7:17-24 What is the theme of Paul's teaching here?
7:17-24 What is the theme of Paul's teaching here?
The theme of Paul's teaching here is that the Christian calling is not defined by outward circumstances. Outward circumstances neither add to, nor detract from who we are in Christ, and therefore our status in life should not be altered to try to improve our standing with God - circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing (CP V18-19 with Ro 2:28-29; Ga 3:28; 5:6; 6:15).
Our Christian calling is defined by obeying God's commandments, not by changing our status in life (CP 1Cor 7:19 with Jn 14:15; 15:14; Ro 2:13; 1Jn 2:3-5; Rev 22:14).
Even being a slave does not hinder one being a Christian - Christians are serving God, not man, whether they be slaves or free (CP 1Cor 7:20-23 with Eph 6:5-8; Col 3:22-24; 1Ti 6:1)
Paul is not condoning slavery in 1Cor 7:20-23. The issue is remaining with God and not departing from Him to become a slave to human criteria for status (CP V24 with Ga 5:1; Php 4:1). The gauge for one's status is being in the Lord, which makes slaves free, and the free slaves (CP Ro 6:18-22)