1 Cor. Bible Study 1 Cor. 7:17-24

Walking in the Realities of God’s Calling

1 Cor. 7:17-24

1 Corinthians 7:17–24 NKJV

17 But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches. 18 Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. 20 Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. 21 Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. 22 For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.

Prayer

Message

There is a tendency in us to easily forget that prior to us receiving Christ as Lord and Savior, that before the foundations of the world God has been at work in our lives. And before during and after that wooing, that calling and ultimate salvation, God is providentially at work in us and around us. Meaning that if we understand the sovereignty of God and that He is at work in and around us, we quickly realize that we are not where we are, we are not in the set of circumstances, we did not pursue the degree, we do not make our livelihoods by accident, we are not married to the person we are married to by accident, we do not have the children God has given us by accident, etc. In all of our life’s dynamics, God has been at work the whole time.

The reason we need to understand that important truth is that we need to understand that we are to walk with God in the midst of His sovereignty and the call He has upon our lives.God’s sovereignty places us in circumstances, and we are called to live in those circumstances unless they conflict with His will for our lives.

1. God’s Sovereignty in Our Calling vv. 17-20

1 Corinthians 7:17–20“17 But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches. 18 Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. 20 Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called.”

Key verse: 1 Corinthians 7:17 “17 But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches.”

God has sovereignly distributed roles, talents, and relationships in our lives. Our circumstances are not accidental but divinely appointed opportunities to glorify Him.

God's Sovereignty in Life Circumstances

Paul is addressing the Corinthian church's questions about relationships, marriage, and life circumstances after conversion. The principle in verse 17 is part of his encouragement for believers to remain in their current situation unless it involves sin or is incompatible with their faith. This teaching highlights God's sovereignty and purpose in every aspect of life.

Paul reminds the Corinthians that God is not only sovereign over their salvation but also over the circumstances of their lives before they came to faith. The skills, relationships, and professions they had prior to conversion are not accidents; they were part of God's preparatory work in their lives.

Calling and Conversion

Paul uses the term "calling" not just to refer to salvation but also to one's station or role in life. While salvation transforms the heart and life, it does not necessitate abandoning one’s station (e.g., marriage, profession) unless it is inherently sinful or obstructs living faithfully for Christ.

God’s Glory in Our Current Circumstances

The call to “walk as the Lord has assigned” suggests believers should honor God in their existing relationships and vocations. Whether in marriage, work, or social standing, these are avenues where God can be glorified as His redemptive work transforms the believer.

Issues with Sinful Lifestyles

if one's lifestyle involves sin or directly conflicts with Christ's teaching, then repentance and change are necessary. Paul is not advocating complacency but a recognition that God has a purpose for where and how we live.

How have you seen God’s hand in shaping your life circumstances, even before you became a believer?

Examples and Illustrations:

Biblical: Joseph's journey from being a slave to a ruler (Genesis 50:20) shows how God can use life circumstances for His purposes.

Genesis 50:20 “20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”

Practical: A believer in a secular workplace might see it as a mission field, demonstrating Christ’s love and integrity in their vocation.

We are to view life circumstances as part of God’s plan. God is actively involved in every aspect of life and that His call to faith doesn’t erase the gifts, relationships, or positions He’s already orchestrated—it redeems and redirects them for His glory. Dear church, see your current lives as God-ordained opportunities for faithfulness and transformation.

There are several scriptures that remind us of the providential hand of God at work in our lives.

God’s Work before your Creation

Psalm 139:13-16 "For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when as yet there were none of them."

This passage emphasizes that God’s hand is actively involved in the formation of every person, even before they are born.

Jeremiah 1:5 "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."

God’s calling and purpose for Jeremiah were established before his birth, underscoring God’s intentionality.

God’s Work before your Conversion

Ephesians 2:10 "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

God prepared good works for us to do even before we came to faith, demonstrating His providential plan.

Romans 8:28-30 "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified."

God’s foreknowledge and predestination show that He has been orchestrating events in the lives of believers even before they come to faith.

God’s Sovereign Design and Plan for Each Person

Proverbs 16:9 "A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps."

Even when we make plans, it is ultimately God who guides and orchestrates our path.

Job 31:15 "Did not He who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same One fashion us in the womb?"

This verse highlights God’s role as the Creator, shaping every person with intention and care.

God’s Providence in Life and Circumstances

Psalm 37:23-24 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholds him with His hand."

God directs the steps of His people, showing His ongoing involvement in their lives.

Philippians 1:6 "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."

God’s work in a believer’s life begins before conversion and continues throughout their lifetime.

What unique opportunities has your current station in life provided for serving God and others?

Illustration:

Modern-Day Example: A teacher might initially view their job as a career choice, but after coming to Christ, they see their classroom as a mission field to model integrity and compassion.

Biblical Example: Consider Esther’s placement as queen “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14 ),

Esther 4:14 “14 For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?””

showing God’s sovereignty in positioning us for His purposes.

Acts 17:26–28 “26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’”

Reflect on where God has placed you and how you can walk faithfully in that calling.

Pray for wisdom to see your current roles as opportunities for glorifying God.

2. Faithfulness Over Circumstance (v. 21-22)

Key Verse: "Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it." (v. 21)

Teaching:

Paul emphasizes that one’s spiritual freedom in Christ transcends earthly circumstances.Whether slave or free, the believer’s primary identity is in Christ, and faithfulness is key, regardless of external status.

Open-Ended Questions:

How do you view your current role or status in life—through the lens of God’s purposes or worldly comparison?What does it mean to find true freedom in Christ, even if your circumstances are challenging?

Illustration:

Modern-Day Example: A believer stuck in a difficult job might struggle with discontentment, but realizing that God can use them in that role changes their perspective.

Biblical Example: Joseph served faithfully as a slave and prisoner, trusting God’s purpose (Genesis 39:21-23).

Cross References:

Galatians 5:1: Christ has set us free; live in that freedom.

Galatians 5:1 NKJV

1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.

Learning contentment in every situation.

Philippians 4:11–13 “11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: 12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Application:

Instead of longing for different circumstances, focus on how you can glorify God where you are.

If opportunities for change arise (e.g., freedom from slavery in v. 21), embrace them, but always prioritize faithfulness.

3. Christ Transforms Our Identity and Purpose (v. 23-24)

Key Verse: "You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men." (v. 23)

Teaching:

Our identity is rooted in Christ, who purchased us with His blood. This frees us from the ultimate power of earthly systems and opinions. As Christ’s servants, we are called to live for His glory in every aspect of life.

Open-Ended Questions:

What does it mean to live as someone “bought at a price”?How can focusing on your identity in Christ help you navigate the pressures of modern life?

Illustration:

Modern-Day Example: A Christian struggling with people-pleasing realizes their worth isn’t tied to human approval but to Christ’s sacrifice.

Biblical Example: Paul himself embraced his identity as a “slave of Christ” (Romans 1:1), finding joy and purpose in serving God.

Cross References:

1 Peter 2:9-10: We are a chosen people, called to declare God’s praises.2 Corinthians 5:17: In Christ, we are a new creation.

Application:

Recognize your ultimate allegiance is to Christ, not worldly expectations.Consider practical ways to let your identity in Christ shape your decisions, relationships, and outlook.

Closing Challenge

Reaffirm the Main Idea: God’s sovereignty, faithfulness, and transformative power are at work in every believer’s life.Ask the congregation: “Where is God calling you to be faithful in your current circumstances? How can you trust His sovereignty and live for His glory right where you are?”