1 Corinthians 7:17
Nevertheless, each
person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to
them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the
churches. (NIV)
“let
each person lead the life . . . God has called him.” The following verses make clear that the phrase “God has
called him” is not a reference to a social position but to conversion itself.
In vv. 17–24 set forth a principle that gives coherence to the whole chapter:
becoming a believer does not require a change in status, whether marital,
ethnic, or social. This verse has sometimes been misused as
evidence that Christians should not attempt to improve their social or economic
standing. On the contrary, Paul encourages slaves to obtain their freedom if
the opportunity arises (v. 21).
Only, as the Lord hath
distributed to each man, as God hath called each, so let him walk. And so
ordain I in all the churches. (NKJV)
So here is my
instruction to all the churches: each must live with the gifts the Lord Jesus
grants you and with the call God offers you. (The Voice)
You never know what the next year, month, or day holds.
Stick with the calling of God for your life, whatever that may be.
In 1 Corinthians 7:17 the words “assigned” and “called” carry
special weight because they imply God exercises his authority in actively placing
people where they are. The USB Handbook: 1 Corinthians states that the clause,
“which the Lord has assigned to him,” is literally translated as “to each as
the Lord gave him his share.”
Paul lays down this rule in general—as God hath distributed
to everyone. Note, Our states and circumstances in this world are
distributions of divine Providence. This fixes the bounds of men’s
habitations, and orders their steps. God sets up and pulls down. And again,
As the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. Whatever his
circumstances or condition was when he was converted to Christianity, let him
abide therein, and suit his conversation to it. The rule
s of Christianity reach
every condition. And in every state a man may live so as to be a credit to it. Note,
It is the duty of every Christian to suit his behavior to his condition and the
rules of religion, to be content with his lot, and conduct himself in his rank
and place as becomes a Christian. The apostle adds that this was a general
rule, to be observed at all times and in all places; So ordain I in all
churches.
Only, let each one
[seek to conduct himself and regulate his affairs so as to] lead the life which
the Lord has allotted and imparted to him and to which God has invited and
summoned him. This is my order in all the churches. (AMP)
So here is my
instruction to all the churches: each must live with the gifts the Lord Jesus
grants you and with the call God offers you. (The Voice)
You never know what the next year, month, or day holds.
Stick with the calling of God for your life, whatever that may be.
In 1 Corinthians 7:17 the words “assigned” and “called” carry
special weight because they imply God exercises his authority in actively
placing people where they are. The USB Handbook: 1 Corinthians states that the
clause, “which the Lord has assigned to him,” is literally translated as “to
each as the Lord gave him his share.” However, Reading Corinthians: A Literary
and Theological Commentary on 1 & 2 Corinthians points out that, although
the idea of “calling” is sometimes used in nonbiblical literature to mean
‘station in life,’ ‘position.’ ‘vocation,’…in Pauline literature it refers
everywhere else to the call to salvation. In other words, God calls us to live
out our salvation in the context of the particular circumstances in which he
has placed us.
Imagine having become a Christ
follower in the tangled sinful mess of Corinth – lively issues of gender roles,
marital status, sexual ethics and cross-cultural friction (Jew and Gentile) as
well as socio-economic tension (slave & free) – much like ours today. For
many believers, the thought of pulling away from society must have seemed
attractive. However, Paul opposed that attitude. New International Greek
Testament Commentary: 1 Corinthians says, “A Christian does not have to seek
‘the right situation’ to enjoy Christian freedom or to serve God’s call
effectively.” Theological Interpretation of the New Testament: A Book-by-Book
Survey adds a helpful clarification point:
Christians
can keep the commandment of God whether circumcised or uncircumcised, slave or
free, married or celibate. Any attempt to alter one’s status in life for
religious reasons gives more importance to that worldly status than it merits
and controverts God’s calling in Christ based on grace alone.
In other words, rather than
looking to find a better opportunity, we should seek to be a part of
transforming our current situation. (Paul wasn’t addressing abuse or violence
in this passage. Isolation or abusive situations require us to make wise
choices about changing our situations.)
God will likely prompt you to
make changes in your life as you follow Him, but until then, examine your
present circumstance for opportunities you may have missed. Don’t only look to
your personal preferences. Notice the needs of people around you and come
alongside them. Connect with those who don’t know Christ or have never met
someone who represents Him in a compelling way. Wherever we are, God is at
work. Whatever situation you’re in, make the most of it for the sake of Jesus
it is your calling.
Phil.
2:2 “fulfill my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, sharing the
same feelings, focusing on one goal.” (CSB)
Bibliography G. Kittel, Theological Dictionary of
the New Testament, III (1965), 487-500.
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