06/23/19 - Come As You Are - 1 Corinthians 7:1-24

Some people think that coming to Jesus means you change everything about yourself. That's not accurate. Certainly the call to follow Jesus means we distance ourselves from the sin that hinders our relationship with him. Paul says that we are all former somethings. However, we are not called to change our circumstances in life. The Corinthian Christians took things to the extreme. Their ancient society was rampant with illicit sex, divorce and socioeconomic divisions. Some believed the way to become spiritual was to deny all of these and become like impoverished, celibate monks. Paul says "No, instead, come as you are." God uses us as he finds us. It's not about being married, single, rich or poor. It's not about our ethnicity, age or gender. It's not about being the janitor or the owner. We don't even own ourselves says Paul! It's about obedience to the one who purchased us with his precious blood.