ABOUT THIS EPISODE
16th August 2026
The moment some are truly saved great desire comes upon them to do all for the Lord. They would sell all, give up all, move all, change all. But this passage in 1 Cor 7 teaches that ALL need not be the case, in fact, “bloom where you are planted” and do so at least ‘until’ such a times as you are prepared by God for the work he will reveal to you in time.
1 Corinthians 7:17–24
17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. 18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. 20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. 21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. 22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. 23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. 24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
The experience of salvation, that moment when coming to the Lord and knowing that you know you are saved, can be one of the more incredible experiences of life, one that inspires huge change in man.
Changes determined in all manner of living.
Some of those changes relate to making your life good, turning away from the unlawful to the lawful, turning our backs on a life that did not and would not please God and turning to a life that we know would please him.
This is natural for all those who are truly saved, and certainly ought to be attended to.
But there are also those who determine to change aspects of their lives that DID NOT NEED to be changed.
They felt motivated or compelled to change their state in life even though that state was not unlawful nor displeasing to God.
Many have done so in the past as ships setting sail, but sadly had fallen upon rocks and even shipwrecked their faith.
There is often the case when a person is now saved that soon believes that they now must attend to some great thing, something that warrants so great a salvation.
Its not always linked to a desire to repay the good that was done to them (sometimes it is), but often it is simply due to that wonderful gratefulness of their salvation in Christ.
They wish to become a missionary; an evangelist; a pastor or any manner of employments that the new man should be so disposed to.
But Paul states the opposite to that in this passage;
20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
I’ll explain the word “Called” more in a moment, but suffice to say that “calling” in this passage refers to present employment or state of life, while “called” refers to salvation.
Again, you will see this plainly as we go;
Nevertheless, Paul teaches no sudden rush to alter your state of lawful living the moment you are saved.
God still has work to do in you to prepare you for anything he has specifically called you to, and you are not to rush into anything.
I was certainly one of those who was wanting to do anything for God.
I felt that my whole life needed to change and was willing to rush into changing everything; everything, including my business, was to go and I was to be FULL TIME for Christ from the outset…but Paul teaches the opposite in this passage, at least UNTIL….
I almost shipwrecked my faith as a result trying. Being so new in the faith, knowing so little about the faith and the word of God, I almost sacrificed my family on the alter of “faith”.
Tragically, many people have done this, many PASTORS have also done this.
There would be a lot more work the Lord would need to do in me before he would even reveal his particular call. And certainly before that calling would begin.
Todays message is both a warning to you but a great encouragement for you, for God has called us to peace.
The passage here in 1 Corinthians 7:17-23 is for you.
Pray
The Predominant Call1 Corinthians 7:17
17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
“Called”:
Like all words in the Bible, only the question of meaning needs be considered before enquiry is made.
This is the PREDOMINANT CALL to all those who are saved!
“Called“
And just like almost every word of the Bible, the definition of those words are found within the Bible, so that you do not need to employ an external authority.
If you have been a part of this Church for any length of time you would well know that we do not only SAY we believe the Bible as our FINAL AUTHORITY, but we act upon it in just such a way.
It is the Bible that ought to lead our deeds.
In this case, the Bible’s built-in dictionary helps us.
Here, in 1 Cor 7:17-24 we have the employment of a certain word that seems a little out of place UNTIL we give consideration as to its usage.
It is the word by which the context of each sentence is modified.
We have eight passages before us and the word appears eight times.
The reason we are asking the question in relation to the world “Called” in this passage is because its appearance, in its context, is vital to understand, but also because it seems a little strange with how we usually frame this word.
Its this strangeness that alarms us to see it means something a little different to what we are used to.
This is Gods way of teaching us to learn how he uses words.
When we use the word “Called“, it is usually called to something, that is, called to a purpose,or in Christianese, “ordained to a purpose” and that is often how we might initially read this passage;
Consider for a moment;
1 Corinthians 7:17
17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches. 18 Is any man called being circumcised?
If we use the word “called” in accord with “ordained to a purpose“; verse 18 would make no sense.
Who is “Called” to be circumcised?
The word “being” tells us it is the current state of the person but the word “Called” implies something else has occurred when the person is already circumcised.
The balance of the verse makes it clear that the word “Called” is not referring to anything modifying the state;
1 Corinthians 7:18
18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
Verse 19 speaks to the nature of circumsision, and we get to verse 20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
What?
How can this make sense if “called” means “ordained to a purpose“, how can we have a “calling” to remain in for a purpose we are newly ordained toward?
21 Art thou called being a servant? ….. 22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.
Its clear that the word “Called” in this passage makes no sense if we are to define it as called to a purpose, or “ordained to a purpose“.
Peter did say of Paul that in his writings “in which are some things hard to be understood” (2 Pet 3:16), so don’t feel bad if we need to labour in study to understand it.
It is worth it.
My job is to give you the tools to do the work yourself so you don’t need to rely on an external source.
The first step is to acknowledge that a word makes no sense if interpreted in the usual sense, as we have here.
So then, we ought to see how the word is used elsewhere in the Bible.
Remember, the most unique feature of the Authorised version of the Bible is its built in dictionary.
If you have a digital version of your Bible, search how the word is used elsewhere.
What you might notice however is that it is used over 600 times in the Bible, this makes it as difficult as if it were used only once.
When we narrow the search only to Paul’s epistles, for he is the penman to the Corinthians Churches, the word appears only 35 times and so we find some good help.
Turn to
Romans 1:1–7
1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
There we have the word in the usual way we like to interpret it, but if you go down to verse 6 there is a change;
6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: 7 To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul uses the word here in three ways;
The first is how we generally think of it; “ordained to a purpose”, 1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
Paul has a “calling” upon his life, he is “ordained to a purpose“.
Next we see in verse 6 that which is related to the word “Chosen“, 6 Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
It is only ‘related‘ to “Chosen” but not always the same, for “many are called but few are chosen” (Mt 22:14).
Lastly we have verse 7;
To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Here is where we see the use that fits our passage in 1 Cor 7; See also
Romans 8:30
30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
1 Corinthians 1:9
9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
In this context the word “Called” refers to salvation. The words Saved and Called are used synonymously in this context.
1 Corinthians 7:17
17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
This is the GENERAL CALLING to all those who are saved. It does not apply to the lost man, but to you who are called (saved) in whatever state you were in when you were saved (Called).
The Particular Calling.Having established the general calling and whom it is that Paul is directing his discourse, he now comes to some peculiars to bring about his specific point to bloom where they are planted, at least until…
1 Corinthians 7:18–19
18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
If you were saved when you were already circumsised, do not be ashamed to desire to be uncircumsised, and so too those of you who were saved when you were uncircumsised, do not think for a moment that you could add to your salvation by being circumsised.
Circumcision is nothing wrote Paul, and uncircumcision is nothing, neither of these states avail you anything more nor less the moment you are called, the moment you were saved.
Jew and Gentile are no longer separated as distinct in Christ, for all are now one in Christ.
Galatians 3:28
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
Circumcision avails nothing, adds nothing.
Great trials were issued in the first century amongst the legalists and jewdaisers respecting the keeping of the law of Moses.
Greatly condemned was the practice of Circumcision after an individual was saved, for this was seen as ‘Works”, or abiding in the Law.
Paul affirming this saying;
Galatians 5:3
3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
Circumcision adds nothing, but neither does wishing it away.
Beloved, there are those religious observers, whether they be Jew or Roman Catholics or Protestants and others, who were brought up observing the laws of God, or who became such strict adherents to religious practices that, once they were saved through grace and by faith, now sorrow greatly for the practices they thought could save them.
So they wished to be Uncircumcised.
The joy of now knowing that NOTHING THEY DID NOR CAN DO will avail them any hope of eternal life other than faith in Christ, now causes them to mourn any sign on their flesh that they ever tried to “earn heaven” by merit.
So they wished to be Uncircumcised.
And so it can be for those who are saved but yet to fully appreciate nor understand that glorious gospel which has made them free, that they think to have themselves circumcised in the hope of gaining all the more that blessed state which God granted as a gift through Jesus Christ.
Indeed, these do worse than those who once held to external observances, in that they have not fully trusted in that gospel that saved them.
Nevertheless the truth remains, Circumcision is nothing.
19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
It is the sincere obedience to the commands of God which the gospel lays stress (according to Matthew Henry), “Eternal observances without internal piety are as nothing“.
James 2:10
10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Religiously, you were called IN SITU, (Changed In State).
If your religion was pagan or a part of the occult, it may indeed be fair for your peace of mind to think to remove all signs of your past paganism. Tattoos will be desired to be removed, multiple piercings will be desired to be removed, all signs of past indulgence against the laws of God desired to be rectified.
If this be the case to clear your mind of any visual offence to God then do so, but do not do so if that thought was for any gain of further grace or favour. Do so for your own peace and comfort only.
You were called IN SITU, (Saved and Changed in the state you were in and nothing can save you more.
The Professional Calling1 Corinthians 7:21–23
21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. 22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. 23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it:
Let it be no great concern for you that you were called to Christ in a state where you were committed to another mans service.
“Care not for it”, in other words, do not worry yourself about it, you are in lawful work gaining for your employer that good reward for his business that rewards you in kind for your faithful labour.
Again, we think that all we do in life needs to change imediately. Yes there may be time for a change, but if your labour and work is a lawful work, do not fret to have it altered. Be faithful in the work as if you are working for Christ;
Ephesians 6:5–7
5 Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ; 6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; 7 With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men:
Contrary to our potential desire to give up our current employments, the Bible tells us otherwise, DON’T CHANGE YOUR JOB, CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE TOWARD YOUR JOB.
You are working for the Lord in whatever capacity you currently labour. Be faithful and observant in your work, a true Christian ought to be the absolute best employee for his boss than ANY other person in the company, because he is ultimately doing his “service, as to the Lord, and not to men”…”but as servants to Christ”.
This is a dramatic shift in attitude. Do not think you are not gainfully already working for the Lord when you labour for your secular boss. AND watch what happens when you honour your employer as unto Christ…wait and see how the Lord works in that environment to bless you.
Did you think of how Josephs employer trusted him?
Genesis 39:2–6
2 And the LORD was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man; and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3 And his master saw that the LORD was with him, and that the LORD made all that he did to prosper in his hand. 4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. 5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that he had, that the LORD blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; and the blessing of the LORD was upon all that he had in the house, and in the field. 6 And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand; and he knew not ought he had, save the bread which he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly person, and well favoured.
See all that changes when the attitude of the heart changes. Joseph was serving his master, but who did Joseph have in mind during that service? God!
Therefore who was Joseph truly serving in his heart? God!
Now you can understand the rest of this passage;
1 Corinthians 7:21–23
21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather. 22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant. 23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
If you are free, your time is to be employed to the Lord and are “Christs servant”, but if you are in bonds to an employer, you are “the Lord’s freeman”.
Either way dear Children, you are bought with a price, as such you need not ever become the servants of men.
This is SOOOO important to understand.
This means you have the freedom to serve the Lord FAITHFULLY.
Israel Falou was one of the most valued players in Rugby since his debut with Melbourne Storm where he broke the record for the most tries in a Debut year in 2007-2008.
Controversy sprang when his quotes of scripture would not be repented of before his employer. His true employment was to the Lord Jesus Christ and he would not be unfaithful.
He was the LORDS FREEMAN.
In 2020, He would not ‘bend the knee’ to black lives matter. He was the ONLY man who stood his ground while all his team mates and all the opposition, including the referee, bent their shameful knees.
Though he served his employer, HE WAS THE LORDS FREE MAN!
Listen beloved, this is vitally important;
If your ultimate employer is Jesus Christ, you can’t ever be forced to do anything against your conviction to Christ by your employer. If it be a career change is on the roster, so be it, you belong to Christ, represent Christ and are gainfully employed by Christ.
That is my own personal attitude, it is what compels me to remain faithful to his words not whims and itching ears of temporal emotions.
You and I work for Jesus Christ not the organisation that pays you. Jesus can provide much more where that came from if you are faithful to him alone.
(I reckon if I ever start a Pastors Podcast, I would love to have Israel Falou as my first interview.)
23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
Bloom Where Planted Until..1 Corinthians 7:24
24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
Beloved, God showed Joseph a future making it clear both to him and to his family that he would rule over his brethren. Indeed, he would become the second most powerful man in the known world when the work of God was to conclude.
But God was to undertake a huge work in him to try his faith before his dreams would be fulfilled.
The dreams he dreamed were when he was but a teenager, 17 years old before his brothers cast him into a pit and sold him to the Ishmaelites.
He was 30 years of age when he stood before Pharaoh (Gen 41:46).
The land was 2 years into the famine with Joseph therefore 39 years of age before he finally revealed himself to his brothers (Gen 45:6). His father then came into Egypt and remained for 17yrs before he died (Gen 47:28).
Joseph was 56 years of age before he brothers fell down before Joseph exlaiming “we be thy servants” (Gen 50:18). It would be almost thirty years after his dreams that all God had ordained concerning Joseph would be fulfilled.
Don’t be in a hurry brethren, God is doing a work in you first to prepare you for his calling, that you may be ready for his call, then will he begin to fulfil his work in you.
But Joseph is not the only account to share…
Moses knew that God would deliver the people by his hand. We are not told when he knew of it, but we do know that he was forty years of age when the recording of such knowledge was given.
He was to become learned in all the ways of the Egyptians. As a son of pharoah, he would have known what it was to lead armies into war and was well prepared to make long journeys into Midian where he came to sojourn for another 40 years before God revealed himself in a burning bush.
Preparation was first attended to in Moses, a preparation that would see God use him for the most miraculous events in the first history of birth of this nation.
Beloved, God anointed David King over a nation; the prophet Samuel knew it, his father knew it, his brothers knew it and so did David.
But he did not abandon his responsibilities and rush off to attend to the work of leading a nation, God was to do an incredible work in him that his faith might grow, his love for the Lord might grow, his Trust might Grow.
David went back to tending to his sheep, leading them, feeding them, protecting them, caring and loving them as he would soon need to do as the King all kings are measured by.
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