Live As You Are Called

1. The general principle, vs. 17.

2. The principle applied, vs. 18-24.

A. Religious/Physical barrier, 18-19.

Romans 2:25–29 NASB95

For indeed circumcision is of value if you practice the Law; but if you are a transgressor of the Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. So if the uncircumcised man keeps the requirements of the Law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? And he who is physically uncircumcised, if he keeps the Law, will he not judge you who though having the letter of the Law and circumcision are a transgressor of the Law? For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.

B. Civil/Social barrier, 20-22.

Ephesians 6:5–8 NASB95

Slaves, be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ; not by way of eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart. With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free.

C. The fact underlying the principle, 23-24.

3. Pastoral considerations regarding marriage and singleness, vs. 25-40.

A. Those who are single will experience less distress and personal difficulties in a hostile world, 25-28.

B. Singles can embrace spiritual matters with fewer secular distractions, 29-35.

C. Recommendations regarding arranged betrothals/engagements, 36-38.

D. Regarding widows and remarriage, 39-40.