March 11, 2016 1 Corinthians 7:17 – 31
Download discussion questions: 1 Corinthians 7_17-31
This week’s group discussion was a real treat for me – I was not the teacher-leader-facilitator-referee. Because I had been out of town, one of the other group members prepared the handout and the group as a whole carried the discussion. I enjoyed being a participant in the conversation.
One of the questions in the discussion related back to the first verse of the chapter, where Paul is specifically addressing issues raised in a letter to him from the Corinthians (which, of course, we don’t have). Our question then becomes, What did they ask Paul about? The consensus of our group was (based on Paul’s responses) that it must have something to do with sex. Someone suggested that the Corinthian Christians, new to the faith, were running into the very practical dilemma of marriage between one partner who had become a Christian and another who had not. Paul addresses directly in verses 12-16). Not only that problem, but the Christian ethic they were learning was quite different from the cultural norms they knew. They were now under a higher, stricter standard. At the same time, their salvation was based on God’s grace instead of their performance. No wonder they had questions about exactly how that was all to work out (just like we do).
Then, as our present passage begins, Paul expands the principle to any troubling life situation. Faith in Christ is to impact all of life. What should that impact look like in a wide spectrum of circumstances? What needs to be changed? What can stay the same? Paul’s overriding principle seems to be that change is essential in areas of clear immorality (cf. his strong words beginning in chapter 5). However, in most areas he counsels, “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” (v. 17). He had been addressing problems specific to the Corinthian church. Now he adds the clarification that this is his universal instruction. He repeats the principle in verse 20 and again in verse 24.
The list of issues Paul addresses specifically may give more insight into the questions the Corinthians had. What about our previous religious affiliations (v. 18-19, circumcision/uncircumcision)? What about our social standing (v. 21-22, slave/free)? How about marital status (v. 25-27)?
One member of our group was concerned about Paul’s advice that seems to discourage marriage (7:1, 27b). Does that advice contradict God’s commission in Genesis to be fruitful and multiply? Paul’s concern in this passage (probably directed to the Corinthians’ particular questions) is about the general principle of verse 26, “I think then that this is good in view of the present distress, that it is good for a man to remain as he is.” Paul is concerned for the trouble (thlipsin, θλῖψιν, tribulation) the Corinthians are facing because of their faith. Improving or managing their circumstances are not the main issues. Living for Christ is the main issue, in whatever circumstances the believers find themselves. Certainly, if the opportunity arises we should gladly change, for example, a slave becoming free, or a single person marrying. Paul’s words about marriage or other situations (v. 28) are not about sin but about practical realities. He is not rejecting God’s intention for marriage, but he is encouraging the new Corinthian believers to count the cost that will be involved.
Paul explains why circumstances are not to be our main concern. Circumstances may be positive (living in freedom, having a wonderful marriage). Circumstances may be terrible (slavery for life, or marriage to an unsympathetic non-Christian spouse). Paul’s point is that all the criteria we usually use to judge the quality of our lives (social status, marital status, etc.) are “passing away” (v. 31b). The form of this world, the framework (schema, σχῆμα, the plan, the schematic, how things work in this world) is being replaced by a new way. The new way is centered on our relationship with God, with His people, and with the world He loves. The time we spend worrying about our circumstances, and the energy we expend trying to manage life to make those circumstances better – that time and energy could better be invested in those relationships – with God and with others.
The circumstances Paul lists are what C. S. Lewis described as “second things” in contrast to the first thing of knowing God. First and second things are not mutually exclusive. Both are part of God’s intention for us, in the proper priority. When these priorities are confused, we can miss out on both. Lewis explains,
Put first things first and we get second things thrown in; put second things first & we lose both first and second things.[1]
And
You can’t get second things by putting them first; you can get second things only by putting first things first.[2]
Jesus put this most succinctly: “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”[3] Paul seems to be telling the Corinthians the same thing. A good religious heritage, freedom from slavery, a happy marriage are all good second things we can be thankful for. But they are still second things. A terrible religious background, or slavery, or undesired singleness (or a difficult marriage) are second things. None of these is our first thing. None of these (positive or negative) should define our life and determine our priorities. Our unique “first thing” is our relationship with God, our communion and fellowship with Him. That first thing is what should be our source of identity and joy and satisfaction and fulfillment. Paul’s desire for the Corinthians is to spare them (v. 28) the distress and trouble that over-attention to second things will cause.
[1] C. S. Lewis, The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis, Volume 3, ed. Walter Hooper (New York: HarperCollins e-books, 2009), Kindle Electronic Edition: Location 1921, page 111 (emphasis in the original).
[2] C. S. Lewis, “First and Second Things,” God in the Dock, Walter Hooper, ed. (Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1970), 280.
[3] Matthew 6:33.