Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Beyond the Gospels: Corinthians

Today's Verses: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24
No Bible handy? Click on the link to read today's scripture.

From the reading today I get the sense people were attempting to use their faith or calling to change their situations... or maybe they were demanding others to change their's. It's as if answering God's call, or following Jesus, should somehow magically change our life situation.

Two times Paul says the same thing:
Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.-vs. 20
Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.-vs. 24
In other words, if you are living with someone who doesn't believe that's no reason to leave... or becoming a believer doesn't necessarily free those who are in slavery. Circumcision is not necessary. It is also o.k. for those who were already circumcised.

In our day it would go something like this. It doesn't matter if you're sprinkled or dunked. Salvation is not dependent on the teachings of Wesley or Calvin. You don't have to dress a certain way. You can be single, married, or divorced. Whatever situation... whenever you were called---remain there.

According to Paul this is not really what counts. Keeping God's commands---now that's what counts. Those commands were summed up in two sentences by Jesus. In short, love God... love others. This is what following Jesus is all about.

Lord, when You found me, I was right where You wanted me to be.
Help me to follow Your command right where I am.
Use me to reach those around me, those who You have placed near.

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