1 Corinthians 7: 29-31
In the season of Epiphany, we celebrate that Jesus comes as a light to the nations, the revelation that Jesus is Lord of all the earth, of both Jews and gentiles.
So what could today’s remarkable and difficult little passage from Paul possibly have to do with that?
Quite a bit I think. Jesus’ coming as the light to all the nations signalled the beginning of what we call the ‘end times.’ The time between Jesus’ ascension and his coming again.
How we live as children of God in this time is very much as a light to the world. Jesus came as the light to the world and we too, through Christ’s own faithfulness (nothing we have done) are brought from darkness to this light of life.
Now Paul is in the middle of a whole chapter on marriage; whether people living in these ‘end times’ should or shouldn’t get married (short answer: being married is good, being unmarried is also good!)
Today’s three verses are like an aside or a digression.
Here is my paraphrase: Are there times when you mourn? Are there times when you rejoice? Do you ever buy anything? Do you ever have dealings with the world? Are you married or not married? Here’s what you have to do; stop it!
Because, as Paul says, “the appointed time has grown short ... the present form of this world is passing away” (vv.29a, 31).
God is encouraging us to hold lightly to the things of this world.
We need to ponder deeply this passage purely in light of the fact that “the appointed time has grown short and everything we know is passing away.” Otherwise we will become confused.
Because elsewhere Paul writes the opposite of what he writes here about every single point. E.g., regarding mourning and rejoicing. He writes in Romans, “rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
Regarding spouses to live as though they are not married. This is the same Paul who writes in Ephesians, “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church,” ... [and] let each one of you love his wife as himself.”
Regarding our dealing with the world; instead of having none of it, Paul himself worked as a master tentmaker and all through Paul’s and others’ letters are the encouragements to work as though for Jesus himself.
But here he writes “Live like you have no goods to buy, no dealings to transact with the world.”
So what’s Paul’s reason for doing this? I think it’s because he wants us to know that, compared with what is shortly to come, all these necessary and human nuts and bolts of life will pale into utter insignificance as the world in its present form passes away.
We live in a world that’s passing away. Later in this same letter (chap.13) Paul writes that everything will pass away, including human knowledge and all that will “remain is faith, hope, and love” (1 Cor 13;13).
We try not to get caught up clinging to the things of this world. Rather, keep a light hold on the things of this world, and taking a firm hold on that which will endure for eternity.
The point that Paul is making is having a sense of the big picture of things will change our perspective. It will change our priorities. It will change how we live in a world that is passing away.
Now none of these activities - being married, mourning, rejoicing, buying goods, dealing with the world– is wrong or sinful. In fact they are blessings from God and good and normal activities.
Paul is saying that even a very good gift from God, if it takes the place of God in our lives, becomes an idol. These things become a problem when we get overly caught up with them. When they sort of squeeze out our devotion to the Lord, our listening to his word, and our following him in faith.
This is what Jesus meant in the parable of the seeds about the seed that fell among thorns, whose new growth, that is the word of God in them, was choked by the cares of this world. (Mark 4:4-20)
If we allow this perspective of eternity to be the basis on which we stand in our faith, we will be protected from the fear of death and worldly competitiveness. We do this by keeping our eyes firmly fixed of Jesus, the pioneer and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). The first born from the dead.
We are created for, redeemed for, and sanctified for eternity.
The world is not being destroyed or anything, but the “present form” of this world is passing away. The world as we know it will take on a new form. It will be transformed when Christ returns. All things will be made new. New heavens and a new earth.
Paul is saying don’t be tempted by the false glow of worldly lights, no matter how attractive the pay packet may be. It will promise much and deliver little.
I can’t help thinking of Lot’s wife, who looked back in longing when the fire and brimstone were falling on Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:26). As the writer to the Hebrews says, “For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” This world is passing away. A new world is coming.
So where do we find our stability, where do we find our security, in a world that is passing away? In one place only; The Lord God Almighty.
In him and in his word, we can trust. In him we can live confidently and with courage in a pretty insecure world. In him we venture out into paths unknown, knowing that he will take us by the hand and lead us.
He achieved these things for us through his son Jesus and the gift of his Spirit. We look to Jesus and listen to him. He is saying to us as recorded in Mark’s gospel this morning, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel” (v.15).
So we can handle time being short because the time has been fulfilled! Jesus has fulfilled it. He has filled it full with his grace and salvation.
Jesus has done everything we need to face the appointed time. He has taken the judgment for us. By his death on the cross, Jesus suffered the punishment we deserve so that we no longer need fear that day.
The best way to hold lightly to the things of this world is to hold on tightly to Christ Jesus and cling like a koala to his cross.
But let’s lighten up a little on the other things – lest they become for us the greater thing.
Our heavenly Father knows what we need. He cares for us, clothes us and feeds us. Most of all, he has provided us with a new life and a joyful eternity.
In this way, when Jesus calls us and says, “Follow me,” we are free to leave our nets behind too, just like the disciples (Mark 1:18).
We are free to love others, and forgive them and serve them, because we are secure in our standing with Jesus in the kingdom of God
This world is passing away. But our hope is built on the word of the Lord, and that will never pass away. So hold lightly to the things of this world. And cling tightly to the things of God. Let me pray...