1 Corinthians 7:17-24
17 Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this way let him walk. And so I direct in all the churches.
18 Was any man called when he was already circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? He is not to be circumcised.
19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God.
20 Each person is to remain in that state in which he was called.
21 Were you called as a slave? Do not let it concern you. But if you are also able to become free, take advantage of that.
22 For the one who was called in the Lord as a slave, is the Lord’s freed person; likewise the one who was called as free, is Christ’s slave.
23 You were bought for a price; do not become slaves of people.
24 Brothers and sisters, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called.
The Walk According to God’s Call
Remain in the state in which he was called
In 1 Corinthians 7:15, Paul wrote, “God has called us in peace.” Therefore, in today’s passage he discusses the relationship between a life of peace and God’s calling. The principle is this: “Each person is to remain in the state in which he was called.” Applied specifically, this principle means the following. (1) Whether a person was a Jew or a Gentile when called is not the issue. If he was circumcised, he should not seek to remove the marks of circumcision; if he was uncircumcised, he should not be circumcised. Whether one is circumcised or uncircumcised is of no importance. What matters is the new birth and keeping the commandments of God. (2) Whether a person was a slave or a free man is also not the issue. This does not mean that Paul approved of slavery. As evidence of this, he teaches, “But if you are also able to become free, take advantage of that.” Paul gave higher priority to preserving order and avoiding anarchy than to achieving social equality. The maintenance of peaceful order is a prerequisite for the continuation of the work of the gospel.
The Christian freedom
The truth that is of decisive importance for Christians is this: “You were bought for a price; do not become slaves of people.” Standing upon this truth enables us to view the issues of this world from a new perspective. (1) Christian freedom includes two realities: being set free from all things and becoming a slave of Christ for the sake of love. (2) On the basis of this truth, Paul makes a remarkable statement: the slave is the Lord’s freedman, and the free person is Christ’s slave. Therefore, it is good to serve God in the condition in which you were called. God has placed you where you are now for a purpose. What does it mean to glorify God in the place where He has placed you? Take time to meditate on this.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling me as one who is free. Please help me to walk as a slave of Christ. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.