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Daily Devotions

1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 
Day 
Day 89

"As God has distributed to each one..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 7:17

A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE

Paul gave a new and different perspective to the subject of marriage. This perspective if understood well, could be applied to more than just the question of marriage or singlehood.

“But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord
has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain
in all the churches. Was anyone called while circumcised?
Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called
while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised.
Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing,
but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.”
1 Corinthians 7:17-19

1. “As God has distributed to each one”

a) God has given to each one different gifts.
b) Each believer has been apportioned a gift or more.

2. “As the Lord has called each one”

a) Each one has also been given a special calling.
b) The gift and the calling coincide with each other; they complement each other.

3. “So let him walk”

a) This is of course the logical and correct thing to do.
b) Apostolic authority was once again exercised; this understanding was to be practised in all churches.

4. Circumcision

a) If a person has been circumcised then he should not be ashamed of having been circumcised.
b) Let him not become uncircumcised.
i) This phrase may be translated in a different way.
ii) Let him not conceal it.
iii) There was no need to try and cover up being a Jew who has received circumcision.

5. Uncircumcision

a) This is a reference to the Gentiles (who are customarily not circumcised).
b) There was no need to seek circumcision at all.

6. What really matters!

a) Not circumcision or uncircumcision.
b) It is the keeping of God’s commandments!