Career or Calling

Phillip Chong

Sermon • Submitted 7 years ago

1 Corinthians 7:17–24

Calling

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Outline:

1. What is our primary calling? 2. How does this affect how our (secondary) calling in work (what we usually label “calling”)?

i) our vocation is not our identity

i) corrects an over or underspiritualised view of work

ii) corrects an over or underspiritualised view of work

ii) helps us handle both success and failure

iii) Helps balance work and rest

iii) “bloom where we are planted” - implies contentment and excellence

Intro:

The topic assigned to me is “Career or Calling”. I’m guessing Pastor wants me to talk about how our Christian faith is supposed to change how we think about work, jobs, vocation etc.

This is a very important topic. Just check your schedules.

For adults, most of our waking hours is at work. Its what we spend most of our time and energy doing.

For those of you who are working, your job/career/profession is where you spend most of your time. Check ur schedules. We spend most of our waking hours working. Its what you do most with your time and energy.

So much so that our job becomes our identity. Think about how we usually introduce ourselves. First we’ll state our name and then secondly we’ll state our profession.

By default we think thats who we are and what we we do.

I hate to marginalise certain groups

When I’m talking about working adults I’m also including housewives. Just because you don’t receive salary doesn’t mean its not a job. And as I’ll point out later, all work has worth to God.

And I hate to marginalise certain groups.

Housewives are very important and as I’ll point out later, all work has worth to God in this world.

Even if you aren’t working now, you’re still affected by this issue.

And as I’ll point out later, Its very respectable. Worthy of appreciation and respect.

if you’re a student: yes you’re main focus now is to study. But the studies that you’re stressed about now are meant to prepare you for your future working life.

If you’re retired: basically you’re benefiting from your lifetime of work

So a Christian view of calling and careers is important and relevant to all.

As always I prefer to expound a passage. One passage that relates to calling and career is .

A very important word In this passage is the word “called”. Its used several times e.g “God called them” “you were called” etc.

The word “called” can refer to different things. But we need to understand what Paul means by “called” or “calling” if not we’ll miss his point.

We need to understand what Paul means by “called” or “calling” if not we’ll miss his point.

How we use the word “called” is not necessarily what Paul means by “called”. We need to understand what Paul means by “called” or “calling” if not we’ll miss his point.

s in this passage.

To understand what our primary calling is we need to know what the word “called” means in this passage.

Take for example the word “church”. Nowadays we use the word “church” to refer to the building e.g “Where's prayer meeting? Oh at church loh!”.

But in the Bible, the church never ever refers to a building. It always refers to the people. To the assembly of believers.

Christians are sometimes portrayed like a building e.g we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we are being built up with Christ as the cornerstone etc. But thats metaphorical.

Biblically, the “word” church never refers to a literal building.

Thats fine. There aren’t people at Oxford policing the way we use words.

The meaning of words change over time and based on usage. We just need to recognise it and adapt.

So its fine if we refer to this building as the church but when we open our Bibles and read “churches”, we must understand its talking about people not buildings. If not we’ll misinterpret it.

The same thing with the word “called”.

The way the word “called” is always used now is e.g “God called me to be a missionary in Africa” or “I’m called to be an engineer.” So being an missionary or an engineer is their calling.

Again nothing wrong with that. But thats not what is meant here.

The word “calling” or “called” is used about 50 times in the NT. Most of those times “calling” refers to becoming a Christian.

When God calls you, God brings you to faith. When God calls you, you are saved.

We see this in the first chapter of this letter.

but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God ().

Humans are so sinful that the good news about Jesus dying on the cross will be rejected by our natural minds. The gospel wasn’t appealing or attractive to either Jews or Gentiles.

Yet why did some believe? Why did you believe? Because God graciously opened your eyes and convicted your heart to see and embrace the truth.

You didn’t just hear the preacher call you externally, you heard God calling you internally. Thats what is meant by “called” here.

And its not as if we deserved to be called by God. We weren’t better than others. Paul goes on to write:

Thats why Paul goes on to write:

26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things...29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus...Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” ().

You can’t boast at your friend “Eh why you so stupid and don’t believe in Jesus?” “See I’m so smart and spiritual!” You can’t boast like that. You weren’t better than your friend or relative when God called you to faith. You can only stand amazed by His grace.

And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. ()

Notice all those who are called are justified and glorified.

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Back to the point: If you’re a believer in Jesus, you are called by God. Your primary calling is a Christian. Your primary calling is to be God’s people.

This means when God calls you, you will believe and be justified. And God will keep you till the end so that you will be glorified in heaven. You won’t lose your salvation along the way ().

And this calling is secure. Our position in Christ is eternal.

In summary: When God called you, you became a Christian.

Bear that in mind, as we read the main passage for today which is .

Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them. Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.

21 Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so. 22 For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings. 24 Brothers and sisters, each person, as responsible to God, should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Exposition:

This passage begins and ends with the general principle which is:

What is our primary calling?

If you’re a believer, being a Christian is your primary calling. And from this passage we can learn how our primary calling as Christians, affects how we approach our secondary callings at work.

1. Corrects an over/under-spiritual view of work

A little context of this passage is helpful. Some people in this church were teaching that once you became a Christian, it was necessary to change your social status or situation.

e.g if you’re married then you should become unmarried. You should stop having sex with your spouse. Its more spiritual.

If you’re uncircumcised you should become circumcised. Or the other way round. If you’re circumcised you should become uncircumcised (there really was a procedure). Again its more spiritual they said.

So Paul responds that all this doesn’t really matter. Marriage is good, singlehood also good. Circumcised also can, uncircumcised also can. It doesn’t matter.

Again its more spiritual. So Paul responds that all this doesn’t really matter. Marriage is good, singlehood is also good. Circumsed also can, uncircumsied can. It doesn’t matter.

What matters is being faithful Christians in whatever condition you are in.

If you were married when you became a Christian, then be a faithful married Christian.

Thats why he lays down this general principle:

Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them.

So if you were married when you became a Christian stay married. And be faithful in your marriage.

And then illustrates this principle in the context of work.

Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you

Then And in this passage Paul continues to

So again if you were a slave when you became Christian, don’t worry about it.

Now he’s not teaching that slavery is good and you must stay as a slave. He says “if you can gain your freedom, do so”.

His point is if you can’t gain your freedom also nevermind. Its okay.

Being a slave is not less spiritual. It doesn’t matter. Thats not your primary calling. You are a Christian. And you can be a faithful Christian even as a slave.

Even though none of you (I hope) are slaves here, this is still relevant to us.

There are some who after becoming believers thought they had to quit school or quit their jobs to go into seminary and go into “full-ministry”.

Because they thought thats the only way to really serve God.

But this understanding that some jobs are sacred and others are secular is wrong. Its actually very medieval Roman Catholic.

In the 15th century, only the priests were regarded as spiritual. If you really wanted to serve God you had to join the monastery. Became monks or nuns.

But in the Protestant Reformation the church recovered the understanding that all believers are priests.

With that we also rediscovered that all work can be a calling from God. You can serve God in whatever job.

When I say any job of course I mean any legitimate job. If you're a director of pornographic movies you definitely need to change your job.

But if you were a lawyer when you became a Christian, be a Christian lawyer.

In fact think about the word “profession” e.g Accountant is my profession. The word “profession” was used because its in our jobs where we profess our faith in Christ.

If you’re

In fact think about the word “profession” e.g Being a lawyer is my profession. The word “profession” was used based o this understanding that our jobs is how and where we profess our faith in Christ.

We’re always tempted to compartmentalize our life into what is sacred and what is secular. Even without us realising it.

We generally compartmentalise our life between what is secular and sacred.

Many Christians think of work as something we must do only to survive and then we try ‘serve God’ after work/outside work.

So in our free time we’ll volunteer in church programs etc

Or we think of work only as the way we earn money to tithe and support those who really are serving God.

e.g Sending money to missionaries or organisations that are involved in social work.

Or at most we may think that the workplace is a good place for us to befriend and evangelise non-Christians.

At most we may think that the workplace is a good place for us to befriend and evangelise non-Christians.

Now let me stress thats all good and true.

Keep using ur spare time to serve in church etc. We need more worship leaders. VBS needs more volunteers etc.

Money isn’t everything. But everything needs money. So keep sending your money to all those good organisations.

Keep sending your money to all those good organisations.

Keep befriending and evangelising your non-Christian friends. In fact thats an area I think we are very poor in. So we need to work on that one.

Do all that but understand also in and through our work we are also serving God.

But we can serve God in and through our work itself.

We believe God supplies our needs right? But how? Yes He can provide for us miraculously, but most often He does it through people.

The Bible tells us that its God who heals our sickness. Yes He can miraculously heal but most of the time He heals through doctors, nurses, pharmacists etc.

Don’t think that if you’ve prayed and have faith, its wrong to see a doctor.

As if its either God or the doctor. But its not either or.

We need to have a comprehensive enough understanding of God’s sovereignty over all.

Its not like if the doctor heals you then its not God. God heals through doctors too.

He gave them the wisdom and skill to be trained in their field and to perform the operations etc. We should thank God for them.

So people who think like that have a good heart,

The Bible also tells us that its God who always feeds us. We were even taught to pray “Give us our daily bread”.

Yes He can send manna from heaven, but most of the time He feeds us through farmers and those in the food and beverage industry.

There are many people who travel late at night and they got nothing to eat. And then drive past McD. As unhealthy as McD is, its a gift!

So yea if you’re a chef or working in restaurants you’re providing for people’s needs. And there’s great worth in that to God.

e.g - luther on God feeds us with food (even unhealthy McD is a gift and an answer to “give us our daily bread” to late-night travellers), strengthens the bars of our city gates

Even so-called “blue-collar” jobs, even the most menial labours, have worth when we’re helping our fellow man meet their needs.

Think about rubbish collectors. We don’t think very highly of them. We certainly don’t pay them much.

But imagine if there were no rubbish collectors. And rubbish just kept piling up outside your house. You could eventually die!

So there is dnigity and worth in all professions - whether you are a missionary or a mechanic.

So there is value in that work.

I better move on. Some parents are worried their kids don’t want to study anymore and just want to work in McD or become rubbish collectors.

All I’m saying is that as a Christian, you can find joy and purpose in any job.

Whether your a missionary or a mechanic. A hotel manager or a housekeeper, a doctor or a driver etc.

To be a slave was to be at the lowest rung of the ladder in society. Yet its written here:

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

It doesn’t really matter to God. We can serve and glorify God in any career. All work has worth to Him.

His point is if you can’t gain your freedom also nevermind. Its okay.

Paul is not prohibiting self-improvement. But his point is even if you can’t improve your situation, even if you have to remain as a slave its okay. Don’t worry about it.

Thats the first point. Our primary calling as Christians helps correct either an overspiritualised or underspiritualised view of our calling in work.

My own personal feelings of helping people

So you can joy and purpose in even these menial jobs.

“Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so.”

Paul’s not teaching that slavery is good and you must stay as a slave. He says “if you can gain your freedom, do so”.

whether you are a missionary or a mechanic.

If you can improve yourself then go ahead. But his point is even if you can’t improve your situation, even if you have to remain as a slave its okay. Don’t worry about it.

For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person.

See as a Christian, even if you are a slave, thats not who you truly are. Thats not your identity. Who you really are is the Lord’s freed person.

2. Our primary calling as Christians enables us to handle failure or success

To be a slave was to be at the lowest rung of the ladder in society. Yet its written here:

“Were you a slave when you were called? Don’t let it trouble you—although if you can gain your freedom, do so.”

Paul’s not teaching that slavery is good and you must stay as a slave. He says “if you can gain your freedom, do so”.

If you can improve yourself then go ahead. But his point is even if you can’t improve your situation, even if you have to remain as a slave its okay. Don’t worry about it.

“For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person.”

Remember how I said at the beginning we often think of our jobs as our identity. That our profession is who we are.

But thats very destructive.

When we confuse our careers with our identities then if we’re rich and successful we become proud. We’ll think “I’m successful!”. Better than all these other losers. The Bible has a lot of scary things to say to those who are arrogant. Pride comes before the fall.

Pride comes before the fall. The Bible has a lot of scary things to say to those who are arrogant. So that is a serious problem that needs to be dealt with.

So this is a serious problem that successful people need to deal with.

But what about those who experience failure?

If our careers are our identities, then if we experience failure in our careers then we’re crushed. Feeling that we are complete failures.

If our careers are our identities, then if we experience failure in our careers then we’ll be crushed with disappointment. Feeling that we are complete failures.

Tim Keller puts it like this “When work is your identity, success goes to your head, and failure goes to your heart.”

Some retirees (see senior citizens I haven’t forgotten about you) are really enjoying their retirement. Perhaps a bit too much. But some sink into depression.

Your roles at work or home are not as fundamental as your calling in Christ.

But some sink into depression.

Without a job they lack a sense of purpose. They feel like less of a person.

Especially those who enjoyed their work and were good at it.

Now that their retired they’ve lost their purpose in life. They’ve lost who they are.

But your calling in work is not as fundamental as your calling in Christ.

See as a Christian, even if you are as low as a slave, thats not your identity. Thats not who you are. Who you truly are is the Lord’s freed person.

There is no higher calling than that.

So if you’ve recently been demoted or let go or if you’re in a job that people just look down on, remember who you are in Christ!

You can’t be promoted further up than this. You already are the child of the King of Kings.

There are no salary raises or bonuses higher than this. You already have an eternal inheritance waiting for you.

If you’re a believer in Jesus, God called you to Himself. There is no higher calling than to be God’s people.

And this calling is secure. Our position in Christ is eternal.

And you will never retire from that.

And this calling is secure. Our position in Christ is eternal.

If we experience failure in our careers then we feel that we are failures.

Nothing can ever change who we are in Christ. All that we have in Christ is secure.

Remember those who are called are justified and those who are justified are glorified. Its 100% guaranteed.

This is all to say that regardless of ur career and social status u, the highest honour bestoyed on u is that u know God, the highest position possible is You belong to God

And what about those who are successful? Notice how Paul evens the playing field.

Notice how Paul evens the playing field.

“For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is God’s slave. You were bought at a price...

The gospel of Jesus both humbles us and lifts us up.

If you’re a low-class slave, remember you’re the Lord’s freed person. If you’re a high-class free person, remember you’re actually the Lord’s slave!

If we’re broken the gospel will lift us up. If we’re proud the gospel will humble us.

So we’re all on the same level. Rich or poor. We’re all the same in Christ.

Why slaves of Christ?

In the Roman Empire many became slaves because they couldn’t pay off their debts. So they sold themselves into slavery. They hoped they will earn something on the side and eventually buy themselves out of slavery.

Because of our wickedness we too have debts before God. Debts that we can never settle. Morally bankrupt, we are slaves to sin and death.

Yet God Himself settled the debts for us. He purchased our freedom not with cheap stuff like gold or silver but with the precious blood of His Son, Jesus.

All that we are, all that we own actually belongs to Him then.

So if you have a successful career, great! But remember you’re still God’s slave! Still a sinner saved only by grace. All that you have is by God’s grace.

So how can you boast? How can you look down on others?

For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

Optional: .

So thats the second point: Our Christian calling enables us to handle failure or success.

Rich or poor. We’re all equal in Christ through whom we have an unshakable identity.

If we’re proud the gospel will humble us. If we’re broken the gospel will lift us up.

For the one who was a slave when called to faith in the Lord is the Lord’s freed person; similarly, the one who was free when called is Christ’s slave. You were bought at a price...

You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.

3. Our primary calling as Christians helps us to balance work and rest

You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of human beings.

You might be wondering why Paul needs to say something like that. “do not become slaves of human beings”. Who in the world will voluntarily choose to become a slave?

Who in the world will voluntarily choose to become a slave? Actually, interestingly some people did willingly becomes slaves to the rich and influential people. To advance their own standing in society.

Actually, interestingly some people did willingly becomes slaves to rich and powerful people. They did this to advance their own standing in society.

To be a slave of Caesar or a Senator is still to be somebody. You’re a slave of Caesar!

You’ll be in his home. So you’ll be close to him and you’ll get to meet all the VIPs in the Roman Empire.

And you’ll get to meet all the high-class people in the Roman Empire.

So when Paul says “do not become slaves of human beings” Paul could be meaning this literally.

Or he could be meaning it metaphorically i.e “Don’t be a slave to human judgments of what is spiritual or what is successful etc”.

If you’re a slave don’t let it trouble you. If you’re a free person don’t be arrogant.

Whether he means this literally or metaphorically doesn’t matter. Because the heart of the issue is the same and its very relevant to us today.

This is sensitive but isn’t it true that students (esp in Asia), regardless of their talents or interests, are always pushed into the same 2-3 professions?

Is it not possible that we are enslaved by human standards of success?

Or think about why people overwork themselves.

Yes many of them have no choice. They have to work 2-3 shifts just to pay the bills. I get that.

But some overwork themselves so that they can be rich and famous. So they can wear a certain watch or drive a certain luxury car or boat. And so that certain people will like them and give them recognition and respect.

Don’t think I’m discouraging you from being hard-working. Or from striving for excellence. In a moment I’ll address the lazy people. Those who underwork.

Those who overwork themselves need to remember God is your master.

But to those who overwork, make sure you’re not being a slave to human approval. Don’t be enslaved to human standards of significance or financial security.

You were bought a price. Do not become slaves of human beings. We are slaves to Christ.

We always think of being a slave as something negative. And in general it was. But they are benefits especially if your master is good.

As a slave, you don’t have to worry about alot of things because its not up to you. Its up to your Master. You are under his care and protection.

So understand that as Christ’s slave, you are under His care. You are under His protection.

2. Handles success or failure

Its especially true, especially positive when you’re master is the Lrod Jesus Christ.

That means you can actually rest.

Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. 2 In vain you rise early and stay up late [in vain you overwork], toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.

the builders labor in vain.

Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.

the guards stand watch in vain.

2 In vain you rise early

and stay up late,

toiling for food to eat—

for he grants sleep to those he loves

Do you know there’s such a thing as a theology of sleep? Sleep is not just good for us physically, its good for us spiritually.

We spend 1/3 of our lives just helplessly lying there doing nothing. There’s something humbling about that.

The fact that we must sleep reminds us that we are not all-powerful. We can’t do everything.

Sleep reminds us that we are not all-powerful. That we are not in control. That the world still goes on spinning without us. But God is in coontrol. God is still King.

And when we wake up, we realise life has gone on without us. The world is still spinning. We are not in control, God is. So we can rest in Him.

Thats why keeping the Sabbath was so important for Israel. It was a sign of faith. And it reminded God’s people that its not about how hard they work but how much God provides. God is their source of security and significance.

Those who overwork themselves need to remember that God is your master. But those who underwork also need to remember that God is your master.

dont be a slave to human approval/recognition, to human definitions of success, to human standards of security and significance

Those who underwork need to remember God is your master.

thinking that your boss is stupid. Or your plain lazy.

Its okay don’t be a slave of men. Be a slave to God, your true master. Think of it as serving Him.

To be Christ’s slave also means to be utterly dependent on Him.

in general slaves were bankrupt etc.

Remember how I said at the beginning we often think of our jobs as our identity. (Thats what we take pride in or the reverse) Your roles at work or home are not as fundamental as your identity in Christ.

Our concept of “calling” is too ‘spiritual’ or too secular.

The passage begins in vs 20 with this general principle “Each person should remain in the situation they were in when God called them”.

There are at least 51 uses of the word “calling” in the New Testament. Forty-six refer to becoming a Christian (e.g., ), and four to living a holy or peaceful life (e.g., ).

Lets take for example the word “church”. Nowadays we use the word “church” to refer to the building e.g “Where's prayer meeting? Oh at church loh!”.

But thats not what Paul means by the word “called”.

Its like the word “church”. Nowadays we use the word “church” to refer to the building e.g “Where's prayer meeting? Oh at church loh!”.

But in the Bible, the church never ever refers to a building. It always refers to the people. To the assembly of believers.

Christians are sometimes portrayed like a building e.g we are the temple of the Holy Spirit, we are being built up with Christ as the cornerstone, the teaching of the apostles as the foundation etc. But thats metaphorical.

Biblically, the “word” church never refers to a building.

Thats fine. There aren’t people at Oxford policing the way we use words.

The meaning of words change over time and based on usage. We just need to recognise it and adapt.

So its fine if we refer to this building as the church but when we read our Bibles and it talks about “churches”, we must understand its talking about people not buildings. If not we’ll seriously misinterpret it.

The same thing with the word “called”.

Again nothing wrong with that. But thats not what Paul means by the word “called”.

In Paul’s writings when God calls you, God brings you to faith. When God calls you, you are saved.

We already see this in the first chapter of this letter to the Corinthians.

but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God ().

The New International Version Chapter 1

but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Same thing here.

The good news about Jesus doesn’t make sense. It didn’t make sense to both Jews or Gentiles. Yet why do some believe? Why did you believe? Because God graciously opened your eyes and convicted your heart. Thats what is meant by “called”.

You didn’t just hear the preacher call you externally, you heard God call you internally.

If you’re a believer in Jesus, God called you to Himself. There is no higher calling than to be God’s people.

Thats why he will go on to say

And this calling is secure. Our position in Christ is eternal.

The New International Version Chapter 1

but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

26 Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” ().

You can’t boast at your friend “Eh why you so stupid and don’t believe in Jesus?” “Be smart like me can or not?” You can’t boast like that. You weren’t better than your friend or relative when God called you to faith. Its by sheer grace.

The New International Version. (2011). (). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

No more promotions better than this. You are the child of the King of Kings. There are no more pay raises or bonuses higher htan this. You have an eternal inheritance waiting for you.

And this calling is secure (). All those who are called are saved.

Its not just a mere invitation. All those who are called are saved.

A very common concept of “calling” is too ‘spiritual’ or too secular.

This is all to say that regardless of ur career and social status u, the highest honour bestoyed on u is that u know God, the highest position possible is You belong to God

To be a slave of Caesar or a senator is still to be somebody. And you’ll get to meet all the high-class people in the Empire.

So Paul could be meaning in literally. Or he could be meaning it metaphorically i.e “Don’t be a slave to human judgments of what is spiritual etc”.

It ought to affect us both psychologically and practically.

Paul contrasts the slave and free to illustrate how our primary calling as Christians affect our secondary callings.

If you were a slaves you were at the lowest possition on the social-economic scale. Yet Paul says ddon’t worry about it. Because thats not who you truly are.

Since God is our master we want to excel for Him.

about how our Christian faith is supposed to change how we think about work

important topic to all categories of people (working, student, retired)

iii) “bloom where we are planted” - implies contentment and excellence

Explain why "calling" term changed. Compare Rome views with Protestant.

1. What is our primary calling? 2. How does this affect how our secondary (vocational) calling (what we usually label “calling”)?

what we usually label “calling” ?

How does this affect how we perform at work?

i) our vocation is not our identity

ii) corrects an over or underspiritualised view of work

iii) helps us handle both success and failure

iv) Contentment

In contrast to those advocating that change was good or even necessary (7:1-2, 12-13). Paul lays down the general principle that we ought to live the Christian life in whatever situation we are in.

his gives you dignity regardless of how ‘low-class’ ur job is.

This gives you dignity regardless of how ‘low-class’ ur job is.

Identity is first and foremost: Christian

The term “calling”. Definitions etc

Important since we often only hear of missionaries sharing how God called them to Africa. But if ur a mechanic I feel left out.

Our calling to this privileged position (as God’s saved people) is secure ()

The term profession

Psychologically

This gives you dignity regardless of how ‘low-class’ ur job is.

We generally compartmentalise our life between what is secular and sacred.

We tend to think of work as something we must do to survive and then we try serve God in our free time after/outside work e.g volunteer in church, missions, social concern etc

We tend to think of work as something we must do to survive and then serve God in our free time after/outside work e.g volunteer in church, missions, social concern etc

Perhaps we could use the money we earned to fund church/missions/charities.

At most we may think that the workplace is a good place for us to befriend and evangelise non-Christians.

Thats all good and true.

But we can serve God in and through our work itself.

We believe God supplies our needs. But how? Yes He can do so miraculously, but most often He does it through people. Even non-Christians.

We need to have a comprehensive enough understanding of God’s sovereignty over all.

e.g - luther on God feeds us with food (even unhealthy McD is a gift and an answer to “give us our daily bread” to late-night travellers), strengthens the bars of our city gates

Even the most menial labours have worth when we serve God by helping our fellow man. By meeting their needs. Think rubbish collectors (Imagine if the rubbish just kept piling up outside yourself. You could eventually die!)

So there is dnigity and worth in all professions - whether you are a missionary or a mechanic.

My own personal feelings of helping people

So you can joy and purpose in even these menial jobs.

This humbles you regardless of how “high-class” ur job is

In Christ, the socially slave or free are on equal footing.

James

Christ’s slaves will do all this for God ()

Not just high class vs low class jobs, but it helps us deal with success and failure in either jobs.

e.g Rocky “so I know I’m not just some bum”.

The First Epistle to the Corinthians 2. The Guiding Principle—Stay as One Was When Called (7:17–24)

the tendency of most is to see status as significant, and change as necessary

What Paul is doing here is minimising the significance of social-economic positions or careers etc. Our job is not our identities. Our identity is Christians. In Christ.

You may be retired from your career. But you'll never retire from you're calling as a Christian.

Practically

(psychologically and practically)

Practically

Work as Christ’s slaves ( or , )

- which at least means do a good job

The Christian shoemaker does his Christian duty not by putting little crosses on the shoes, but by making good shoes - Luther*

Its especially true, especially positive when you’re master is the Lrod Jesus Christ.

Positively, that you are not your own, but belong as slaves to Christ, you can actually rest. Not advocating sloth, but alot of people work very hard to prove themselves capable. Keeping the Sabbath rest was a sign of faith. It served as an important reminder to Israel that its not about how hard they work but how much God provides. God is their source of security and significance. See . Sleep reminds us that we are not all-powerful. That we are not in control. That the world still goes on spinning without us. But God is in coontrol. God is still King.

Positively, that you are not your own, but belong as slaves to Christ, you can actually rest.

The rich are often condemned in Scripture, not because its inherently bad to earn alot of money but because they tend to be arrogant and self-sufficient. They don’t have a sense of dependence on God.

Want to be distinctly Christian at work? Don’t complain. See .

Instead of always thinking of how things will be better if you changed your position e.g a slave could think he could serve Christ better as a freed person, make the best of where we are now. ‘Bloom where you are planted’.

: its ur identity (think of how you introduce urself), what you spend most of ur time doing if you’re a student: basically you’re preparing yourself

So much so its ur identity (think of how you introduce urself)

if you’re a student: basically all you’re studies are meant to prepare you for your future work

if you’re retired: basically you’re benefiting from your lifetime of work

I also want to include Housewives: Just because you’re not being paid doesn’t mean its not work. Its very respectable. Worthy of appreciation and respect.

If you can improve ur situation go ahead (thinking ur current job a form of slavery). But it ultimately doesn't matter. It's not that important. We also need to think abt Christian contentment. (Look at the Labour bureau statistics of millenials changing jobs) When does it cross over into complacency I don't know.

Contentment - in our current jobs (with qualifiers).

Keller : faith gives a ballast without which work will destroy you

or dignity without which work could bore you

moral compass without which work could corrupt you

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