1 Corinthians 7:17-24

The Christian's Social Relations

Becoming a Christian should not be used as an excuse for disrupting normal social relations, assuming they are not sinful. Christianity is only disruptive to that which is evil. It encourages us in all the good relationships we have in life. The apostle also stated the rule applied to all the churches, not just Corinth. To illustrate his point that radical changes in social relationships are unnecessary unless sin is involved, Paul mentioned circumcision. Some, perhaps out of embarrassment, had tried to hide the fact that they were circumcised. Others, who were Gentiles, had thought it would be necessary to be circumcised to please God. Paul told them to remain as they were when called by the gospel. Obedience to the law of Christ is what counts once one becomes a Christian (1 Corinthians 7:17-19; Galatians 5:6).

Lipscomb saw three basic distinctions that "divide and unite" mankind. They are: national, social, and physical (Galatians 3:28). Becoming a Christian does not require a change in those distinctions. Anyone can be a Christian if he is willing to obey the gospel. Slaves did not have to escape slavery to be Christians. However, if freedom was offered, it was to be preferred since more time would have been available for the Lord's service (1 Corinthians 7:20-21).

Even in slavery, Christianity frees man from sin (1 Corinthians 7:22; Romans 6:22). Upon becoming a Christian, those who were free become slaves to Christ because he purchased them (1 Corinthians 7:22; Romans 6:22; Acts 20:28). Since Christ bought Christians, they are his servants no matter what state they may be in (Ephesians 6:5-8). Their work should have been done to God's glory. So, each Christian was admonished by Paul to remain in the basic social relationships they were in at the time they obeyed Christ, unless the association involved sin (1 Corinthians 7:23-24).