Let Us Walk

Eric Roberts

To the Church of God at Corinth • Sermon • Submitted 7 years ago

1 Corinthians 7:17–24

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A Little Girl Walking In A Garden Noticed A ...

Contributed by Ted Sutherland on Mar 26, 2001

A little girl walking in a garden noticed a particularly beautiful flower. She admired its beauty and enjoyed its fragrance. “It’s so pretty!” she exclaimed. As she gazed on it, her eyes followed the stem down to the soil in which it grew. “This flower is too pretty to be planted in such dirt!” she cried. So she pulled it up by its roots and ran to the water faucet to wash away the soil. It wasn’t long until the flower wilted and died.

When the gardener saw what the little girl had done, he exclaimed, “You have destroyed my finest plant!”

“I’m sorry, but I didn’t like it in that dirt,” she said. The gardener replied, “I chose that spot and mixed the soil because I knew that only there could it grow to be a beautiful flower.”

Often we murmur because of the circumstances into which God has sovereignly placed us. We fail to realize that He is using our pressures, trials, and difficulties to bring us to a new degree of spiritual beauty. Contentment comes when we accept what God is doing and thank Him for it.

Scripture Passage

1 Corinthians 7:17–24 NASB95

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.

1 Corinthians 17:24

There are a few key principles that Paul is highlighting within Chapter 7 and these verses.

Paul has been telling the Corinthians about marriage, divorce, singleness and so on. In the midst of his discourse, Paul emphasizes “remain in the place God has given you.” Paul states this 3 times. Here he uses 2 illustrations to convey this message.

1. Circumcision and Uncircumcision.

2. Slave and Freedman.

These 2 illustrations provide context for the next section on marriage and a Christian’s responsibility to God.

Recall from last week:

A. This is Paul's most extensive discussion of domestic relationships. He deals with

1. sexual immorality, 6:9-20; 7:2

2. marriage, , ,

3. singles, , ,

4. virgins,

5. remarriage of widows and widowers,

6. the recurrent theme is, "stay as you are," , , , , , , , ; because of the current crisis and the expected coming of Christ, although he allows for exceptions

B. Chapter 7 is a very good example of how the local and temporal situation must be taken into account before one can accurately interpret the Bible or draw universal principles for application.

The principle applied by Paul is that one should seek to serve and follow God, after conversion, in the state in which one is called, be it circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or free, unmarried or married. This teaching is not to bind a Christian in a rut, but to assure him or her that God is at work in the circumstances in which he or she is converted. Thus he makes quite clear that if an unmarried person does marry, he or she has not sinned, but that there is a down-side to marriage as well as an up-side. It really depends upon individual circumstances...

The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: Acts–Philemon 2. 7:17–24. Paul’s Overriding Principle: Contentment with One’s Calling

Paul’s overriding principle: contentment with one’s calling

This is a much misunderstood passage in Paul that has been used variously to support the continuation of slavery and even a failure to recognize women’s leadership roles in the church and society. Paul believed that Christ was going to return soon and with impending crisis at hand, all other matters such as singleness or marriage, slavery or freedom—all things had to be seen in light of the most important task of sharing God’s Good News as that day of the coming of the Lord was fast approaching. Before that day, there were many hardships also falling on the early Christians and, given the deprivation that some were facing, it seems that singleness was a significant option facing many young Christians and those who had been widowed. While urging that Christians remain in the social condition in which they were called by God, namely—in this case—their married status, Paul appeals to well-known social categories to make his point. Without question the one that has troubled many Christians over the centuries is the call to remain in slavery.

1 Corinthians 7:

The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: Acts–Philemon 2. 7:17–24. Paul’s Overriding Principle: Contentment with One’s Calling

In the broader scope of the passage, however, Paul is claiming that there is no social status higher than another in Christ and, whether married or single, slave or free, Gentile or Jewish, such categories are irrelevant to one’s calling of God in Christ. Paul makes the point here and elsewhere (Gal. 3:28) that there are no social distinctions in the salvation that comes to those who are in Christ.

The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: Acts–Philemon 2. 7:17–24. Paul’s Overriding Principle: Contentment with One’s Calling

For Paul, there is no superior social class in the family of God based on gender, ethnicity, or other arbitrary classes of society.

Let us take a closer look.

1 Corinthians 7:17 NASB95

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.

ONLY - This introduces the expanded implications of Paul's discussion about sexual issues. The Greek terms ei mē can mean "unless," "except," or "but."

as the Lord has ASSIGNED - means "to divide or distribute." It is used in the Septuagint for the division of the Promised Land to the Jewish tribes by YHWH (cf. ; ,,; ), which makes it a metaphor for God's people as does the next verb, "called." YHWH "called" His people and they "called" on His name. In this context both verbs refer to God's special giftedness (cf. ), which allows people to serve Him (cf. ,). Whatever their life situation when they were called, saved and gifted, they are now to serve (i.e., "stay as you are," ,,,,,). You have heard the expression: “Bloom where you are planted” with God's help and some exceptions.

This introduces the expanded implications of Paul's discussion about sexual issues. The Greek terms ei mē can mean "unless," "except," or "but."

means "to divide or distribute." It is used in the Septuagint for the division of the Promised Land to the Jewish tribes by YHWH (cf. ; ,,; ), which makes it a metaphor for God's people as does the next verb, "called." YHWH "called" His people and they "called" on His name. In this context both verbs refer to God's special giftedness (cf. ), which allows people to serve Him (cf. ,). Whatever their life situation when they were called, saved and gifted, they are now to serve (i.e., "stay as you are," ,,,,,). Bloom where you are planted with God's help and some exceptions.

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 7

God has called each one Refers to those whom God called to be saved (1:26), not the call to ministry service (compare Acts 13:2). Paul encourages the Corinthian believers to maintain whatever marital situation they were in when they first heard God’s call.

1 Corinthians 7:14–24 NASB95

14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified through her believing husband; for otherwise your children are unclean, but now they are holy. 15 Yet if the unbelieving one leaves, let him leave; the brother or the sister is not under bondage in such cases, but God has called us to peace. 16 For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife? 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.

LET him WALK - literally "walk" (i.e., Present active imperative), which is a biblical metaphor for lifestyle. It refers to the believer walking with God to complete a complete circuit ("course") directed by Him. Walking "full circle" means hearing the Lord's voice and doing what we hear. Obeying the faith God imparts or inbirths, enables us to walk in each scene of life on a divinely-approved course – or what we refer to as His preferred-will.

This is literally "walk" (i.e., Present active imperative), which is a biblical metaphor for lifestyle.

Utley states that the phrase ▣ "so I direct in all the churches" is repeated often in 1 Corinthians (cf. ; ; ; ; ). The Corinthian church thought of themselves as "special," "privileged," and "uniquely gifted." Paul counteracts this false arrogance by asserting that he teaches the same truths in all his churches.

This phrase indicates:

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 7

in all the churches Emphasizes that the Corinthian believers have deviated from the standard practices in other churches founded by Paul.

Insert reality check: have we deviated from the standard practices in other 1st century churches founded by Paul and the other Apostles?

1 Corinthians 7:18 NASB95

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.

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 7

must not undo his circumcision Refers to an epispasm—a surgical procedure intended to disguise the marks of circumcision. Many Gentiles despised circumcision and considered it mutilation. This may have caused some Christian Jews in Corinth to feel ashamed about their circumcision and to seek surgery. Paul advises such people to remain circumcised.

1 Corinthians 7:19 NASB95

19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but what matters is the keeping of the commandments of God.

"Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing" This shows Paul's view of the OT rituals and regulations (cf. ; ,; ; ; see Special Topic at ). This was the very issue brought up at the Jerusalem Council of and exploited by the Judaizers in the churches of Galatia. Paul's theology at this point is very clear. Gentiles do not need to perform Jewish rites, rituals, and cultic procedures. Believing Jews must not be proud or ashamed of OT covenant practices they had participated in in the past. True circumcision is of the heart (cf. ; ; ), not the body, and it issues in "circumcised" ears (cf. ) to hear God and lips (cf. ,) to speak His message, His new message in Christ (cf. ,).

The ancient practice of epispasm [ep-i-spasm] or removing the marks of circumcision had social implications as well...

The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: Acts–Philemon 2. 7:17–24. Paul’s Overriding Principle: Contentment with One’s Calling

In the ancient world, many Jews tried to reverse the visual signs of circumcision by a process known as “epispasm” (Greek = epispastho), mostly to allow them to attend the baths at gymnasiums and participate in Roman activity without the ridicule that might attend their nakedness in these public places. This operation was most often done during the age of puberty or before so young men could enter into the athletic and gymnastic activities of their Hellenistic counterparts without the stigma of circumcision being a source of ridicule for them. Those who reversed their circumcision by restoring their foreskins usually did so in their youth and it also became a symbol of their abandoning their Jewish covenant.

The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: Acts–Philemon 2. 7:17–24. Paul’s Overriding Principle: Contentment with One’s Calling

Aulius Cornelius Celsus (ca. A.D. 14–37) wrote an encyclopedia on agriculture, medicine, military science, rhetoric, jurisprudence and philosophy. All of what survives in his literary contributions, however, is his eight-volume discussion of medicine. In the seventh of his books on medicine, he describes in considerable detail the ancient practice of epispasm, that is, removing the marks of circumcision

Before studying for this I have never really thought about this at all…still not going to. However this reversal of circumcision must have been much more common place than we would imagine.

We know from our study of Acts that circumcision was a major area if contention.

Acts 15:1–2 NASB95

1 Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the brethren, “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 And when Paul and Barnabas had great dissension and debate with them, the brethren determined that Paul and Barnabas and some others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders concerning this issue.

Acts 15:

Acts 15:19–21 NASB95

19 “Therefore it is my judgment that we do not trouble those who are turning to God from among the Gentiles, 20 but that we write to them that they abstain from things contaminated by idols and from fornication and from what is strangled and from blood. 21 “For Moses from ancient generations has in every city those who preach him, since he is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

Acts 15:

Acts 21:20 NASB95

20 And when they heard it they began glorifying God; and they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the Law;

Acts 21

Acts 21:18–23 NASB95

18 And the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 After he had greeted them, he began to relate one by one the things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it they began glorifying God; and they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed, and they are all zealous for the Law; 21 and they have been told about you, that you are teaching all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children nor to walk according to the customs. 22 “What, then, is to be done? They will certainly hear that you have come. 23 “Therefore do this that we tell you. We have four men who are under a vow;

These Jewish Christians certainly put pressure on Gentile believers to be circumcised.

Acts

Circumcision A sign of the covenant that God made with Abraham (). Jews valued circumcision as a sign that they were part of God’s covenant people. But Paul suggests the Spirit replaced circumcision as that sign; therefore, it no longer has any value (; compare ).

commandments of God Refers to the moral commandments that apply to believers (see ; ), not the works of the law (such as circumcision). Paul emphasizes that believers should seek to obey these commandments over circumcision.

These Jewish Christians certainly put pressure on Gentile believers to be circumcised.

Barry, J. D., Mangum, D., Brown, D. R., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Ritzema, E., … Bomar, D. (2012, 2016). Faithlife Study Bible (). Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press.

Robert Utley writes:

This is the emphasis of the OT prophets that obedience is more significant than the ritual (cf. ; ; ; ; ). God looks at our attitude and motive before He looks at our acts. All of God's dealings with fallen man, OT and NT, are on a covenantal basis. Obedience is crucial (cf. ), but aspects of the specific covenantal requirements have changed through time.

But look at what Paul says:

1 Corinthians 7:20 NASB95

20 Each man must remain in that condition in which he was called.

1 Corinthians 7:20–21 NASB95

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.

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 7

not let it be a concern Some believing slaves in Corinth may have been concerned that their social status inhibited them from living for God. Paul argues that if their status did not inhibit God’s call to salvation, it will not inhibit them now that they have the Spirit.

make use of it Refers to the opportunity to have freedom in Christ.

1 Corinthians 7:21 NASB95

21 Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about it; but if you are able also to become free, rather do that.

Some have used this verses to justify slavery…Paul is using slavery as an illustration. One commentator clarifies this as follows:

This is a first class conditional sentence, some slave will get the chance to be free, followed by an aorist middle imperative, "do it!" There are two possible interpretations.

1. that a slave should remain in the station in which he is called, ,

2. that if he has an opportunity to become free, he/she should take advantage of this opportunity (cf. NASB, TEV, JB)

This fits the immediate context on the freedom of (1) singles to marry, and 28 (cf. NRSV, NJB) and (2) believing partners to leave unbelieving partners, . Here is Paul's personal advice and an individual believer's choice side by side. All believers struggle with these "gray areas." When the Lord or Scripture has not clearly addressed an issue, believers are given a "godly flexibility"! In some areas "one size" does not fit all!

Reality Check: Illustration

Going Beyond Our Teachers

Contributed by Davon Huss on Jul 9, 2013

A well-known Bible teacher gives this insight:

"Someone on our staff informed me several months ago that a woman had called the ministry office to find out what my 'official position' was on a biblically gray area. When she was told that it's not my policy to make 'official' public statements on such issues, she was bewildered, actually, a little irritated. She asked, 'How are we to know what to decide on this issue if you don't tell us?'

"Some may find her amusing. Frankly, I find it frightening. I thought, 'Have we created that kind of Christian, where the minister must make statements in areas that are a matter of personal preference?' There is a fine line between responsible leadership and dogmatic control. Yes, people need to be informed, but then released to come to their own convictions based upon the Word. Why must a minister constantly issue public edits and decrees? Seems awfully pope-like to me. You will never grow up so long as you form most of your opinions from me or some other Christian leader."

1 Corinthians 7:22 NASB95

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.

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 7

freedperson A legally free person who continued to perform duties for his or her former master. Paul uses this metaphor to suggest that while believers are free, they still obey the Lord and belong to His “household.” See Col 4:1 and note.

slave of Christ Paul asserts that those who were not slaves should regard Christ as their spiritual master. Since they no longer belong to themselves, they must seek to obey Jesus Christ.

The Bible Knowledge Background Commentary: Acts–Philemon 2. 7:17–24. Paul’s Overriding Principle: Contentment with One’s Calling

Paul is often accused of being indifferent to the plight of slaves, but his overriding concern is the proclamation of the Gospel in light of the coming of the Lord. Some have accused Paul of a Stoic response to the evil of his day, representing something like Epictetus’ lack of concern over how one dies since we all die: “what concern is it to you by what road you descend to the House of Hades? They are all equal” (Discourses 2.6.18, LCL). This is not true for Paul, however, his concern is eschatological, that is, on the future and the importance of preaching the Gospel now. Everything else is subordinate to that.

1 Corinthians 7:23–24 NASB95

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.

1 Corinthians 7:23 NASB95

23 You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men.

Faithlife Study Bible Chapter 7

slaves of men Paul urges the believers not to become enslaved to human wisdom or troubled by the traditions of marriage, slavery, and circumcision; Paul wants them to focus on Christ and what He has done for them.

1 Corinthians 7:24 NASB95

24 Brethren, each one is to remain with God in that condition in which he was called.

1 Corinthians 7:25 NASB95

25 Now concerning virgins I have no command of the Lord, but I give an opinion as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy.

7:22-23 In the Lord all believers are free; in the Lord all believers are servants (cf. ; ). Jesus bought us from the slavery of sin and self. Now we serve Him.

"do not become slaves of men" Greek is an inflected language. Sometimes the form can have two possible meanings. This imperative can be

1. Present middle, "do not let yourselves be slaves of men"

2. Present passive, "do not be enslaved by men")

Both fit the context. Factions in the Corinthian church were trying to control all believers. This is still happening today. There must be freedom within limits; a freedom, not to self and sin, but to Christ (cf. and 14); a freedom of individual lifestyle choices about how to best serve Christ guided by God's giftedness and the present circumstances.

Reality Check Are you letting yourself be enslaved by factions within the church of America? Do others try to control you and make you wear certain clothing, eat certain foods and abstain from others? How are you best serving Christ using God’s imparted giftedness in your current circumstances? God has placed you where you are for a reason and a season…Bloom where you are…

We must literally "walk" We must have a lifestyle of Christ; walking with God being directed by Him. Hearing the Lord's voice and doing what we hear. Obeying the faith God gives us, enables us to walk in each scene of life on a divinely-approved course. Shall we join one another in this journey?

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