Living with Expectations

1 Corinthians 7:25-40

Are we living in the last days of the Gentiles, is Christ coming back in our time?  Now do not go report this writer is saying the world is coming to an end, people who say things like that are very ignorant of the teaching of Scripture, for it is stated in Revelation 20:4-5, Jesus is coming back to earth, this time as a mighty warrior, as the King of kings and LORD of lords.  It is only recorded in the Revelation, but as one looks at the whole council of the Scriptures His return and rule as a Warrior and King are everywhere, New and Old Testament.

I’m expecting Christ’s return in my lifetime, and I sure hope you are too, but that does not make us prophets, for it is clear that the apostle Paul believed that Jesus was surely coming in his day.  Paul is talking about his opinion of serving the LORD, and he is very clear this is not a command of the LORD but his thoughts on being married or staying single.  His argument is a single person has fewer troubles in this life and can focus on Christ, and not on pleasing a wife or a husband.   Paul is very clear that one who is married or bound by a promise to a betrothed virgin was to meet his obligation to consummate the marriage but if one had been released from such obligation not to seek to be betrothed to another woman. 

It is clear that marriage and being a godly husband and dad has many bumps in the highway of life, and Paul’s argument is these steal a man or woman’s focus on Christ.  But he is very clear that if this is where you find yourself stay there, and this writer would add; marriage is an amazing way to show Christ love as the husband loves his wife as Christ loved the church and was willing to die for it.

Now Paul’s bottom line is no matter where you find yourself live as unto the LORD.  For our time is very limited and this world is passing away, the day of the Gentiles is coming to a close and the LORD Jesus is soon to return.

From the Back Porch,

Bob Rice