But their husbands or wives had not done so. Genesis 5:22-24 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. For 33 years, he served as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota. You should not be driven from one by fear or despair, nor allured to the other by wealth or pride. Now, dear brothers and sisters; how do we apply this principle? To what degree should the outside be changed? Fourth, and finally, this text implies that the job you now have, as long as you are there, is God's assignment to you. Let him not become uncircumcised. To be circumcised, of course, was to bear upon ones self the covenant sign of Israel. 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. This is why we look for a word of the Lord, you dont need a word from the Lord, you already have it. 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. 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. Praise God for the total transformation that comes from being a new creation in Christ. In other words, in communion with God this would secure their contentment and happiness. Bible Study & Sermon Videos; 1 corinthians 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 16:17-18. They may look the same on the outside, but their inner beingtheir spiritis completely transformed. Likewise, Paul also said, Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Are you single, married? Some Jewish men made themselves Hellenisticthat is, members of Greek cultureby doing so. An opportunity we are going to see is a lawful and properly available path where we might change our circumstances. Look, Lord, I give half of my goods to the poor; and if I have taken anything from anyone by false accusation, I restore fourfold. And Jesus said to him, Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham; for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:8-10). That has to do with our outward mode of lifethe place of life in this world that God has granted to us. Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called (vv. Quietness Of Spirit . 24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.1 Corinthians 7:24, ESV. 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. March 17, 1904. Likewise, he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. 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. 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. What did I say, what didnt I say? John 5:19-29 Study Guide: Jesus Gives Life, John 5:30-47 Study Guide: The Scriptures Point to Me, John 6:22-40 Study Guide: I am the Bread of Life, John 6:41-59 Study Guide: Jesus Addresses the Skeptics. That was about the most offensive thing Paul could say to a Jew: Circumcision is nothing. Jesus said, Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all of these things will be added to you. He was talking about food and clothing, but we get anxious about our life situations too. You would be functionally a slave, yet what an honorable position working for that great politician. He told them; If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. For many of us that may mean turning over a new leaf tomorrow morning. They are new creations. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. During dinner, he stood up and said. Then he looks to the noble free man and says, "Do not become proud, for in Christ you are a slave. It was like picking up a part time job to pay off a credit card bill, except you did give away your freedom to do this. mThis is my rule in nall the churches. In verse 23, Paul said, You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. And that is the true condition of a new creation in Christ, whether they are a slaves or freedmen. There are times when we should avail ourselves of opportunities. As a tax collector, he was a sinful man. This doctrine of effectual calling changes what we expect out of life. What wonderful news that is! 19 For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God.1 Corinthians 7:17-19, ESV The opportunities may arise and if so, you are free to take them as long as its to a good thing. 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. Indeed, becoming a slave of the right person could be a career choice. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24. It may be that He calls us to that place for the initial stages of our walk with Him; and all so that He can train us for what He has for us in the future. The calling of God hits you right there and you are no longer dead in your sins and trespasses, but by the grace of the Holy Spirit your eyes are opened to the goodness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Were you called while a slave? Do they love Jesus in a way that through the challenges of life they will never be a hinderance to following Jesus? What should we be saying? 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. Do you have to become a member of a different people group? What Paul was doing was showing that obedience to the commands of God is so much more important than any cultural distinctives, that the mere changing of these distinctives should be of no importance whatever to the Christian. Is this fulfilling my personal goals and aspirations? Romans 3:23 - 24: "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Never mind." The word "calling" here refers to vocation or station in life. The third word is calling or called, and we see this all over this passage. b. There were some Jewish Christians who insisted on that, however. Understand that this is the glorious gospel of salvation in Christ. 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. What he is talking about here is the situation that a believer, someone who has been called to faith in Jesus Christ and has responded with saving, justifying faith to the call of God, that we believers are called to live a life where we are living in a way that is defined to us by the word of God. God alone rules each circumstance of life. 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. . This is a very important principle. Do not be concerned about it Paul didnt mean, of course, that it was a matter of indifference that someone was a slave. 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? We should seek to serve God in whatever situation He places useither now or later. 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). Now; Paul doesnt just merely state this principle to us. Circumcision was an old covenant symbol and the purpose of the picture was to point to a person, the person of Jesus Christ and out of the Jewish circumcised people came the Lord Jesus Christ. Then verse 24, "So, brethren, in whatever state each of you was called, there let him remain with God." The things we used to love to do, we no longer want to do. They were called into a relationship with Jesus Christ from the midst of a sinful culture. To seek Godly counsel. verse 15), but also because Scripture depicts and approves such changes. And in this vocation or station in life another calling comes from God. ", 18245 NW Germantown Road All Sermons Bible Studies Devotionals Prayers. 22 For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? This is my rule in all the churches. But Jesus came by one day and paid a call on Zacchaeus. We know this not only because of the exceptions Paul allowed to his principle here in 1 Corinthians 7 (cf. Christianity is a message that the calling of God transformations whatever you are doing so that you can remain there. Remain, if you are free as you are. There is no new prophecy, no new words from the Lord, they are already given to us. Never mind. 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. When Jesus said in Matthew 22:14, "Many are called, but few are chosen," he referred to the world-wide call of the gospel which many people hear and reject to their own doom. All things truly have become new. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 Denomination: Baptist God's Word About Sex, Divorce, & Singleness Series Contributed by A. Todd Coget on Mar 6, 2003 based on 27 ratings | 5,976 views The purpose of this sermon is to teach God's Word about these areas and inspire obedience to it. Their condition as married people did not need to change. God would not call us in Christ to remain in a continually sinful lifestyle or to carry on sinful practices. And do you remember what Zacchaeus did? 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. God left them to remain in that very situation so that they might also have a godly influence upon their children. But how much of these things on the outside needed to change? And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. 1 Corinthians 7:19, ESV Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:1-7. . Let's all pray before we set out to work: "God, go with me today and keep me conscious of your presence. 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. It does not condemn all job changes. 24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.1 Corinthians 7:17-24, ESV The early church lifted up the single lifestyle. 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. 1 Corinthians 6:1-8 Study Guide: Why Not Rather Be Cheated? The Time is Short "The time is short." 1 Corinthians vii. 4 For the And to a certain degree, that new inner life also has an impact on the outer life. But Paul deepens our understanding with a new theological reason. Sermon Discipleship is a Process by Brian Bill. God can save you and make you clean. 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? I have to ask for the illumination to understand the objective teaching of scripture, does that line up with this situation? 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). Were on a mission to change that. For example, when Jesus when off to pray in the Garden of Gethsemane, he told his disciples abide here while I go to pray. The idea was wait here until I come back. 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. Why You Should Preach This Book. Picking Your Fights - 1 Corinthians 9:1-23. 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? 19 For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. (All Scripture is taken from The New King James Version, unless otherwise indicated). (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) He may call us to Himself while we are in a place of sin; but He then leads us to live for Him outside that place of sin. When we read this and we have to ask, okay I have this job opportunity in front of me. This is my rule in all the churches. Paul's first application of the principle is not to vocation, but to circumcision and uncircumcision. Your job is your ministerial assignment, just as much as mine is. Paul intended this to be a fundamental principle for all people who have put their faith in Jesus Christ and have become new creations in Him. Let him not seek circumcision. God used Pauls place of calling mightily. It declares to us how much it is that Jesus transforms the life of whoever trusts in Him. That was a very important question that was being asked by the Christians in the ancient city of Corinth. In Corinth, there was a grave danger facing a girl who had reached the age of marriage. It is no accident that you are where you are. so it be allowed, having put her away, to marry another. The moment any woman or man or young person places their faith in Jesus Christ, they become completely born-again in Him. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. 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. Amen. His concern is not to condemn job changes, but to teach that you can have fulfillment in Christ whatever your job is. You have to be asking does this person really love Jesus. Old sinful habits and practices begin to be set aside. Thats the most important thing. God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in him Learn more about Desiring God Ways to Follow. The calling of life has been provided by nothing less than the blood of Jesus Christ and the faith that he gives us by the Holy Spirit. 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. The Bible doesnt say yes it will or no it wont. We dont pray for an answer but for an illumination. The idea of abiding in a situation while you are awaiting something bigger, we see most clearly in 1 John 2:28 Text: Romans 4:1-5, 13-17. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Were not automatically required to move out of our neighborhoods.
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1 corinthians 7:17 24 sermon