Live As You Are Called

Introduction

Exposition 1 (17-20)

1 Corinthians 7:17 ESV

17 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.

“Only let” lit. If not - Imperative

Serves to interrupt the specific application of principles towards marriage to apply principles more broadly.

1 Corinthians 7:18 ESV

18 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.

1 Corinthians 7:19 ESV

19 For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God.

1 Corinthians 7:20 ESV

20 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called.

I. God has called you in your unchangeable circumstances.

APPLICATIONS

You can serve in your circumstances

Don’t think that things that are outside of your control prevent you from serving God.

Exposition 2 (21-24)

1 Corinthians 7:21 ESV

21 Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.)

1 Corinthians 7:22 ESV

22 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.

1 Corinthians 7:23 ESV

23 You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men.

1 Corinthians 7:24 ESV

24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.

II. God has called you in your changeable circumstances too.

APPLICATIONS

You can serve in your circumstances

While circumstances may change, the reason for change is not to make our service acceptable to God.

Instead of focusing on changing circumstances, focus on keeping the commands of God