Day 23 in the Word: 1 Corinthians 7:17-24

About the passage

Paul speaks of living above and even beyond one’s circumstances, traditions, and societal statuses. More significant than religious ceremonies are keeping God’s commandments. This type of logic seems unwise to our independent and justice-focused society. Paul is not so much focused on human rights as he is on appropriate living. In a world riddled by injustice, abuse, and subjugation, it is complex to consider God before and above us, but that is what the apostle suggests.

 

Rev. Gregory Dyson

Vice President for Spiritual Life and Intercultural Leadership | Campus Pastor

Day 23: 1 Corinthians 7: 17-24

¹⁷ Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you, and remain as you were when God first called you. This is my rule for all the churches. ¹⁸ For instance, a man who was circumcised before he became a believer should not try to reverse it. And the man who was uncircumcised when he became a believer should not be circumcised now. ¹⁹ For it makes no difference whether or not a man has been circumcised. The important thing is to keep God’s commandments. ²⁰ Yes, each of you should remain as you were when God called you. ²¹ Are you a slave? Don’t let that worry you—but if you get a chance to be free, take it. ²² And remember, if you were a slave when the Lord called you, you are now free in the Lord. And if you were free when the Lord called you, you are now a slave of Christ. ²³ God paid a high price for you, so don’t be enslaved by the world  ²⁴ Each of you, dear brothers and sisters, should remain as you were when God first called you.

Questions

What does the passage say? / What is happening in the text?

How does this impact me? / What is significant or noteworthy?

What does this mean in my life? / What does this mean to me?