November 8, 1992
In 1 Corinthians 7:17–24, Paul called for stability and contentment among believers regardless of their station in life. He used circumcision and slavery as illustrations to describe God’s sovereignty over the social and religious barriers of his day. Similarly, Alistair Begg urges us to enjoy contented Christian lives, irrespective of external circumstances, by allowing God to work within us and by enjoying a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.
17Only let each person lead the life3 that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. 18Was 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. 19For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. 20Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. 21Were you a bondservant4 when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) 22For 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. 23You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants5 of men. 24So, brothers,6 in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.
Copyright © 2023, Alistair Begg. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Copyright ©2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Text provided by the Crossway Bibles Web Service.