell Evangelical Church, Surrey, on Sunday 15 March 2015. Why You Should Preach This Book. Do you have to become a member of a different people group? This is my rule in all the churches. I think that the greatest explanation of what Paul meant is found in Romans 2. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:22-24. 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. Many of them had lived very sinful lifestyles. March 17, 1904. For the Church | FTC Preaching Guide: 1 Corinthians You are not my life. 1 Corinthians 7:17-24: Christianity and Staves: E. Hurndall : 1 Corinthians 7:20-24: Pulpit Commentary Homiletics. Paul himself was a devoted Jewish man; and becoming a follower of Jesus didnt mean that he had to abandon the traditions of his fathers. This is actually a remarkable thing, if you were a Jew, one of the primary things you were called to do was to be circumcised. And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. In verse twenty-four Paul tells us what is means to abide with God. "Each Has His Own Gift from God" (1 Corinthians 7:1-9) 1 Corinthians. Its in that context that you can serve your master, because you arent serving your master suddenly you are in an assignment where the calling of Jesus Christ is intersected. And again, he says the same thing in verse 24; Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called. Literally, the apostle Paul wrote, In whatever you were called, brethren, in this remain before God. And note carefully the manner in which Paul tells us to remain in that calling; that is, with God. This is a word that is so often translated in the gospel of John and the letters of John as the word abide. Gods call transforms and transcends us, as one commentator writes, in all of the circumstances that we find ourselves in. But if it is not sinful place of lifeif it is not a place that is in violation of Gods clear commandmentsthen we are to remain there and let God work through us. Remain, if you are free as you are. God left them to remain in that very situation so that they might also have a godly influence upon their children. Don't let that be a care to you; but, even if you can become a freedman, rather make use of (your present position)." If you are married and you have an opportunity to divorce your spouse and go after someone else, the Bible tells you that is sin and you may not do it. 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. If we are always trying to discern if we are getting what we need, we will never be content. Understand that this is the glorious gospel of salvation in Christ. Rather, he simply meant that in terms of a saving relationship with God through Christ, those things are not what is important. Those are the vertical, the authority, differentials. We say, white is beautiful, black is beautiful, red is beautiful, yellow is beautiful; therefore, don't try to switch cultures. 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. But before we can understand either of these applications, we need to clarify a key word in the principle itself. But Paul deepens our understanding with a new theological reason. Here begins our text in 1 Corinthians 7:17. And now, as we continue our study in 1 Corinthians 7, we find that this was not just a principle meant only for marriage. Look carefully at that phrase as God has distributed to each one. My life is to obey God and enjoy his presence.". 20 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. He says in verse twenty-two, They had clearly been transformed on the inside; and there were many changes that were happening on the outside too. 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. But that raises and important and practical question. But how much of these things on the outside needed to change? Part 2: The Truth from God, John 7:37-39 Study Guide: What's the Deal with Jesus? Seek the illumination of the Holy Spirit as you evaluate assignments and opportunities. We cant help but repent from our sins and turn to him in faith to accept the faith offered in Jesus Christ. One of the most amazing and encouraging verses in the Bible is 2 Corinthians 5:17. You dont have to leave what you are doing; you dont have to quit your job and enter full time vocational ministry. 1 Corinthians 7:24 - Bible Hub This is the second principle that Paul goes on to say is that what the gospel does is undercut the very foundation upon which chattel-based slavery, possession-based slavery rests. Therefore, when Paul says in 1 Corinthians 7:17, 20, and 24 that we should remain and live with God in the state in which we were called, he means: Remain in the state you were in when you were converted, when you were drawn by God into believing, loving fellowship with his Son. The most important thing is your faith and obedience and keeping the commandments of God.