Come as You Are to Serve The Lord
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 (NASB)
17 Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk. And so I direct in all the churches. 18 Was any man called when he was already circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. Has anyone been called in uncircumcision? He is not to be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God. 20 Each man must remain in that condition in which he was called.
21 Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that. 22 For he who was called in the Lord while a slave, is the Lord’s freedman; likewise he who was called while free, is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called.
SUMMARY
Paul instructs the Corinthian church to allow believers to walk with God in whatever state they are in when they are called. If circumcised, remain circumcised, if uncircumcised remain uncircumcised, and don’t worry about being a slave because believers have freedom in Christ, and whether you were a slave or a free man when you were called, as a believer, you are now a servant of Christ because you have been bought with a price.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
It seems that a lot of Jewish believers were attached to the concept of being circumcised, and as many gentiles came into faith, it became something that became an issue; to circumcise or not circumcise.
It was puzzling to me that what was so important back in the day of Moses that God nearly killed Moses for (Exodus 4:24-26), is not important anymore. Lately, what I have noticed even in the world is that when something better comes along to replace it, the old device is no longer needed. John 1:17 says “For the Law was given through Moses; grace and truth were realized through Jesus Christ.” It is by grace, and not by our performance that gives us salvation. Jesus did it all and paid the price for us all.
Circumcised or uncircumcised, God wants His people’s hearts, and the circumcision of their hearts. “But he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that which is of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter; and his praise is not from men, but from God.” (Romans 2:29)
Another concern for the Corinthians was the status of being slaves. At the time 30% of Corinthians were slaves and many became believers of Christ, and maybe such a status may not have seemed compatible with the freedom the gospel promises. However, Paul says there is no need to worry about it because believers are “the Lord’s freedman”, and if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a servant of Christ. So the answer to both predicaments is simple. Believers all belong to the Lord regardless of their appearances or status, and they are to come and serve the Lord as they are.
APPLICATION
Lately, I have been spending a lot of time working. There has been more demand for reading help from parents who feel their children may not be learning as much with online learning. Sometimes working so much I feel like I am a slave to work, but I know everything I do, I do it unto the Lord. I will glorify God by reading quality books with the students and being patient with struggling readers so I can reflect Christ's good character.
PRAYER
Lord, thank You again for freeing us from the law and giving us grace and truth; our Lord Jesus Christ. I understand now that You do not want us to be bound to our circumstances, but to enjoy the freedom to serve You regardless of our circumstances. Please guide us and fill us with the Holy Spirit so we may keep Your commandments. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Please share your personal meditations on this Scripture passage with the HolyWave community in the comments section below. (We reserve the right to moderate comments.)