AND HERE'S MORE GOOD NEWS

1 CORINTHIANS 7:20-24 NKJ 
20 Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. 21 Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. 22 For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ's slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called. 

OBSERVATION: 

Paul's letters to the churches were often used to correct wrong thinking and teaching that would try to creep in.   

In this part of the letter, the Holy Spirit, through Paul, is speaking to people who are making changes as a result of their new found faith.   

But these are not good changes. Some were actually volunteering to become slaves. I have no idea why that was a thing. Maybe it provided a level of economic security in an ancient world, but the instruction from Paul was, do not do this.   

Some people were becoming circumcised, thinking that living Jewish was an advantage. Others who were Jewish were abandoning their Jewish roots to live as Gentiles.   

So the message is wherever you came to Christ, stay there. In Christ, the outward things are not nearly so important.   

If you came to Christ as a slave, don't let it bother you because in Christ, you are free.   

If you come to Christ as a freeman, you belong to Christ. He is your master.   

If you can be made free as a slave, take it.   

Again, the church is reminded that they are bought with a price. That in Christ He is the one they belong to. It is in Christ that matters, so don't try to change your natural position in life. 

APPLICATION: 

I was 58 years old when I discovered I was half Jewish. My biological father was from European Jewish descent.   

But that changed nothing for me. I did not change my last name, wear a prayer shawl, or eat kosher. I did not come to Christ that way, so no need to change now.   

Finding out that my father, who raised me, was not my biological father really did not phase me. What has been more real to me is who I am in Christ. That God is my Heavenly Father, and I belong to Him.   

And when we leave this earth, what we were down here will matter even less.   

PRAYER: 

Thank You for buying me and setting me free, Lord. I belong to you.