Live as You Were Called

 

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.