1 Corinthians 7:31

and those that use the world, as not using it to the full: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

'as not using it to the full' -'that is, be "not engrossed" or "absorbed" in it.' (Fee p. 341) 'While you use the world, don't try to get out of it all you can.' (Beck); 'And those who are busy with worldly affairs must not be overly absorbed in them.' (Nor)

Points to Note:

1. Paul isn't forbidding any of the above..'one (the Christian) lives in the world just as the rest--married, sorrowing, rejoicing, buying, making use of it-- but none of these determines one's life...Paul does not discourage buying and selling. As with the other items, the Corinthians are expected to continue doing such things. But Christians do not buy to possess; that is to let the world govern the reason for buying.' (Fee pp. 340-341)

2. It's interesting to note that Paul didn't advocate an "aloofness" from the world, nor an "escapist" attitude.

3. 'The world, with its resources and its opportunities is there to be used, but it is unwise to put all one's eggs into the basket of an order whose present form is passing away.' (F.F. Bruce p. 75)

'for the fashion of this world passeth away' -'Fashion'-the outward appearance (1 John 2:17). 'Present external form' (Alford p. 1018) 'It's outward manifestations are always in. state of flux.' (Willis p. 250)

'We at once see that marriage, weeping, etc.., are only. part of this form and fashion of the world which is ever moving on and away, is transient, for. day....Why try to cling to them, to make of them more than they are, to value them above their real worth?' (Lenski p. 320)

'..is Paul's way of saying that the things people hold dear and treasure are not to be too treasured. In light of the distress and for however long it lasts..the joys of marriage and ownership are to be held lightly. They are not to be leaned on too heavily because they won't bear the weight. The married man will discover that in life's arena the relationship is fragile and the pain to be endured will sour the sweetness of the relationship. If one is mourning over some loss, he will find that the trial will make that loss appear insignificant. In 31 he tells them that they are not to become too dependent on the joys of living because those are the very things which vanish in times of distress.' (McGuiggan pp. 116-117)

Modern Application:

Paul's teaching here is refreshing. Christians are allowed to marry and enjoy the wholesome things of this life, but we must always remember that we can't elevate any of the things of this life above God. There's nothing wrong with recreation, entertainment, family events, or social activities. And yet the Christian must keep all such and or like things in subjection to the fact that God comes first. (Matthew 6:33) Jesus' attitude was-- appreciate the good things of this life, enjoy them when you have them (1 Timothy 4:4); but we must always to willing to sacrifice them, if need be. (Luke 14:33)