(1Co 7:29) “But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none; (30) And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not; (31) And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.” Persecution is a sign that the Rapture is near. These verses say it will all be over soon. Conclusion: make life’s choices according to the wisdom received from faith in God’s Word.

(1Co 7:28) “But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.”  Marriage is always a right and good thing in the presence of God. A time will come again, and may even be so now in some countries, where it is better to remain single. The desire to protect wife and children is natural and right. To know in standing for the Lord they might suffer is a very real conflict of heart. That is the point of this portion of Scripture. It is self denial for the sake of others.  

(1Co 7:26) “I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be. (27) Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.”  In the midst of persecution, it is better than one does not have to worry about the welfare of another. It eliminates the temptation to hedge on our testimony. We can more easily stand firm for Jesus.

WATER  (1Co 7:26) “I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.” Paul was not married. The distress mentioned is persecution. In such times one is better off without any to be concerned about but the Lord, how one might please Him in speech or response, torture or death.

(1Co 7:25) “Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.”  Since the Lord had this included as our Scriptures, it is without doubt from the Spirit of God: (2Ti_3:16) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” To begin to say, “This is God’s Word and this not”, opens the door for our opinion rather than trust and obedience to the Bible.

 (1Co 7:24) “Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.”   The idea here is to teach us to be submitted to God’s will over our own. Every person is self-willed, making decisions multiple times daily. From the beginning of our walk with the Lord we should learn to submit and seek His will in every decision. That starts with contentment of heart that He is now in me and desires to control my life.

(1Co 7:23) “Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.”  The Lord owns the saved soul. Don’t sell yourself to another; not to anything else before the Lord. Example: Are you faithful, service after service to the Lord’s House, or have you sold yourself to pleasure, or ease, or money, taking possession of self away from your Master?

(1Co 7:21) “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.” A person can be used of God no matter their circumstance of life. All the world needs to see the result of the salvation experience, that the Lord makes us new creatures.

(1Co 7:20) “Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.”  Changing one’s circumstance does not add to one’s salvation. Your salvation is perfect and complete, for the saved person does not stand in self, but in Christ Jesus before God. Our efforts could only taint that which is already perfect. We are to rest in the completed work of our precious Savior!

(1Co 7:18) “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.”  Law does not save. For a Jew to keep this portion, yes, identifies him with the promise of the land. But for the Gentile, it has no purpose. All are saved through grace by the blood of Christ Jesus!