I Corinthians 7: 17-24
Paul here takes a couple of paragraphs to press one point: Don't make any drastic life changes just because you became a Christian.
Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And so I direct in all the churches.
Just as you were when God called you, this is where you are.
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.
Circumcision was a strong sticking point to the Jewish believers in that day to get unstuck from. Circumcision is a cutting of the flesh. Jesus said that the Earthly flesh was worth nothing spiritually, because life itself is spiritual (John 6:63). So whether a man is circumcised or not makes no difference in whether he is saved or not.
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God.
This is because the flesh counts for nothing spiritually. Our thinking processes are the spiritual working through our physical brains, and how we think determines our attitudes and how we will or will not obey God. This is what God looks at.
Each man must remain in that condition in which he was called.
Paul says it again, whatever state you are in when you are saved, don't try to change those things right away.
Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that.
Even if you were a slave when you got saved, just try to be a better slave. Don't worry about it. But if you can obtain your freedom, go ahead. Then you will have more freedom to work for the Lord.
For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord's freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ's slave.
Here's one of God's paradoxes: a slave is God's freedman and a free man is God's slave. God just doesn't see the way we do, does He?
You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.
Jesus paid for all of us when His blood was poured out by the soldier's spear. He bought us, we are His property and possession. We are His.
Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called.
Here's the third time he says it. So if you were circumcised, a slave, or married to a spouse when God saved you; then don't try to get out of it just because you're a Christian now.
This passage comes in the middle of Paul's chapter on family relationships, so it also applies to marriage and families.
The focus today is not on circumcision or slavery, but the marriage and family question is on everyone's mind. This portion of Paul's letter instructs us here.
The rest of this chapter continues to address answers to questions they had asked him about family circumstances.
O my Father, please teach all of us how to untangle the twisted and complicated situations people find themselves in today. Show us how to compassionately smooth out rough places in our relationships, and draw us ever closer to Yourself in our following Your ways in our attitudes and actions.
Father, You are so good and wise, and You have seen how we would get our societies so messed up. But You know the way out of all the confusion; please lead us out, into the simplicity of Your ways. Teach us how to be still (settle down, relax) and know that You have us in Your hand.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
