Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

“But to each one as the Lord has apportioned. As God has called each one, thus let him live—and thus I order in all the churches. Was anyone called after^[a] being circumcised? He must not undo his circumcision. Was anyone called in uncircumcision? He must not become circumcised. Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. Each one in the calling in which he was called—in this he should remain. Were you called while a slave? Do not let it be a concern to you. But if indeed you are able to become free, rather make use of it. For the one who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord’s freedperson. Likewise the one who is called while free is a slave of Christ. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Each one in the situation in which he was called, brothers—in this he should remain with God.” (1 Corinthians 7:17-24)

Chapter seven is about marriage. His first focus is on the partnership of it. On the goodness of a marriage if you are desperate for sexual intimacy. After all, the husband gives to the woman in her need and the woman to the man in his. You’re not denying each other, but cooperating to the overall satisfaction of BOTH partners. Sex is NOT a weapon. Neither partner should be withholding from the other, but both working together to eliminate needless temptation. This isn’t a command from God, but Paul’s opinion formed from years of life experience and observation (Pharisees were almost always married, so Paul may have had a wife at some point). Paul moves into living life in a godly way. Starting right where God found you. Paul doesn’t think unmarried people should rush to marriage – because they would then have more time to dedicate to God and the ministry of the Kingdom. But Paul also doesn’t see a problem with it. Widows should be taken care of and helped, but widows shouldn’t be using their position as widows to be idle and drain resources of others or gossip. If a widow isn’t positive as a member of the widow community, it would be better to remarry. Widows should not be neglected either, but taken care of. It isn’t a sin to remarry once a spouse dies, but it is also not a sin to stay single. In either condition everyone should be a blessing to those around them.

Chapter eight touches on food offered to idols – a common practise in Corinth. Paul sticks to the line he used in Romans 14:13-23. When we know who we are in Jesus, these things don’t matter because God blesses ALL our food. But if someone else isn’t at the same place, Paul counselled not eating in order not to have them stumble. Basically, don’t ask questions at a dinner party, but if it is mentioned then don’t eat. We try and help others with our behaviour, not causing them to fall from their not-yet-mature attitude in who they are.

Chapter nine goes into the rights of an apostle. Some were charging that no one should support the apostles. Others felt they should be completely taken care of. Paul laid out that it was good apostles were supported. They worked hard for Jesus. God isn’t afraid of His ministers being supported or of ministries being supported. Paul pointed out it was on the apostle not to fleece the sheep or for people to give out of guilt. God has always made provision for those He calls to preach and teach, right back to the Tabernacle model. There is NOTHING wrong with it.

Chapter ten warns about putting ANYTHING in God’s place. Even coveting what others have is idolatry. Don’t fall into the trap. Flee from idols. Flee from taking anything as your source that isn’t God Himself. We need to eat proper spiritual food and lean into what Holy Spirit tells us. We can DO anything we WANT – but not everything helps us. Not everything is beneficial to us. Can I eat a twinkie? Of course. Is eating twinkies healthy? No one can claim yes. Paul takes that lesson and applies it to spirituality. Does what you do glorify God? If not, it is not a benefit to you. We should seek to always glorify God – which we can do in MANY ways that can seem ordinary. We can even do it in service to our families. Whatever we do, we should do as a service to God.

Summary

Key Players: God, Jesus, Paul

Key Verse(s): 1 Corinthians 7:3-6; 8:7-13; 9:13-18; 10:14-22