Epistles (written)

Wednesday, 6 August 2014

…and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away. 1 Corinthians 7:31

This verse finishes the thought analyzed in the preceding two verses. Again, to get clarity, we can take the first portion and apply his words to this final section. It would thus read as follows –

“But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on…those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.”

Today for this final portion of the thought, Paul says that “those who use this world” should use it “as not misusing it.” This is speaking of the excess of life that can so easily ensnare us. We live in the world and must use the things of the world to continue to exist, but we are not to allow them to become our prime focus or center of hope and contentment.

Instead, we are to continually reevaluate our state and remember that those things we use and possess all came from the Creator and they are temporary, as is our very body. All these things are “passing away.” But there is a greater and eternal hope for those who have called on Christ. If our lives are filled with the lust of the world, then we have shown that this world is our desire and that God is less important to us than the world. John speaks of this exact thought, along with the transitory nature of this world, in his first epistle –

“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” 1 John 2:15-17

Those things around us which seem fixed and firm are not. Even the mountains erode and can be leveled through a large cataclysm. If such magnificent and seemingly permanent structures are temporary, how much more those things we possess! The terminology for that which “is passing away” calls to mind the fleeting scenes of a movie. Our eyes take in the information and our brains process it, but it is actually gone from before us as soon as the next scene comes. It is nothing but a memory. This is exactly what Solomon speaks of in the book of Ecclesiastes. In his opening words, he says this –

“‘Vanity of vanities,’ says the Preacher; ‘Vanity of vanities, all is vanity.'” Ecclesiastes 1:2

The word for “vanity” in this verse is havel. It literally means “vapor,” or “breath.” Solomon warns that just as exhaled breath on a cold morning quickly disappears, so is the sudden disappearance of the world around us. Everything is fleeting except God. Because this is so, we are admonished to call on Him and then remember Him now while we still have the chance. Someday, all things will be made new for those who have called on Christ. It will be an entirely different order and one which will endure for all eternity.

Life application: Don’t get so caught up in this temporary world that you miss the greater and eternal world to come. Don’t miss out on Christ!

Heavenly Father, everything that I used to think was permanent and lasting is actually just a temporary vapor. The years have quickly gone by and I’m suddenly not a young person any more. Friends have come and gone and the fun things that I thought gave me satisfaction have disappeared, one by one. The only thing that is truly constant is You. As so my hope, my joy, and my anticipation is truly in You alone. How I long for You. My soul is thirsty just for You. Amen.

Tuesday, 5 August 2014

…those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess… 1 Corinthians 7:30

This verse continues the same thought analyzed in the preceding one. To get clarity, we can take the first portion of that verse and apply his words to this portion. It would thus read –

“But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on… those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess.”

What Paul meant by “the time is short” was discussed in detail in that preceding verse. And because of that reason, he admonishes “those who weep as though they did not weep.” It is nearly impossible for us to drown out all emotion, but our emotions can be subdued because of the difficulties which surround us at any given time. In war, a soldier may lose his best friend and not shed a tear, knowing that there isn’t time for tears when bullets are still coming his way. It may be that he doesn’t mourn his dead friends until after he returns home from battle, or by then he may have completely suppressed the difficulties.

This is true to a varying degree with any emotional trauma when the surrounding circumstances are of a most difficult nature. Paul saw the circumstance of those in Corinth as necessitating the need to not weep over such temporary things. In the same manner, he admonished “those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice.” Again, there may be times when giving out a joyful or triumphant shout may not be appropriate.

If a battle is won, but there was immense loss in human life on the side of the victors, is there any true reason to rejoice? Rather, it would be more appropriate to humbly and gratefully acknowledge those who had given their lives for the cause. If a football team were to win a game in which a player had died (on either team), would it be appropriate for the winners to rejoice? No! It would be a time of acknowledgment that a tragedy had occurred.

And finally in this verse, Paul says that because of the present situation, “those who buy” should act “as though they did not possess.” If one is living in a time of great upheaval where anarchy filled the streets, would it be wise to go to the store, buy a new TV, and then revel in the great new purchase? No! It would be more likely that the TV would be stolen soon, the house ransacked and even destroyed, and the owners forced to live from moment to moment in a state of terror and privation. It would make no sense to grab the TV as the rioters were banging at the door, holding fast to it as if it would be of use later.

There was some distress at the time of Paul’s letter to those in Corinth and Paul wanted to save them from what he knew would be pointless emotion. He was asking them to keep calm, be level in their feelings and attitudes, and to understand that this world is temporary and passing away. And the same should be true with each of us in some measure at all times. The more we cling to this world, the less we will cling to Christ. This is a world of uncertainty, distress, and loss. To overly hold onto it can only lead to increased unhappiness at some point in the future.

Life application: If our hearts, minds, and thoughts are always directed towards Jesus, we will be more prepared for times of trials, sadness, loss, and even an appropriate response to joyful times. If He is our ultimate prize and hope, then the things of the world will necessarily be put into the proper perspective. Let us always and in all things place Him first.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the sure knowledge that You are there and that You are my ultimate Prize. The very best of this world is just a temporary, fleeting thing that I can only tenuously hold on to. And the greatest sadness I could face will be replaced by an eternity of joy when the Lord comes for me. Help me to keep this quickly-passing world in its proper perspective and to always carry with me the reality that it is not my true home. I love You and will wait patiently for You. Amen.

Monday, 4 August 2014

But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none,1 Corinthians 7:29

This verse is generally taken to mean that Paul thought of the coming of the Lord as “right around the corner” and that the expectation for a long and normal life before His coming was unlikely. Although this is possible, it is not the only explanation and it dismisses his words of verse 26 which speak “of the present distress.”

Considering his words here with that in mind, a more probable view of what he is speaking of comes to light. He begins with, “But I say, brethren.” He continues with the idea that his words are directed to “brethren,” meaning believers. It doesn’t exclude that his words could be applied to unbelievers, but his concern is to those in the fellowship. For them, they need to consider that “the time is short.” The word used here is sunestalmenos which means “contracted” or “drawn up, as if into a narrow space.” It is a word which is elsewhere used in the act of “furling” a sail. It goes from being a large, open sheet, to a condensed roll which takes up little space.

So, is Paul referring to the expected return of the Lord, or “of the present distress?” Because he has already referred to the distress of the moment, it seems unlikely that he would suddenly jump to “the return of the Lord” without specifically stating this as a reason for his coming admonition. He isn’t going to refer to the coming of the Lord specifically until chapter 11, and that is in the context of taking the Lord’s Supper. When he speaks in detail about His coming, it will be in chapter 15. This will be after countless admonitions for the conduct of life, even a long life ahead.

Therefore, the probability strongly suggests that Paul’s words are intended for those in Corinth who were facing a high degree of uncertainty because of the conditions around them and they would therefore point to the same for anyone living in a time of exceptional turmoil. If this is the state of things in the world around the believer, he says “that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none.”

Without considering the words of the coming verses, what he says here could be misunderstood to mean that no regard should be given to one’s wife. This is not his intent, as will be seen. Rather, he is saying that the attitude of clinging to one’s wife in the hopes of a long and prosperous marriage isn’t recommended. Because of the present distress, one should understand that the wife may be taken away suddenly (through whatever the distress is – plague, famine, war, persecution, etc.).

In such a difficult time, clinging to the marriage as if it were a long and permanent arrangement could certainly lead to heartache and bitterness.

Life application: The context of the times is important when understanding biblical applications. We are to enjoy the things God has blessed us with, but if we assume that the life we live today will be the same on the morrow, we may find bitterness and disappointment. It would be unwise to expect a good job, a stable family, and a garage full of nice toys during a time of economic collapse. Context is important when evaluating life, just as it is when evaluating the Bible.

Lord, I know that the time around me is like a sail being furled in. There will be a moment when it will be gone and I certainly don’t know the speed with which my sail will be fully secure. It could be a long and pleasant roll through the years, or it could end suddenly with an abrupt pull of the cord, drawing my days quickly to their termination. For this reason, I will spend my moments wisely – seeking Your face, praising Your name, and attempting (even if failingly) to glorify You in all ways. It is my heart’s desire to keep my sail in the face of favorable winds until no more can be captured. Amen.

Sunday, 3 August 2014

But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you.1 Corinthians 7:28

In the preceding verse, it was noted that there is no reason to suppose that Paul’s words in that verse were a fixed and firm rule, but rather a temporary guide. Verse 28 verifies that. He had just said “Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife.” His words were spoken because of the difficult circumstances those in Corinth were facing at that time and he wanted them to not be further troubled through the added weight of marriage.

In substantiation of this, he now says, “But even if you do marry, you have not sinned.” Therefore, his previous words cannot be considered prescriptive, but rather as an exhortation based on circumstance. Those who do marry are not in violation of his inspired words. Continuing on, he notes that “if a virgin marries, she has not sinned.” The same is true with the virgin. No sin has been committed, but it may be that the new couple will face undue hardships because of their decision and in this, Paul says, “but I would spare you.” In other words, “I give you advice to spare you from those hardships.” He is acting as if a loving father giving advice to his still naive son.

If we consider the soldier who is in battle, of course he would not be thinking about marriage. He is under fire and there is death all around him. However, if he gets a pass to an area which is not under fire, he may meet a young lady and fall in love. His desire is to marry her and never let her go. But he also has the reality of returning to the battle when the pass has expired. This then may be likened to the situation to which Paul is writing.

There was some sort of hardship at the time of his letter and it would make for a difficult path for newlyweds. In his words, he is giving them advice to alleviate that difficult situation. A commander might write to his young private and say, “You will be coming back to the lines and you could die. Or, your wife’s village may come under fire and you might lose her.” His words would be an attempt to help him think the issue through. However, in the end, the private will make his choice and whichever way he chooses, unless specifically ordered to the contrary, he will not be considered insubordinate. Such is the case with Paul’s advice here.

Life application: The Bible gives explicit commands which require obedience. It also gives words of advice and counsel which, if acted upon, will lead to happiness. If not acted upon, the result isn’t sinful, but sadness, loss, or difficulty may be the result. As God made man, and as God gave us the Bible for our instruction, the best route is to always apply it’s precepts to our lives.

O God, I read Your word and I see in it so many valuable lessons. Some things I see are points I wish I had known long ago. I would have saved myself a lot of grief and troubles. And yet, I know that by paying attention to Your word now, I will have a much firmer foundation to walk on in the days ahead. You gave us Your word not to hamper our happiness, but to make it full and also that we might be pleasing to You. Thank You for Your superior word. Amen.

Saturday, 2 August 2014

Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife. 1 Corinthians 7:27

There is no reason to suppose that Paul’s words in verse 27 are a fixed and firm rule, but rather a temporary guide. This is based on the previous verse which spoke these words –

“I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress—that it is good for a man to remain as he is:”

The colon at the end of that verse, used by the translators to signify the thought being presented, shows that verse 27 is based on “the present distress.” It is also evident from the coming verses. Therefore, based on this, and taking in context the other times Paul speaks of this issue, this is a temporary measure, not a fixed and prescriptive directive. In this temporary state, he asks, “Are you bound to a wife?” His answer, which is based on his previous guidelines and which is confirmed by the word of the Lord Himself is, “Do not seek to be loosed.”

And his next question is, “Are you loosed from a wife?” This can mean “free” from a wife, such as in being single. Or it can mean one who is loosed in a host of other ways – death, divorce before becoming a Christian, divorced because of sexual immorality, or single because the non-believing spouse departed, etc. If in this state, and because of the temporary trials he says, “Do not seek a wife.” Again, this doesn’t mean a suitable woman for a wife might not come along and that she should be shunned. Rather, he is certainly inferring that a man who is caught up in the current dilemma should focus on those circumstances and not be seeking a wife.

Who would be in battle during a war and be looking for a wife at the same time? Who, in a time of famine would say, “Gee, it should would be nice to find a wife to starve with?” And so forth. There is a time for all things and the current distress that Paul was writing about showed the need for right thinking on the issue of marriage.

Life application: Seeking a spouse is a good thing, but doing so in a time of hardship or calamity will more than likely only increase the hardship or calamity. Therefore, take all things in a proper order and without causing increased suffering in what is already a tough world.

O wondrous God! Thank You for the day which lies ahead. Every blessing, every trial, every bite of food, and every flower on the path has been arranged by You for us. Some things will be great, others may not be so, but they are given to us for growth, learning, and appreciating You all the more. And so I look forward to whatever comes my way as a gift from You. I’ll take the good, take the bad, and do it all with gratitude to You. How I love You, O God. Amen.