Freedom and servitude

1 Corinthians 7:20–24 (NIV) —20 Each person 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.

Some people have claimed that the bible supports slavery. It must be admitted that the bible has been used to justify the institution of slavery. However, the seeds which would undermine the institution of slavery and eventually lead to its world-wide banishment were sown in the scriptures. The concept that slaves were equal to masters in the eyes of God, were co-inheritors of salvation, and were to be regarded as such made the concept of buying and selling people untenable.

However, the bible doesn’t speak as strongly against slavery as we might like. Perhaps the reason for that is suggested in verse 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. God is more interested in called people to be free in Christ than abolishing slavery. Salvation carries a promise of eternity. Earthly abolition carries only the promise of this life.

Paul does say here that a person should gain their earthly freedom if they can (v. 21), and not to sell themselves into slavery (v. 23). What does that mean for us today? How do these statements about a specific situation (slavery), help us understand any situation we may be called to remain in (v. 20 & 24)?

What situation(s) might you be in that you should gain freedom from if you are able? What situation(s) might you be tempted to self yourself into that you shouldn’t?

Talk to Christ about your freedom in him and your servitude to him