1 Corinthians-Imperfect Church, Perfect Gospel-Living Out Your Calling

Introduction

Good Morning! Welcome to the 1st Sunday of 2025!

Hard to believe we are saying that! 2024 was an absolute blur! But we are looking forward to what God is DOING and going to DO here at NMC!

We are going to continue in our series in 1 Corinthians, Imperfect Church, Perfect Gospel with a message that I think is very timely for the first Sunday of the new year!

Because as we enter this new year as a church family, we will ALL have the opportunity to put into practice the principles that we are going to look at today!

The title of my message this morning is Living Out Your Calling

Turn in your bibles to 1 Corinthians 7.

As we have so clearly seen in the preceding chapters, following Jesus has far reaching implications for our lives!

Allegiance to Christ has implications for our life goals and our interaction with community, authority, marriage, sexuality, singleness, and so much more!

Paul has addressed all of these subjects within this letter to the Corinthians, and we are able to draw principles and commands from them for us!

And now, in our text today, Paul is going to answer a question that was previously asked by the Corinthians

And we will turn our attention to the same ever gripping question that is for ALL OF US TODAY!

HOW DOES KNOWING JESUS AFFECT WHO I AM AND WHAT IM DOING?

And If you think about it, this question and how we answer it will have a MASSIVE impact on how we live our lives and how our lives affect the people around us!

BECAUSE IN REALITY, THIS ENTIRE QUESTION COMES DOWN TO THE ROOT ISSUE OF IDENTITY! AND OUR IDENTITY AFFECTS EVERYTHING ABOUT OUR LIVES.

And if you are a follower of Jesus in here today, and your identity is found in HIM, you have been given a call from God

That call can look different for different people but we all have 1 similar call.

That call is that EACH one of us are to live out our faith in every situation of our lives, OUR FAITH TRANSCENDS OUR CIRCUMSTANCES!

And in doing this we will find freedom and purpose in where we find ourselves currently, through our identity in Christ.

The question still remains, how do we do this? Right?

The statement is a very easy one to make, (OUR FAITH TRANSCENDS OUR CIRCUMSTANCES) HOWEVER, when it comes to living this out and PRACTICING it THIS CAN BE EXTREMELY TOUGH!

Our text this morning should help us gain some clarity and give us some practical ways to help us practice LIVING A FAITH THAT TRANSCENDS OUR CIRCUMSTANCES!

Lets stand together as we read the word of God 1 Corinthians 7:17-25.

In the bustling heart of a large tech company, a young software engineer named Melanie quietly lived out her faith, demonstrating the love of Jesus through her work ethic, integrity, and genuine care for her colleagues. Though she never explicitly preached, her consistent commitment to doing the right thing, even when it was difficult, became a beacon for others, subtly influencing the atmosphere around her. Melanie was known for her meticulous attention to detail, always going the extra mile to ensure her projects were of the highest quality. When deadlines loomed, she would often stay late to help out teammates, never once complaining or seeking recognition. Her colleagues noticed her unwavering dedication and began to trust her implicitly, seeking her advice on technical challenges and even personal matters. One particularly stressful project, where team members were under immense pressure, Melanie took the initiative to organize informal "de-stress" sessions, encouraging open communication and fostering a sense of camaraderie. She would often bring in homemade treats and share personal stories, subtly weaving in her faith-based perspective on resilience and perseverance. This unexpected act of kindness sparked a wave of support within the team, helping them navigate through the demanding project.Melanie's leadership style, rooted in her Christian values, was characterized by empathy and a genuine desire to see others succeed. When a coworker was struggling with a personal issue impacting their work, Melanie discreetly reached out, offering a listening ear and practical support. She never pushed her faith, but her actions spoke volumes, showing that she truly cared about her colleagues as individuals, not just as coworkers. Over time, Melanie's positive influence began to ripple through the company.New hires, observing her work ethic and compassionate demeanor, were inspired to emulate her behavior. Some even started asking her about her faith, opening up conversations about her beliefs without any pressure. Although Melanie never held a formal leadership position, her quiet example of Christian living in the workplace became a powerful testament to the impact of faith in everyday life. She demonstrated that living faithfully could not only excel in one's career but also create a positive ripple effect, touching the lives of those around her, subtly drawing them closer to Jesus.

An Intentional focus on living for Jesus in wherever God puts us or calls has the opportunity to be TRANSFORMATIONAL!

However, we as Christians typically have not been very good in sorting through this and making it reality.

There are Two primary reasons: 1) we can have an overspiritualized view of our calling (Being so heavenly minded we are no earthly good)

or 2) an underspiritualized view, which often represented by a mindset and culture that encourages individuals to seek their perfect calling (as though God has an almost unattainable calling on our lives that, should we find it, will lead to an ultimate sense of purpose and fulfillment).

And Much like there is no “Mr. Perfect” or “Mrs. Perfect” in marriage, there is no perfect vocation or calling.

WHY IS THIS? WHY IS ONE OF THE MOST COMMON STRUGGLES AMONG AMERICAN CHRISTIANS TRYING TO FIND OUT WHERE GOD WANTS ME?

BECAUSE Our calling is not meant to provide ultimate fulfillment, Jesus is! REPEAT!

And when our focus is on the “where” instead of the “how” we will always be discontent!

So, In todays text we are going to look at 3 ways that we can begin the process of transforming our minds and our hearts from “well, this is where God has called me to be” to “THIS IS HOW GOD WANTS ME TO BE”. There is a huge difference

We see our first practical point to having a faith that transcends our circumstances is right in verses 17-19 and that is you can

1. Perceive Your Present Position

1 Corinthians 7:17–19

Paul begins this section to the Corinthians by making an opening statement that he uses the rest of the verses in our text today to flesh out!

He says in 1 Corinthians 7:17

1 Corinthians 7:17 ESV

Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.

We as Americans do not do well with long term commitment!

Ninety-one percent of Millennials (born between 1980–2000) expect to stay in a job for less than three years.… That means if they would stay with that trend they would have 15–20 jobs over the course of their working lives!

However, This is not a new issue!

The Corinthians and other churches dealt with the same problem! That’s why Paul took this time to intruct them.

You see, the Corinthians had the idea that after they became Christians that they must immediately change whatever was the “norm” in their lives!

we saw this when we went through the section on marriage and singleness in 7:1-16, Paul urges them in that section to stay married or stay single if God calls you to that. Don’t just up and leave your unbelieving family because you became a believer! STAY AND BE A GODLY EXAMPLE

And as Paul shifts his thoughts to our calling in life, this SAME PRECEDENT is used!

The scriptures are teaching us that NO MATTER WHERE WE FIND OURSELVES IN THE PLACES GOD HAS PUT US, OUR MAIN FOCUS NEEDS TO BE ON BRINGING GOD GLORY AND BRINGING JESUS TO PEOPLE! REPEAT

No matter where you are in your life calling, work, school, ministry, your friendships, your marriages, when you perceive your present position, from the WHERE GOD HAS CALLED ME TO THE HOW GOD WANTS ME TO BE, your effect on those around you will drastically change!

And we see in this text in verses 18-19 that when our VERTICAL identity and perception is right, then it will give us HORIZONTAL freedom!

1 Corinthians 7:18–19 ESV

Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God.

A proper vertical identity and a right understanding of our focus and mission will make our decisions on WHERE God wants us MUCH EASIER!

Because when we grasp that our calling can be lived out NO MATTER where we are, we will find FREEDOM and MAYBE EVEN JOY in our current circumstances, rather than always looking ahead to something else to make everything better!

Paul here is making a point to the believers in the Corinthian church that whether you were circumcised or not when you became a Christian, your ability to fulfill the call to BRING GOD GLORY AND BRING JESUS TO PEOPLE should not be affected.

In other words, brothers and sisters, if you grew up your whole life in the church and lived in a christian home and committed your life to Christ when you were 6 and have stayed faithful ever since, YOU CAN BRING GOD GLORY AND JESUS TO PEOPLE!

ALSO, IF YOU LIVED MOST OF YOUR LIFE FULL OF BAD CHOICES AND SIN, MAYBE YOU STOLE FROM PEOPLE, MAYBE YOU COMMITED SEXUAL SIN, MAYBE YOU LIED AND CHEATED YOUR WHOLE LIFE, BUT THIS MORNING YOU COME TO JESUS AND RECOGNIZE THE AMAZING LOVE JESUS HAS FOR YOU THAT HE DIED IN YOUR PLACE ON THE CROSS SO THAT YOU COULD HAVE A RECONCILED RELATIONSHIP TO GOD, AND THEN ROSE AGAIN 3 DAYS LATER SO THAT YOU COULD HAVE VICTORY OVER SIN AND DEATH, EVEN IF YOU COME TO JESUS RIGHT THIS VERY MINUTE, YOU NOW, WOULD HAVE THE ABILITY TO BRING GOD GLORY AND BRING JESUS TO PEOPLE!

CHURCH, THE CALL REMAINS THE SAME, THE QUESTION IS WHAT IS YOUR PERCEPTION OF YOUR PRESENT POSITION?

The second practical way to having a faith that transcends our circumstances is to

2. Prioritize Spiritual Freedom

1 Co 7:20-22

Paul again reiterates is introduction in verse 17 here in vs 20 when he tell us to “remain in the condition in which you were called”

AGAIN, PAUL HERE IN THESE VERSES IS MAKING IT VERY CLEAR THAT THE “WHERE” OF OUR CALLING MATTERS FAR LESS THAN THE “HOW” OF OUR CALLING!

The example used here is a bond servant or a literal translation from the Greek word used here “doulos” is a slave

Explain slavery. Commentary states: Note the differences between the modern understanding of slavery and the slavery Paul is referring to in 1 Corinthians. The modern understanding of slavery is largely about hard labor; in the ancient world it covered all vocational levels. A slave could run a business, be a teacher, or even manage a household. Slaves in Corinth would not have been laborers. Modern slavery was about forced labor; in the ancient world that labor was mostly optional. Many would sell themselves into slavery for economic and social advantages. Modern slavery was race-based; in the ancient world, slavery was non-race-based. Anyone could become a slave. Modern slavery was permanent, whereas in the ancient world it was temporary. Slaves were able to purchase their own freedom. Ancient slavery was oftentimes (but not always) much more like indentured servitude than the oppressive, coercive, forced slavery we see today.

Now, with that as some context, we notice that the main point of verses 20-22 is NOT whether you are a slave or free, or even in todays language, whether your the boss or the employee.

The MAIN POINT PAUL IS DRIVING HOME HERE IS FOIUND IN vs 22

1 Corinthians 7:22 ESV

For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ.

Paul is actually telling the Corinthians and us today that our spiritual freedom in Christ should supersede our Worldy status!

In other words, because we are Christian’s we are FREE of the worlds drive to gain recognition and advancement!

Now, i do want to be clear here! Im not saying that if your boss or if your current situation offers you an opportunity for advancement that you shouldn’t take it! What I am trying to say and what I believe Paul is saying here is that OUR PRIORITY shouldn’t be to SEEK OR CHASE those things OVER the FREEDOM WE HAVE IN JESUS! BECAUSE WHEN WE CHASE THE WORLD WE CHASE BONDAGE! WHEN WE CHASE JESUS WE CHASE FREEDOM!

I also want to make another point very clear because there are 2 ditches we can fall into if we are not careful!

The first one is chasing the bondage, the other is chasing freedom! REMEMBER OUR FOCUS SHOULD BE CHASING JESUS!

When we chase freedom instead of Jesus we can find ourselves in the other side of the ditch

The freedom that we receive in Jesus is a freedom from trying to be RIGHTEOUS ENOUGH IN AND OF OUR SELVES TO PLEASE GOD.

However that freedom can be abused and scripture warns us of that!

Galatians 5:13 ESV

For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Romans 6:15 ESV

What then? Are we to sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means!

1 Peter 2:16 ESV

Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.

Romans 6:22 ESV

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the fruit you get leads to sanctification and its end, eternal life.

Prioritizing Spiritual Freedom and Growth over the recognition and advancement of this world or even over freedom in itself, will lead us into a deeper and more full relationship with Jesus and ultimately help us to bring glory to God and Jesus to people!

And when we begin to practice this we will begin to have a faith that transcends our circumstances!

The third and final practice we can put into place to help us keep our mind focused on the “HOW” of our calling instead of the “WHERE” is to

3. Pursue Purposeful Living

1 Co 7:23-24

Not only does the gospel offer us the freedom we need, but the gospel also gives us PURPOSE!

So many people and sometimes we as Christians can get caught up in what the world offers to us as a “purpose”.

This purpose usually costs us peace!

Its a mindless and meaningless chase after the things of this world, all of which are temporary and hold such little value!

I should know! It’s a constant battle for me to stay GROUNDED IN PURSUING PURPOSEFUL LIVING! And its HARD

However, vs 23 give us the reason why we are to do this!

“YOU WERE BOUGHT WITH A PRICE”

This echoes Peter’s words in 1 Peter 1:18-19

1 Peter 1:18–19 ESV

18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.

As Christians we MUST recognize that God is NOT JUST A SHAREHOLDER OF OUR LIVES! HE OWNS 100% of us!

And in that we have an EARTHLY and ETERNAL purpose!

BOTH of which are so much bigger and more important than all the stuff we put the majority of our time into!

We are called to reflect the GLORY of God in all areas of our lives and to bring JESUS to people!

THATS PURPOSEFUL LIVING!

Are you pursuing that? Are you seeking after a purpose that is GREATER and more IMPACTFUL than any promotion or credit ANYONE can give you?

I want to leave you with some question to jot down and a challenge this morning

Both of which are really a great focus and goal for 2025!

Does your faith transcend your circumstances? Are you more focused on the “where” of Gods calling on your life than the “how” of Gods calling? Are you bring God glory and Jesus to people?

If you’re like me, there are times and circumstances that I do much better at these than others!

However, if WE want to see the Gospel do AMAZING things in our church and in our communities, then WE MUST COMMIT AS A BODY TO THROWING OFF THE NORMS OF OUR CULTURAL CHRISTIANITY AND PUT OUR FOCUS BACK ON A GOSPEL THAT CAN TRANSFORM A SINNER TO A SAINT, GLORIFYING GOD, AND BRINGING JESUS TO PEOPLE!

Pray