It Starts Small

¹⁷ Let each one live his life in the situation the Lord assigned when God called him. This is what I command in all the churches. 

1 Corinthians 7:17

We are to be content in the situation God has called us. Paul writes in Philippians the key principle to contentment.

¹⁰ I rejoiced in the Lord greatly because once again you renewed your care for me. You were, in fact, concerned about me but lacked the opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself. ¹² I know how to make do with little, and I know how to make do with a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. ¹³ I am able to do all things through him^[a] who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:10-13

Some of the Corinthians wanted to divorce after they got saved. They believed that their new faith somehow invalidated their previous marital commitments. Yesterday, we discussed how this notion is fundamentally wrong. It is contrary to the teachings of unity and love within the Christian faith. At times, individuals felt the need to get circumcised. They viewed this act as essential to truly conform to the faith. This debate was huge. We can read more about it in Acts 15. The early church leaders gathered to discuss and settle such disputes. Some individuals considered reversing circumcision through an operation. They were driven by their desire to adhere to the customs of their faith. Additionally, some Gentiles thought they needed to become culturally like the Jews. They believed they must undergo various rituals and practices as a means of acceptance. Conversely, some Jews believed they needed to culturally distance themselves from their roots in Judaism. They feared that their heritage might hinder their new beliefs. Ultimately, neither perspective is correct. The essence of faith transcends cultural practices. It emphasizes the importance of a personal relationship with God.

Slaves also wondered if it was unbiblical to be slaves. Paul does not discuss whether slavery is right or wrong. He addresses what a believer, who is a slave, should do. The answer is to try to become legally free. If that is not possible, stay in the situation and work heartily for God. (See 1 Timothy 6:1-3, Colossians 3:22-25,1 Peter 2:18-24)

Some people are very unsatisfied with their position in life, maybe culturally, maybe socially, maybe economically. This discontent can stem from various sources, such as unmet expectations, perceived injustices, or comparisons to others. These verses do not mean we can never change culturally, socially, or economically. In fact, change can be a vital part of personal growth and fulfillment. However, we need to be content to follow God’s leading wherever it goes. We must trust that He has a purpose for our lives. This purpose often surpasses our understanding. This includes situations where being rich isn’t in His plan for us. These situations remind us of the importance of spiritual wealth over material gains. If a believer desperately wants to go to the US, he needs to be content in China. He should recognize that his current situation might be exactly where God wants him to be for a time. He should accept God’s decision if he cannot go to the US. We should know that His plans may unfold differently than expected. If we become a believer, we may find some past behavior is sinful. We should change that behavior. We should aim to live in alignment with our faith. But if the behavior is not sinful, we do not need to change it. Instead, we should embrace our individuality. We should accept the unique journey God has set for us. The end of verse 19 is the key verse in the first section, encapsulating the core message of finding contentment and purpose in the divine path laid out before us.

¹⁹ Circumcision does not matter and uncircumcision does not matter. Keeping God’s commands is what matters.

1 Corinthians 7:19

What matters is keeping the commandments of God. It does not matter much where you live. It does not matter what culture habits you follow. Your social or economic position does not matter. What truly matters is if you choose to obey God wholeheartedly, regardless of your circumstances. Do you serve God where you are at? Do you use what you have now for Him in meaningful ways that could touch the lives of those around you? Some people live life in a perpetual state of discontent, constantly yearning for something more. They often say, ‘If only I could move or change jobs.’ They believe that by becoming rich, they would finally serve God more effectively. They think significant life changes will enhance their service to God. This line of thinking is not only misguided. It dismisses the profound opportunities for service and growth that exist right where they are. This is ridiculous. If you do not obey God in one place, how will you obey Him in another? If you cannot serve God faithfully as an employee, how can you expect to serve God as an employer? Your circumstances do not dictate your ability to live out your faith. They also do not limit your chance to make a difference. Every moment offers a chance to show God’s love and purpose in your life. Taking the first step towards obedience is crucial. This step can lead to an impactful journey of faith, no matter the external conditions.

Verses 25-31, This is not Paul’s personal opinion or advice. However, in this case, it is not a command. In many instances in these verses it is made clear that what is shared is a suggestion. I call it an “inspired suggestion”. We will do very well if we follow the suggestion here, but it is not a requirement. Having said that, I think many people waive off this Scripture. They pretty much ignore it by saying that it is OK to get married.

Yes, of course it is OK to get married, and it is God’s plan for many people. However, it is also God’s will for some people to stay single. Even the married should strongly consider what Paul shares here. They need to understand the commitment they are making. They should reflect on the sacrifices they are making. They must consider if it is what God wants them to do. So remember, the primary teaching here is to stay single. It is not a requirement or a command. Instead, it is a divine suggestion or advice.

²⁶ Because of the present distress, I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is.

1 Corinthians 7:26

“Present distress” in verse 26 is likely referring to some specific persecution that they were facing or would soon face. Perhaps it was the persecution by the Romans or Jews. Perhaps it was some particular economic or military trouble in the area at time. I don’t know. But there was some trouble in the world going on at that time that made it preferable to be single. This point makes sense. Do you want to get married in the middle of a war? Do you want to get married in middle of economic chaos? Do you want to get married in the middle of severe persecution? In any of these cases, your life is unstable. You might have to flee/move here or there. You might lose your job. You might lose your life. The point is that marriage is a big responsibility.

Verse 27-28 repeat that a person who is married should not divorce. Once again there is the suggestion to be single, but Paul says it is not sin to be married. It is lawful, but is it profitable?

In verse 29 we do not know when it will end and when Christ will come back. We only have a short time on this earth to serve the Lord. We must make the most of our time. This verse is not saying, “get divorced and serve the Lord”. Rather, it reminds you that being married does not excuse you from realizing the paramount importance of serving the Lord. Marriage should never be used as an excuse to avoid serving God. At the same time, a person who is married should not consider the marriage to be unimportant. He must not neglect his wife and kids for the sake of God. He should serve God first and not hide behind His family. But neither should he hide behind serving God to neglect his family.

 ³⁰ those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they didn’t own anything, ³¹ and those who use the world as though they did not make full use of it. For this world in its current form is passing away.

1 Corinthians 7:30-31

First, we can remember the context. Verse 29 is saying you should not get so caught up in marriage that you do not serve God. While it is important to cultivate relationships and foster a loving partnership, we must also prioritize our spiritual duties. We know from Matthew that weeping is right and necessary for our spiritual growth. Luke also teaches that repenting when we sin is essential. One reason to weep might be the death of a loved one. Grief can serve as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life. It also highlights the need for divine comfort. A sickness might affect our physical health. It could also impact our mental and emotional well-being. Such circumstances prompt us to seek God’s guidance and strength. A loss in the stock market might shake our financial foundation. It can instill fear and uncertainty. Yet, it can also motivate us to trust in God’s provision and wisdom during tumultuous times. It might also be the loss of a job. This can create feelings of despair and anxiety. However, it presents an opportunity for personal growth. It encourages reliance on God in our search for new paths. In all these situations, we must remember the importance of maintaining our commitment to serve God. It is saying do not get so caught up in these challenges that you neglect your spiritual responsibilities. Do not use your difficult circumstances as a reason not to serve God. Adversity often reveals our greatest strength. Troubled finances should not hinder your spiritual life. See them as opportunities to grow in faith and generosity. Continue to serve the Lord. Trust that He will provide sustenance for your soul and your needs. Honor Him in every circumstance.

Joy? A similar thing. Reasons to be joyful might include getting married, or the birth of a kid. Other reasons could be a promotion or being cured of sickness. Do not get so caught up in the joy of eating fish that you do not serve God. Do not get so caught up in the joy of having a kid that you do not serve God. Verse 31 seems to be talking about business. Do not get so caught up in business, money, materials, that you do not serve the Lord.

Paul continues with verses 32-35. These are the key points of why singleness is preferable to marriage. It is very clear a single person can serve God more single-heartedly than a married person. A married person needs to be concerned about providing for their family. They must focus on educating kids and taking care of his wife or her husband. They also need to go on dates and have quality conversations. Staying nearby home is important. This means avoiding lengthy trips. Those trips would separate him/her from his wife/husband. It also means not staying away from home too often when he/she is nearby. Think about Paul. If he was married, would it have been appropriate for him to go on mission trips often? Would it be right to travel from city to city? No, he would have been apart from his wife far too much. This is not saying if you are married do not be concerned with pleasing your wife. Rather, it is saying if you are not married you do not have to be concerned with it.

³⁶ If any man thinks he is acting improperly toward the virgin he is engaged to, if she is getting beyond the usual age for marriage, and he feels he should marry—he can do what he wants. He is not sinning; they can get married. ³⁷ But he who stands firm in his heart (who is under no compulsion, but has control over his own will) and has decided in his heart to keep her as his fiancée, will do well. ³⁸ So, then, he who marries his fiancée does well, but he who does not marry will do better.

1 Corinthians 7:36-38

What does it mean acting improperly and who is “he”? He is referring to the father of a single/virgin daughter. Acting improperly is referring to keeping her from getting married if she wants to get married. The principles in these verses are this:

A father has authority over his daughter to let her marry or not, and what specific guy. This a God-given right not to abuse the daughter, but to look after her and her interests. He should also make decisions together with the mother. Sometimes “love” may blind someone. The daughter may do something foolish. The parents are there to protect her interests and make sure the guy is good.

The father should pay attention to the girl’s desire. It talks about “acting improperly”, “if it must be so”, and “not under constraint”. It seems like these things are references to the girl’s desire. If the girl wants to get married, the father should allow her. The marriage should occur, providing the husband meets the proper conditions, of course. It is good to give the daughter in marriage. However, it is better if she remains single. In doing so, she can more wholeheartedly and single-mindedly serve the Lord. By implication, if a guy wants to marry a girl, he should go to her father for permission. This is a matter of respect and going through the proper channels. If she is the right one, God will open the door.

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