1 Corinthians 7:21–24: Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. 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. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.
You have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Now don’t be a slave to someone. Does this sound like a contradiction? Let me explain by an example. A cocktail waitress was converted by hearing the gospel on our radio broadcast. Everything about the Bible was brand new to her. She asked me a question about whether she should give up being a cocktail waitress because she just didn’t feel right about it. I answered her that it was up to her. I said, “That is a decision that you must make. If you have a conviction about it, then give it up. If you want to know what I think about it personally, I think you ought to give it up. However don’t give it up because I say so, but give it up if that becomes your conviction.” She did give it up and found another job within a couple of weeks. She had been bought with a price; she was not to be a servant of man. This is the important consideration. 1
Application
- Read Colossians 3:12-17. What are seven things you can do according to v.12-13, to become the “new you” in Christ?
- What have you been convicted about lately, and what are you willing to change?
Thought to Share
Christianity is not about what I gave up, but rather what I became. – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, help me to meditate upon the price You paid for me to be free.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (1 Corinthians) (electronic ed., Vol. 44).
