Slices
Prepare
Monks and nuns swear an oath of stability: to stay in the same place unless called otherwise. To what extent do you feel a call to where you’re living at the moment?
Bible passage
Concerning change of status
17 Nevertheless, each person should live as a believer in whatever situation the Lord has assigned to them, just as God has called them. This is the rule I lay down in all the churches. 18 Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing. Keeping God’s commands is what counts. 20 Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
21 Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you – although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22 For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. 24 Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.
Explore
Although it’s translated ‘live’, Paul often describes discipleship as a walk (v 17). Answering God’s call to obey is the priority (v 19).
Why? Because we’ve been bought at a price, ie ‘bought in the (slave) market’ (v 23; see also 1 Corinthians 6:20). Once slaves to sin, now the One who has redeemed us has the right to dictate our steps (Romans 6:17,18). That’s why obeying the Lord has priority over changing our circumstances (v 19). Even those who were legally free (v 22) must see themselves as Christ’s slaves, and those who are slaves as his freed people (although Paul encourages escaping slavery legally, verse 21). No human leader should be given the place that belongs to Jesus alone (v 23).
What makes the difference is that God is with us. The language of verses 20 and 24 is very similar in Greek. They both read, ‘Each one in the calling in which he was called, let him remain.’ But the phrase ‘with God’ is added in verse 24 (see NRSVA). The reality of God’s presence and power can transform us in and within our circumstances, making us fruitful for God wherever we find ourselves.
Respond
Ask God to show you how he is with you and how you can be fruitful wherever he has planted you.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Numbers 36; Deuteronomy 1; Psalm 32
Pray for Scripture Union
Last year, the north region ran some new Faith Guide holidays (holidays for children and young people that Faith Guides have been connecting with across the region). Please pray for wisdom as they seek to learn from these and to build on them creating new opportunities for the 95 to meet Jesus.
Staying connected with Connecting You
Thank you for praying for us, we are so thankful that you bring the work of Scripture Union, our partners, and the children and young people that we reach before God in your personal prayers.
If you’d like to be more involved in prayer, make sure you are signed up to receive a copy of Connecting You our supporter prayer magazine.
