The Life of Salvation

1 Corinthians 7:17–24 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. 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. Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) 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. You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.

Marriage is one of the types of relationships that are important to many people. some, though have had tough marriages and others easier marriages. Marriages require some give and take.

The same goes for friendships and families. Every interaction we are involved in requires some give and take. That is all but one. Our relationship with the Father, since he gives us free will, allows us to make our own choices. While we are out experimenting with ideas and plans, he patiently waits for our return. Calling us the whole time and urging us to trust him.

In the early church, as Christianity was getting started, the different groups really were not sure what to do. You had the Israelites, God's chosen, who for generations had served under the law system are now hearing that it is not the law so much as the relationship. In their finite minds, this was a little tough to understand.

The relationship they were taught to have was one of offering sacrifice to God. the first and the best would always be set aside as an offering to the Lord in gratitude and honor of his never failing love and mercy. Generally, I think, there were never any questions, though I am sure some would grumble some.

Unfortunately, when they started grumbling about the rules, they would find excuses to skip this one, or bypass that one until the time they found themselves outside of the protection of the Lord. their free will, their disobedience had separated them from the Father. Now what would they do? Cry out to the Father for help.

So, the Israelites are seeing their whole system turned upside down by the Messiah that came and taught them a new way. A way that used the law as a starting point, but not relying on it to save them, because it could not.

Then there were the Gentiles, us. the heathens in the eyes of the Jews. we were being welcomed into the circle that they thought were just for them. however, in Christ, we all became equal. The blood of Jesus was not just for one group of people, his blood was shed for all who would receive the gift of his sacrifice.

The Gentiles, those who practiced idolatry, the worship of other gods, pagan rituals that were generally looked down upon. The purchasing and eating of whatever foods they wanted from wherever they wanted. And so, in this context we find Paul writing this letter helping them move beyond that which was hanging them up to a movement that could reach the masses. He is showing them the Life of Salvation.

If you have your bibles, turn with me to 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 and stand with me if you are able as we read.

The Life of Salvation has several facets to it. Just like many stones that people wear as rings have cuts or facets, our spiritual life does also. If you have ever looked at cut glass, or a diamond ring, it is the cuts or the facets that make it sparkle.

If we are going to sparkle for Christ, we need to know what cuts bring the most impact. Everything we do, everything we are involved in, every situation that we encounter, impacts our decision making and impacts our witness. How will you respond?

When Paul wrote this letter, he was concerned about how the church was being perceived in the world. Two diametrically opposed groups of people trying to coexist in one theological understanding really took a toll. Add to it those who were being martyred for their faith and now all of the sudden there is some questions as to what is going on.

In this passage, Paul moves from talking specifically about marriage to how we react or respond in the situations we find ourselves.