1 Corinthians 7:28–31: But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you. But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.
You and I are in the world, not of the world; but this doesn’t mean that we are to walk around with an attitude of touch not, taste not, handle not. We are to use this world. This past summer I made a trip up into the Northwest, and I stopped many times to look upon those glorious forests that they have up there. I used them—they blessed my heart. I enjoyed them. But I didn’t fall down and worship any one of those trees! We are to use the things of this world but not abuse them. We are not to substitute them for the Creator. “The fashion of this world passeth away.” Do the things of this life control your life, or does Christ control your life? This is what Paul is talking about. 1
Application
- Read the prayer of Jesus in John 17:14-19.
- What purpose does Jesus have for keeping His children in the world? How are you personally fulfilling those purposes in your life?
Thought to Share
It is my purpose to make His purposes my purposes. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, thank you for praying for me without ceasing.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (1 Corinthians) (electronic ed., Vol. 44).
