Transcription
[Music] The Lord be with you. If you have a Bible, and I hope you or someone around you does, would you turn with me? We are going to be looking at 1 Corinthians this morning, chapter 7, 17-24.
And through this series, we've been seeing that the Apostle Paul is writing to the church in the city of Corinth, and he's addressing a wide variety of issues. What we find is that this church is allowing the the culture of the city to infiltrate the church and to influence how they are relating to one another, to God, and to the gospel message itself. And so through these chapters that we've seen, Paul addresses one issue after another.
The first one was on division and how there were these different factions forming within the church and there was this spirit of competition where different brothers and sisters were were fighting within one another uh with one another and valuing different people's status with one another. We then see that there was an issue of incest within the church where the church was was boasting in the fact that they were an affirming and accepting church and was allowing a man to be with his father's wife and that they were just embracing that sin rather than than than dealing with it, ministering to the individual and maybe even um you know performing church discipline on this individual. We then see that there was ongoing lawsuits within the church, these petty suits against one another. um taking advantage of one another financially. And then we also see that there was just sexual immorality that was rampant within the church. That there were people that were that were using these slogans and and using the fact that they were free in Christ as a justification for their immorality. And so they were saying all things are lawful for me. And so they were embracing sexual immorality. They were seeking out temple prostitutes. These different things that were going on there. And Paul starts to uh qualify their slogans and and preach the truth about what it means to be free truly in Christ.
Well, now last time what we saw is that Paul continued discussing the topics about sex, but he also moved forward and started to address the topics of singleness and marriage specifically. And if you remember, he kind of framed both callings as gifts. He says, "Whether you're married or whether you're single, these are both meant to be viewed as gifts from God." And so, if you really kind of just pay attention, what he's been showing us through this whole uh book so far is that he's pointing us back to our identity in Christ. And what he's saying is that our identity in Christ should shape how we live.
And now today, what we're going to be seeing is that not only should our identity in Christ shape how we live, but it also should inform how we view where we live. That is where we are currently at in our lot in life and also how we should be thinking about why we are where that we are at. And so what we're going to notice is that he starts to explain that just like there was a calling for for marriage and for singles, we all actually in the church have callings. Every single one of us have been given a specific calling, a specific purpose, different gifts within the church. And he's going to start to basically broaden this topic now. And he's going to encourage them to walk in their calling. And so that's my encouragement. That's my challenge for us this morning is to consider where has God placed us? What has he called us to? And let us now live in that calling. Let us let us walk in the calling that God has for us.
So in verse 17 it says, "But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches." So if you notice at the very beginning, he he's making this clear. So he's just talking about marriage and singleness. That's a gift. That's a calling. You need to embrace that gift, that calling. Well, now he's going to once again broaden this out and saying that each of us have been distributed a gift. Each of us have been given a specific calling by the Lord. And he says, "And I'm going to encourage you. Let him walk. Let that person who God has called, let them walk in that calling." And then he says, "So, so I ordain in all the churches." And so what we're going to notice here is that this is going to be an application that is universal for the church. So if you are a part of the church, you need to hear this application. And I think what we're seeing from verse 17 is this is showing us that God knows where you are and he can use you where you are right now.
For every single person in this room, God knows where you are at. He knows what you are going through right now. He knows your your successes. He knows your failures. He knows your highs. He knows your lows. He knows what excites you and he also knows what is discouraging you. God knows. God sees you. And what we're going to find here is that God is actually going to utilize where you are for a purpose if you are willing to serve and follow him. I think what we're seeing in this first verse is that where you are is not random or accidental. where you find yourself in life right now. It is not a cosmic accident. Rather, we are reminded here that God is sovereign over place and position in life.
In Acts 17:es 26 and 27, it says, "And he has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings so that they should seek the Lord in the hope that they might grope for him and find him though he is not far from each one of us." So what we're seeing in that passage is that Paul is saying that every single human being was made in the image of God from one bloodline. That we all come from the same human family, no matter where we're at. And that it says that and God has placed you as an individual in your specific time and your specific location for a purpose. And that really is humbling to think about. The God of the universe created you for a purpose. He placed you in a specific place in time in history and in geography. So think about that. Why did he put you in the family that he did in the town that he did with a certain friends or schoolmates or co-workers that he did? Well, it says in the text that there was a reason that the way he put you with your personality, your proclivities and all of your circumstances, it was so that you would be able to seek the Lord. And then it says that you might grope for him. That is to to feel your way toward him. And then it says, and find him. So God has placed you where he has placed you. And he knows what your walk of life will look like. And he set you in this place so that you might seek him, feel your way toward him, and actually find him, to know him, to encounter, to experience, and to recognize your your your identity and your calling in him, and so that you might then walk with him the rest of your days.
It's really powerful to think about that he is showing us here that God in this distributing to each one giving us each a calling that we are to walk in is that these are not accidental moments in life. Nothing is just by accident in your life when you are living your life as a believer. Everything has meaning has significance. And that's so counter or you know that's counter to what it would be like to be an atheist if you really think about it because if things happen there is no real reason for them. There is no true redemption or purpose that God can bring good and glory out of. It's all just well it just happened that way and there's no good, there's no bad. It's just it happens and you're just going to experience whatever comes your way. You know something was thrown this direction. It just happened to hit you. there was no ultimate greater purpose for your lot in life. But here what we're finding is that no, even where you are located when you encounter Christ and what you do in your life, it actually has meaning.
And what it also shows us, I think, is that God is able to work in every stage, station, and season of life. See, you're going to notice as he broadens this, he talks about different groups, right? He's already talked about the relationships about marriage, singleness. He's going to talk about here about those who were circumcised. That would be like the Jews, the uncircumcised, that would be the Gentiles. And then he even starts to talk about slaves and the free. And so he's giving you a wide variety of categories here. And he's saying all of these different groups God is able to work in. So what that also means if you are a believer, God is able and willing to work in your station of life. Whether you are in a good season right now, whether you are in a very difficult season of life right now, God is able to work. And by the way, God is already at work. God is already working all around you. The fact that you are here this morning, God knew it. God knew that the people that would be here this morning would hear this message and he has a plan and a purpose and a reason for all of these things. It's really amazing to think about. We, you know, we we make these decisions day by day, but God knows all of these decisions and he takes them into account as he is providentially ordering the world. And so God is showing us that he is able to use us and he wants to use us for his purposes.
See, that's another amazing thing. That's what's so powerful about what Jesus does after he is resurrected and he's about to ascend. He gives the the disciples a commission. He says, "Go, therefore, make disciples." Jesus didn't need them to do this. Jesus doesn't need us to do his mission. Jesus could appear to every single individual whenever he wants. He could do miracles. He literally could be everywhere. He has all the power. He could just write his name in the stars and say Jesus is Lord. I'm God. Believe in me. Worship me. But instead, he wants us to be a part of his mission. He wants us to take part in the divine plan. And so, it's really amazing to think that God wants you God wants you to be a part of his purposes.
And what I think it also shows then based on him saying that he will call us giving us different distributions, different callings, different gifts, different walks, is that this also shows us that our limitations are not his limitations. Because there are also people out there that might be thinking, well, I don't know what God's going to do with me. I don't know what I could really do to contribute to the kingdom of heaven. what I could really do to to help someone or or to change someone's circumstances whenever I'm struggling. I feel like I'm just barely above water right now. The thing is when God calls you, he's already taken all of your failures, all of your weaknesses into account. And once again, he doesn't need our strength. What he needs is our heart. He needs our willingness to say yes and to say, I will walk in your calling. I will walk with you and I will trust in your plan. So, it's not about our limitations because our God is limitless. We serve a limitless God.
And so, as we then think about this uh framing for 17 is that the goal then as we think about knowing that God knows us, he sees where we're at, he's placed us there with a purpose and he will use us in this circumstance. The goal then in our life is not to escape but to embrace where we are. Your goal is not to escape or just try to change all of your circumstances right now. Your calling is to embrace what God has given you. Embrace where God has placed you. And I think as we think about where God has placed us and when we frame it as it is our calling, it really transforms the way you view your vocation. Many of us probably have jobs. Many of us probably have responsibilities day by day. And sometimes we can be frustrated with our jobs. We can be frustrated with our situations. And we can really get kind of bitter. We can even start to complain about why we are where we are at currently. But what we see here is that if you don't view it as a I just have to do this or I just happen to get this job. But if it's God has given me a calling here, it radically transforms the way you think about these circumstances.
In fact, in Ephesians chapter 6 verse 5 and 8 5 to8 it says bond servants be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh with fear and trembling and sincerity of heart as to Christ. Not with eye service as men pleasers, but as bondervants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, with good will, doing service as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether he is a slave or free. What this is saying here is that this is talking about those who are bond servants. They're not in a very good position in life. And what he's saying here is it's not so much the importance of where you are serving, but it's more so who are you serving. It's not about what job you have right now. It's what are you doing with that job? Who are you ultimately serving? Are you serving self? Are you serving your employer? Or are you serving Christ? where you are at is a calling by God for you to serve and walk with Christ. And that means that our lives, our jobs, and our responsibilities are opportunities to serve God. Are you taking your opportunities when you go to work? When you have certain relationships, whether it's your spouse, your kids, your neighbors, your your friends, whatever it is, are you regularly taking opportunities to glorify God in those circumstances? Are you sharing Christ with these people? Because if not, then you are completely undermining your calling. You do not just work a job just to get a paycheck. You work the job to glorify God and to make his name known. That's why you are where you are at. It's not for you just to get a paycheck. Once again, it's not bad that you get a paycheck. In fact, we actually know that through scripture, it talks about how work can be beneficial. And we'll look a little bit at that. But the point is that you have been placed to spread the gospel, to make other people know Jesus, to make disciples of all the nations. That's why we need different callings, different gifts so that we can go into different workspaces, different spheres, and so that we can be salt and light in those places. And so our goal is to embrace our calling and to serve God in that calling.
And that also then leads to verses 18 to 21 that reminds us that our circumstances do not define us. where you're at, your circumstances do not define you. It says, "Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing. But keeping the commandments of God is what matters. Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. Were you called while a slave? do not be concerned about it. But if you can be made free, rather use it."
So what we see here is he gives these different groups of people from different classes. And what he shows us here is that who you are in Christ outweighs where you are in life. That is these people, these Corinthians, they were really getting caught up with the fact that, well, I'm a Jew. I was circumcised. So now that I'm follower of Christ, does that mean that I need to undo my circumcision of some some way? Do I need to to hide the fact that I have a Jewish heritage? And likewise, there are some Gentiles who they know that Jesus, the Messiah, is a Jew. He was a Jewish Messiah. He he kept the law. And so, do we maybe need to get circumcised to maybe be a part of the kingdom and and to be a a Christ follower to walk and be faithful in my my calling? And then he even talks about the slaves and free individuals. And what he's pointing at, it doesn't matter what your circumstances are. It doesn't matter who you were before. So that means it doesn't matter your relationship status, whether you're single or whether you're married. It doesn't matter your religious or your ethnic background, right? Whatever color you are, whatever religion or worldview you had before this, it does not matter. And finally, your social status. It doesn't matter if you have a lot of money or if you don't have any you don't have a scent to your name. The purpose is this is that these things don't define you because you in your identity, in your calling, you are a Christian first. And fundamentally, you are a Christian first. If someone were to ask who are you? Tell me about you, your your identity. It's not you're an American. It's not you're a Republican or a Democrat. It's not this denomination. It's not I'm a pastor. It's not I work. I'm a nurse. I'm a doctor. I'm a custodian. I'm a CEO. I'm a salesman. That's not who you are. Your circumstances do not define you. Because here's the thing. You could get fired. You could lose your job. You could get sick and not be able to work anymore. And if you place or you could even move a different country. See you could do all these things all a sudden your circumstances change and now your identity is lost. But if your identity isn't based in circumstance but it's in Christ then you have an identity that is firm and foundational and unchanging.
And so what we see here then is he's saying that our circumstances don't ultimately matter. Now, as I say this, I do think it's important that we take a little um side road for a moment because you see this this usage of of the of the term slavery. And I know that slavery can be kind of a hot button issue, especially in the world today. There's an online debate going on right now among some Christians and atheists. And they want to use some of these what we would call the problem passages of the Old Testament that refer to slavery. And I want to be very clear that the Bible is not in support of slavery. The Bible condemns slavery. And I know that when we see like a term though where it says that if you are called in the Lord while a slave um you know we see these different passages here, someone will say, "Well, does this not then seem to to support it?" Well, I think that it's so important that we once uh or first of all that we read scripture in its entirety and we understand what Christ's purpose was, which is to free all mankind. That is the ultimate goal is to be free in Christ and that is for the whole world. But I think it's important that when we when we see some of these specific verses that we also need to understand the historical context because sometimes when we hear the word slavery, we immediately put our minds to think the modern west or we think about the slave trade, right? We think about this, you know, child slavery where it was racebased, where it was um for life, where it was very harsh and people were wicked to these individuals. And so I think sometimes it's not even helpful to use the term slavery because we have especially in our in our context we have such a very specific category for what we think he is even describing here where what he is actually talking about is not child slavery based on race and impermanence and abuse but rather it's servitude. It's like an indentured servitude. It's it's something that actually free people could willingly place themsel in to pay off debt. Likewise, it's not something that was meant to be for life. In fact, specifically, we know in Israel that after seven years, you were supposed to be freed and let go and forgiven of debt. We also know that there were many times that these people would choose to stay in that context because they loved the person that they served. And likewise, the the owner loved them and they were viewed as not property but as family. We also know that there are passages that say that you have limitations on how you are to treat. And in fact, I want to read a couple of these so that we can see both the Old and the New Testament specifically on this topic.
In Job 31:es 13 and 15, it says, "If I have despised the cause of my male or female servant when they complained against me, what then shall I do when God rises up? When he punishes, how shall I answer him? Did he not did he not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one fashion us in the womb?" So think about this. Job is writing this before we have the whole nation of Israel and the law with Moses or anything like that. And what Job is saying here is how am I going to answer God when God comes and judges me for my choices if I haven't taken the concerns of my servants seriously? That means that you were called to be just, to be righteous, to be kind, to be loving to those who are your servants in the passage. And likewise, it says that the same servants who now he is in relationship with, he says that they were made in the womb by God just as he was. So this is showing that this is equal humanity, both made in the image and likeness of God. So this is profound. how early Job is probably one of the early if not the earliest book ever written in the Bible. And we have in this very early book in affirming how we need to make sure that how we treat others even our servants are meant to be treated with love and respect and dignity and we will be judged if we do not treat them with love and respect. See that is very different from what we typically think of when we think about slavery.
Likewise in um Phileiman chapter 1 15-16 the Apostle Paul is writing. He says for perhaps he departed for a while for this purpose that you might receive him forever no longer as a slave but more than a slave a beloved brother especially to me but how much more to you both in the flesh and in the Lord. And so what he sees, what we see here is that there is Onesimus, this this slave that has left and ran away from Phileiman, his owner. And what we find out is that Phileiman uh is a Christian and Onesimus becomes a Christian in relationship with Paul. And Paul sends him back to him and he says to Phileiman, I want you to receive him back, but not as a slave. You are to look at him as lesser than you. He is a brother in Christ. once again showing us that what Christ does is that he makes us equals in him. There is no longer this ranking system of who is the greatest, you know, who's more important, who has more value. What he's showing us here is that ultimately we are equals in Christ and we are to show love and respect to one another.
So as we think about these callings, he's not saying that it's good or okay to be in certain situations, but what he is saying that when we are in these circumstances, we are to continue to persevere in faithfulness. And so that when points to the fact then as we think about some of these different circumstances is that we need to understand that our circumstances will not bring contentment. If you are trying to base your contentment, your satisfaction in just your lot in life right now based on how many kids you have, what relationship you have, what job you have, what your education level is like, if you are dictating and trying to find true lasting contentment based on your circumstances, you're never going to find true contentment. And so that's why he's then saying that that there there's these these Christians who were trying to change their status. You know, the once again, the circumcised are trying to become uncircumcised. The uncircumcised are trying to become circumcised. The slaves are trying to to do everything they can to become free. And the free are thinking, well, do I need to, you know, submit myself and become slaves of some sort. So, we have all of these people with all of this anxiety about changing their status, changing who they are now that they've been become a Christ follower. And what he's saying is ultimately though work is good, right? Ecclesiastes even says that it's a gift for you know for us and it's good to be ambitious and to do work. He says these things are good. It's not bad to be where you're at but ultimately it's it doesn't define who you are. It's not ultimate and what ultimately matters as he says here is it's obedience. It's not your circumstances. Circumstances will not bring contentment. What we are called to do is just to obey God wherever we're at. Obedience matters more to God than success, status, or social mobility. Do you realize that God has a love language? It's obedience. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments." Now, we are not justified by our obedience. But if we truly are justified, if we love God, we want to obey him. And so, what that means is that we don't need to be anxious trying to change everything, but rather wherever God has placed us, let us be obedient there.
Now, of course, as I say all of this, that does not mean that change is ultimately completely forbidden. Some of you are like, "Well, wait a second. Are you saying that that we we can't ever change a job or we can't ever do anything different with where we're at in life?" Well, as you look in the text, it even says for this individual, he says, "Do not be concerned about it." Referring to the slave, "But if you can be made free, rather use it." So, what we see is the chokening of slavery here, by the way, of saying that if you can become free, then use it. Get free. If you can get a better job, that's great. If you can do certain things that will that will improve your lot in life, that's not a bad thing. The difference is don't be overly ambitious concerned about always trying to change everything and thinking that you're going to find contentment in it. That's the problem. Do you understand the difference? It's okay for change to happen, but you shouldn't be overly ob concerned and over consumed with trying to change your circumstances and thinking that will make everything all better. That's the problem. That's the idol. That's the that's the deception there is thinking that your circumstances will change it. Change is good. Change can happen. But that's not where you find contentment.
Which then leads to 22-24 where it says, "For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord's freed man. Likewise, he who is called while free is Christ's slave. You were bought at a price. Do not become slaves of men. Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called."
See what we find here is now the solution. So we see that God knows where you are. Where you are. He he can use you where you are. That we need to understand that our circumstances do not define us. Though change can be good, it's not where we are supposed to be ultimately concerned about. We shouldn't be desiring to change our status all of the time, trying to find significance, trying to find meaning, trying to find value in our work or in our relationships or in our economic status. But rather, Christ calls us to find contentment in him. Christ is calling you to contentment. Our primary calling here as we see in this passage as it's talking about these different groups is he's ultimately putting them back to where their fundamental identity is. Our primary calling is a person not a position. And if you understand that, you will find contentment. If you understand that your purpose and your peace is found in Jesus Christ, not in your job, not in your relationships, not in your successes, it's in Jesus Christ, you will find contentment.
In Philippians chapter 4:es 11 to13 it says not that I speak in regard to need for I have learned in whatever state I am to be content. I know how to be abased and I know how to abound. Everywhere in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry. Both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. See, Paul is saying here that he has learned in all circumstances to be content. Well, how can he be content in all circumstances? Because he understands what Paul is saying in this passage. He's saying because his circumstances does not define his contentment. Because he has Christ in every single circumstance. And that's why he says, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." It's not about winning a basketball game. Philippians 4:13 is talking about we as Christians, we can find true contentment, true strength, and perseverance no matter what we experience in life because we have the king with us. And so what that means for us once again is that means contentment is a reality available for those in Christ. We live in a world that is filled with anxiety and stress and worry. But we have a God. We have a savior who says, "Do not be anxious about anything." That is our calling. And not only is it a calling, it's a gift that Christ really gives us. You can actually be content in your life. You can be content in your circumstances because you have Christ. And if you will just fix your eyes and in your heart and your your desires, find your identity, your purpose, and your peace in Christ, you will experience true lasting contentment. Because here's the thing, Jesus is never anxious. Do you understand that? No matter what you're going through, Jesus is not surprised. He's not shocked. He's not all of a sudden feeling like he's behind and he has to rush. He's not in a hurry. Jesus is never anxious. And if he's never anxious and he's the one you identify in, he's the one that you're walking with, he's the one you're following, guess what? You don't need to be anxious. You don't need to worry either. So your identity and your intimacy with Christ will give direction and stability to your life. And then because of that, contentment then is going to flow from our faith, from our gratitude, and our reliance on God alone. If you would just do these things, you will find true contentment.
So, here's my final encouragement. Don't chase change. Don't chase change that God hasn't made available. And don't be controlled by men. Don't be enslaved to them. Don't think to yourself that you have to do all of these things in the world that you have to climb this this this social ladder to have value or significance or fulfillment or peace or contentment. You're not going to find it there. you're going to enslave yourself there, but rather remain with Christ. That's what it says. It says remain with God. Wherever God has you, trust his timing. Stay in stride with God. Don't be in a hurry. Don't get ahead of him. Don't fall behind. Remain with Christ. Abide with Christ wherever he has you. And if you do those things, you will be content. In Christ, we can live with peace and purpose. Right where we are.