“…for the form of this world is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:31)
The world we live in works a certain way – there is a formula to it. We live, and then we die. The finite nature of our lives is consistent to rich and poor alike. Time is coming for all of us. We make our plans with time in mind – we only have so much time to work, and we must have enough saved up to last the years we cannot work. The form of life down here under the sun is not-eternal. Things have beginnings, and all things have endings. Even down to our pets, we recognize that we can only have them for so long before their time is up, too. This is the form of life we are accustomed to, one with deadlines and endings.
This form is passing away though. While living our mortal lives, we must prepare for eternity. At some point, the trajectory of our lives (either a life of faith or a life of unbelief) will be set and forever fixed like arrows released into the eternity of heaven or hell. As you live your day-to-day life, don’t forget that there is coming a day that never ends.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:21-31
Questions to ask:
- How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
- What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
- How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
- What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
- How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision