Originally posted: 6/15/2020
Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk, (7:17).
Paul had received a letter from the Corinthian church. And it appears they had some questions…
Now concerning the things about which you wrote… (7:1).
So many questions… Is sex ever okay? Should we marry? If we do marry, are relations between husband and wife okay, or even necessary? Should we divorce an unbelieving spouse? Should we get circumcised? Should we get uncircumcised (if that’s even possible)? Should we seek freedom from slavery? Should we stay single forever and commit to celibacy? Should we remain widowed?
So many concerns about all the dos and dont’s. And I confess, considering all these questions stirred up some angst in my own mind. But within Paul’s answers to each question, was an exhortation, that if believed, would redirect their attention and answer every concern.
It is God Who assigns our Calling for this life.
Only, as the Lord has assigned to each one, as God has called each, in this manner let him walk, (7:17).
And God’s assignments are anything but a burden.
For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome, (1 John 5:3).
And if we will but remember His great love displayed in the Price He Paid (1 Corinthians 6), we will hear and understand His Calling to Walk in His Freedom.
Consider His Calling to Walk in His Freedom
You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men, (7:23).
- He Calls us to Walk in His Freedom that we would bear fruit:
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- “You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you,” (John 15:16).
- He Calls us to Walk in His Freedom that we would experience His purpose:
- And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified, (Romans 8:28-30).
- He Calls us to Walk in His Freedom that we would fellowship with His Son:
- God is faithful, through whom you were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, (1 Corinthians 1:9).
- He Calls us to Walk in His Freedom that we would take hold of His hope:
- There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all, (Ephesians 4:4-6).
- He Calls us to Walk in His Freedom that we would press on for the prize:
- Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, (Philippians 3:13-14).
- He Calls us to Walk in His Freedom that we would rely on His faithfulness:
- Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass, (1 Thessalonians 5:24).
- He Calls us to Walk in His Freedom that we would gain the glory for our Lord:
- But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14 It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ, (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14).
- He Calls us to Walk in His Freedom that we would be assured of our eternity:
- who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, (2 Timothy 1:9).
- He Calls us to Walk in His Freedom that we would patiently endure:
- …But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God. 21 For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, (1 Peter 2:20-21).
- He Calls us to Walk in His Freedom that we would inherit a blessing:
- To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; 9 not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing, (1 Peter 3:8-9).
How do we respond to His Calling to Walk in His Freedom?
Rather than being bogged down with all the dos and don’ts, if we but turn our attention to His Word revealing all He has done for us and His desires for our future in Him, His Holy Spirit will enable us to hear and respond to His Calling to Walk in His Freedom in Christ.
His Freedom. Such a wonderful gift… when it is not abused. His Freedom, not our own. The only way we can be sure to live in, enjoy and respect His Freedom in His Calling is through surrendered faith and dependence on His Divine Power, granted to us through faith in the truth of Jesus Christ and His Holy Word.
seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence, (2 Peter 1:3).
As we seek Him daily in His Word, He will be faithful to instruct us. And as we submit to His His Divine Power, He will lead us in His Calling to Walk in His Freedom, and into maturity that will ultimately resemble His Love.
Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, 6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, 7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love, (2 Peter 1:5-7).
As we grow in His image, His Calling to Walk in His Freedom will shape our behavior to ultimately resemble His Holiness.
but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy,” (1 Peter 1:15-16).
We must choose to yield to Him; and as we answer His Calling to Walk in His Freedom, we will experience His grace and power to walk without stumbling; for He is Able.
Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble, (2 Peter 1:10).
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen, (Jude 1:24-25).