Serving God As We Are Called

I Corinthians 7:17-23

The New Testament passage from this week’s Lectionary readings is a more obscure one from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth.  Here in the church in Corinth, as well as in many other churches Paul had helped to establish, there were groups of people who came in, telling the new Gentile believers that they couldn’t truly be saved unless they became circumcised and followed other Jewish laws, such as the dietary laws (vs. 18).  Paul addresses this concern here, as he did in many other of his letters in the New Testament (Romans 4:9-11; Galatians 5:1-6; Colossians 2:11, and in Acts 15).  After Jesus’s death circumcision was no longer necessary as a sign of faith in God.

Obeying God is more important than observing traditional ceremonies (vs. 19). Keeping of the Old Testament laws is not what saves anyone, rather having faith in the Lord Jesus as one’s Savior does.  Though these groups tried to spread this heresy, the early church leaders clearly stated that Gentiles were not required to become circumcised, nor were they required to follow any other Old Testament religious laws.  Culture, social order, and external ceremony have no bearing on spiritual life.  What matters is faith and obedience to God. He wants obedience far more than adherence to religious regulations (I Samuel 15:22).

Earlier in this chapter of Corinthians there were some who were concerned about whether or not they were married, and how that might affect their service for the Lord.  Paul states here that believers should live as they are called.  Married or not, circumcised or not, whatever social situation or in whatever job, accept the position that God has placed you in, and be content to serve Him there until He leads you elsewhere (vs. 20).  Every job we hold can become a type of Christian work.  The purpose of our life is to honor, serve, and speak out for Jesus.  God has placed you where you are.  Look for opportunities to serve Him there.

At the time of the New Testament slavery was quite common throughout the world, including in the Roman empire, where Paul was living and spreading the Gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ.  In our passage today Paul is not approving of the institution of slavery (vs. 21-23).  It was an established fact, and he was in no position to abolish it.  In these verses, Paul was teaching that a person who was a slave could still obey and honor Christ (Ephesians 6:5-8; Colossians 3:22; I Timothy 6:1-2).

Many slaves in that day became believers in the Lord Jesus, and continued to serve their masters faithfully, giving a strong witness by their life and service. They were free in the Lord (vs. 22).  There is no bondage that is as terrible as the one of sin.  A freed man can be a slave to the ways of men, the ways of the world, or the flesh.  To Paul that was of more concern.  Being a slave of Satan and of sin is ultimately, in the long run, much worse than being a slave of a person.

Today most countries have officially abolished slavery.  The principles would still apply, though, for employees and employers. How well do we serve our bosses at work?  We can still give a good witness and testimony there.  Serve the Lord well in whatever place in life He has called us.