Post by Woody Williams on Jan 27, 2006 8:56:10 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- I Corinthians 7:17-24
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However that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has
assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the
churches. Was 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.
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but obeying
the commandments of God is everything. Let each of you remain in the
condition in which you were called.
Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. Even if
you can gain your freedom, make use of your present condition now
more than ever. For whoever was called in the Lord as a slave is a
freed person belonging to the Lord, just as whoever was free when
called is a slave of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not
become slaves of human masters. In whatever condition you were
called, brothers and sisters, there remain with God.
Devotional
----------
It is clear that at this point in time the Apostle Paul and the early
church expected the imminent return of Jesus. Therefore, Paul's
advice to the early Christians was to remain as they were, married or
unmarried, slave or free, circumcised or uncircumcised. If Jesus was
to return during the lifetime of these first generation Christians,
they should not be distracted from their focus on the return of Jesus
and their preparation. Paul makes it clear that he is speaking his
mind on this matter. Given the fact that Jesus did not return, the
church had to struggle to come to terms with these issues, and still
does today.
Prayer
----------------
Give us wisdom, Lord, as we struggle with issues in the church. Amen
----------
However that may be, let each of you lead the life that the Lord has
assigned, to which God called you. This is my rule in all the
churches. Was 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.
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing; but obeying
the commandments of God is everything. Let each of you remain in the
condition in which you were called.
Were you a slave when called? Do not be concerned about it. Even if
you can gain your freedom, make use of your present condition now
more than ever. For whoever was called in the Lord as a slave is a
freed person belonging to the Lord, just as whoever was free when
called is a slave of Christ. You were bought with a price; do not
become slaves of human masters. In whatever condition you were
called, brothers and sisters, there remain with God.
Devotional
----------
It is clear that at this point in time the Apostle Paul and the early
church expected the imminent return of Jesus. Therefore, Paul's
advice to the early Christians was to remain as they were, married or
unmarried, slave or free, circumcised or uncircumcised. If Jesus was
to return during the lifetime of these first generation Christians,
they should not be distracted from their focus on the return of Jesus
and their preparation. Paul makes it clear that he is speaking his
mind on this matter. Given the fact that Jesus did not return, the
church had to struggle to come to terms with these issues, and still
does today.
Prayer
----------------
Give us wisdom, Lord, as we struggle with issues in the church. Amen