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17 Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. 18 Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. 19 For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God. 20 Each one should remain in the condition in which he was called. 21 Were you a bondservant when called? Do not be concerned about it. (But if you can gain your freedom, avail yourself of the opportunity.) 22 For he who was called in the Lord as a bondservant is a freedman of the Lord. Likewise he who was free when called is a bondservant of Christ. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become bondservants of men. 24 So, brothers, in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God.
1 Corinthians 7:17-24 ESV

I.CIRCUMCISION AND CONTENTMENT (17-20)
A.Circumcision was a status issue for the 1st Century church.
B.The Gospel versus Circumcision: Jesus trumps Abraham. Faith trumps circumcision.
C.Circumcision is used to challenge the Corinthians to be content in both their social and relationship status.

II.SERVANTHOOD (SLAVERY) AND THE SAVIOR (21-24)
A.1st Century slavery and American slavery are not the same thing.
B.Servanthood is used to challenge the Corinthians to focus on honoring Christ more than changing their circumstances.

III. 3 RELATIONSHIP / LIFE DO NOTS FROM THE TEXT
A.Stop trying to change yourself. (Jeremiah 13:23, Matthew 6:25-34)
B.Stop trying to change your circumstances.
C.Stop trying to change your status or spouse.

NEXT STEPS
1.Be content with what God has called you.
2.Be content with whom God has put you.
3.Be content where God has stationed you.

NEXT WEEK:
Supremacy of Jesus in Singleness — 1 Corinthians 7:25-40