1 Corinthians 7:29-31

DISCOURSE: 1962
MODERATION IN THE USE OF EARTHLY THINGS INCULCATED

1 Corinthians 7:29. This I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that hare wives be as though they had none; and they that Keep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; and they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

IT is no inconsiderable part of Christian wisdom to distinguish clearly between things lawful, things expedient, and things necessary: since many things must be reduced under one or other of these heads according to the circumstances connected with them. The Apostle is writing upon the subject of marriage; and gives it as his opinion, that though at all times lawful, and to some persons necessary, it was, at that particular season, inexpedient for those who could conveniently abstain from it; because the cares necessarily attendant on a married life would increase their difficulties during the present persecuted and afflicted state of the Church. But, while they were all left at liberty respecting the line of conduct they would pursue in relation to this, he solemnly warns them, that the same abstraction from worldly cares, and indifference to worldly pleasure, were necessary for all who would approve themselves to God. As his words equally concern the Church of God in all ages, it will be proper to consider,

I. The direction given us with respect to the things of time and sense—

It is but too obvious that men’s regards to this world are, for the most part, inordinate and excessive—
[If all do not set their hearts upon the same object, there is something which every unconverted man regards with an idolatrous attachment. Has he some prospect of attaining it? his mind goes forth to it in warm and eager desire. Is there reason to apprehend a disappointment respecting it? he is kept in anxious suspense, as though all his happiness were bound up in it. Is he brought to the possession of it? he congratulates himself as having reached the summit of his wishes, and thinks he can never lend himself too much to the enjoyment of his newly acquired comforts. Is he by any means bereaved of his beloved idol? what vexation of mind, and what dissatisfaction with the dispensations of Providence does he feel! He is so entirely swallowed up in sorrow for his loss, as to be insensible of all his remaining blessings. Of course, men will differ widely as to the particular gratification which they affect: some find their delight centered in their wife or children; others in their wealth and honour; others in their ease and pleasure; and others again in some indulgences, which habit has rendered essential to their happiness: but the same love of carnal things, however diversified as to its objects, pervades mankind of all ages and of all descriptions.]
But we should maintain an equableness of mind under all circumstances, however pleasing or afflictive—
[We are not required to exercise a stoical apathy under the various events of life; we may rejoice or weep, according as the occurrences of the day are suited to excite the affection of joy or sorrow. But “our moderation should be known unto all men;” nor should any thing of a temporal nature so occupy our minds, as to make us forget that we have concerns of infinitely greater importance. Have we “formed a connexion” that promises us the highest bliss? we should so enjoy the creature as to be ready to surrender it up again to God, whensoever he may be pleased to call for it. Are we “weeping” for the loss of a dear relative, or on account of any other calamity? we should not so give way to sorrow as to forget that we have God for our friend, and heaven for our inheritance. Has any thing of a very “joyous” nature befallen us? we should still remember, how unsatisfying it is in its nature, how contracted in its use, how precarious in its continuance, and how short in its duration; and we should regulate our joy by such considerations as these. Have we been blessed with such success, that we are enabled to “purchase” great possessions? we should be watchful over our spirits, that we do not say, like the fool in the Gospel, “Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years, take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry [Note: Luke 12:18.].” And while we “use” our good things with thankfulness to the Donor, we should be careful never to “abuse” them to the purposes of pride, intemperance, and carnal ease.]

This direction derives great force and importance from,

II.

The reason with which it is enforced—

Every thing here below is transient and of short duration—
[“Time is short:” if our days be extended to seventy or eighty years, the whole period of our existence will appear but, as it were, “a span long,” when we come to the close of it: or, if we compare it with eternity, it is no more than the twinkling of an eye. Moreover, while our lives, like a sail that is in the act of being furled, are every moment contracting, every thing around us also is drawing to a close [Note: Συνεσταλμένοςtranslatione e Velis sumpta—Beza.]. As actors on the stage perform the part assigned them, and each succeeding scene brings their fictitious joys or sorrows to a speedy termination, so we make our appearance on the stage of life; and, having sustained the character allotted us by the Disposer of all events, we soon bid adieu to all these transient scenes, and enter on a state of everlasting bliss or woe [Note: Σχῆμα is thought by some to convey this idea: others think it refers rather to a passing spectacle.]. Or as men please themselves with some empty show, that passes in procession before their eyes, but it is scarcely come fully into view before it begins to recede, and in a little time totally disappears; so we scarcely behold the glare and glitter of this vain world, before the enchanting prospect vanishes, and the phantom passes onward, to astonish and delude succeeding generations.]

Can there be any stronger argument for sitting loose to the things of time and sense?—
[Were either our joys or our sorrows permanent, there would be some reason for having our minds deeply affected with them: but when we know that a few months or years must put an end to every present sensation, does it become us to be much elated with what is pleasing, or much depressed with what is painful? Should not the infinitely greater importance of eternal things so engross our minds, as to render every temporal concern comparatively trivial? Should not the prospect of appearing before the judgment-seat of Christ cause us to estimate our happiness by a far different standard, and to consider ourselves in a blessed or miserable state, not so much by what we enjoy or suffer in this present world, as by our preparation to give up our account to God, and our hope of an approving sentence from the Judge of quick and dead? Let then the transitoriness of earthly things moderate our affection to them, that whether we attain and enjoy them, or lose and want them, we may still have God as our abiding and all-sufficient portion.]

Address—
1.

The young and inexperienced—

[You are ready to imagine that some change in your circumstances, to which you look forward, or perhaps which you rather wish for than expect, would make your cup to overflow with joy, and perfectly satisfy your most enlarged desires. But be assured that, if you could at this moment possess all that your heart can wish, you would be quickly constrained to confirm the testimony of Solomon, that it is “all vanity and vexation of spirit.” Happy would it be for you if you could be prevailed upon to purchase your experience at the expense of others; and not, like those who have gone before you, grasp at a shadow till you lose the substance. Ask those who are old and grey-headed, whether they have not found the world to be “a vain show, wherein men disquiet themselves in vain [Note: Psalms 37:6.]?” And ask the godly in particular, whether they who fear God have not a truer enjoyment even of this present world, than the votaries of gain or pleasure [Note: 1 Timothy 6:17; Matthew 5:5.]?” Or rather we would say, attend to God’s expostulation, and obey his voice; “Wherefore do ye spend money for that which is not bread, and your labour for that which satisfieth not? Hearken diligently unto me, and eat ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness [Note: Isaiah 55:2.].”]

2. Those who have grown old in the service of the world—

[Lamentable it is, that the very persons who have found the insufficiency of the world to make them happy, are still as regardless of the eternal world, as those who are just entering on the delusive path. If age or experience have blunted the edge of their feelings with respect to present things, they are as insensible as ever either of pain or pleasure from spiritual concerns: nor are they at all more stimulated to improve the time that remains to them, than if their eternal interests were of no value. Yea, age has often no other effect than to confirm the errors, and rivet the prejudices, of their former years. Inquire, brethren, whether you have profited by your experience; and whether you be now “setting your affections on things above, and not upon things below [Note: Colossians 3:2.]?” You have hitherto regarded the blessed Saviour, and your own immortal soul, as though you regarded them not; and suffered your whole heart to be occupied about the world. Now reverse your conduct, and all will yet be well: let the greatest concerns of time and sense make but a light impression on your minds; and let an interest in Christ, and the salvation of your soul, be regarded henceforth as the one thing needful. “Be no longer fools, but wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil [Note: Ephesians 5:15.]:” and while the fashion of this world is passing away, endeavour to secure an “incorruptible inheritance in heaven.”]