Saturday, 26 July 2014
Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. 1 Corinthians 7:20
This verse is a repeat of the thought given in the second half of verse 17, which said, “as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk.” He has been speaking about circumcision and has said that “circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing.” And this came after his words that those who were circumcised when they were called should stay that way and those who were uncircumcised when they were called should likewise stay that way.
His thought now in verse 20, is given as a confirmation of this. Whatever was our calling when we were called is where we are expected to remain. In order to show that this is not limited to circumcision, but that it is an overall precept to show that we are acceptable to Christ in the station in which we were called, he will give a new example in the coming verses, that of slavery.
Shouldn’t it be obvious that if Jesus accepted us in a certain condition, that we thus must be acceptable to Him? And yet, many then spend the rest of their walk with Christ trying to please the One who already found them acceptable. In this, they forget that grace is grace and so they attempt to find justification in their own personal works and not in the work of Christ. It is a sad cycle which can lead to neurotic believers who waffle in their convictions and are always worried about “losing” the eternal salvation they have been granted.
It should again be noted that remaining in the calling in which one is called does not refer to the abusive and forbidden lifestyles referred to in Scripture. One cannot say, “I was called as a homosexual and therefore I can remain a practicing homosexual.” This is what we are called from, not to. A person is not called from circumcision. This is a thing that they already possessed which is not contrary to New Testament doctrine. Freedom in Christ never means freedom to sin.
Life application: If Christ is the end of the law, then let the law be ended! Don’t reinsert precepts which will only bring you into bondage and mental confusion.
Oh God, some days I arise and I am as tired as when I went to bed. The day ahead of me seems long and filled with toil. Often I have stress between myself and someone else. These things can seem so hard to overcome. But at such times, I would ask that You would grant me sufficient peace in my mind to be able to go to Your word and read enough to settle my soul. I know that if I have this, the rest of the day will fall into place. You have all things under control and Your precious word is there to remind me of this. Thank You for being with me each step of the way. Amen.