How can we live as if "those who use the world" in daily life? Setting the Scene: What Does Paul Mean? “...those who use the world, but not as making full use of it. For the present form of this world is passing away.” (1 Corinthians 7:31) • Paul is not condemning work, possessions, or enjoyment; he is warning against letting temporary things master an eternal people. • “Making full use of it” pictures grasping something so tightly that it owns us. • Because the world’s “present form” is already fading, we hold its gifts loosely and its Lord firmly. Why This Matters: The World Is Not Home • 1 John 2:17 – “The world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God remains forever.” • James 4:4 – “Friendship with the world is hostility toward God.” • John 17:15-18 – Jesus keeps us in the world for mission, not for mimicry. Principle One: Steward, Don’t Surrender • Everything we touch—money, time, influence—is a trust from God (Psalm 24:1). • We manage resources for His purposes, refusing to be mastered by them (Matthew 6:24). Principle Two: Enjoy, Yet Exercise Self-Control • 1 Timothy 6:17 – God “richly provides us with everything to enjoy,” yet verse 18 calls us to “be rich in good works.” • Moderation guards us from excess; thanksgiving keeps pleasures pure (1 Corinthians 10:31). Principle Three: Live for What Lasts • Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” • Ephesians 5:15-16 – “Be very careful how you live… redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Putting It Into Daily Practice Money • Budget worshipfully: give first, save wisely, spend purposefully. • Refuse debt that mortgages future ministry freedom (Proverbs 22:7). Possessions • Ask, “Would I gladly release this if God asked?” • Regularly declutter and donate; let goods flow, not stagnate (Acts 20:35). Entertainment • Choose media that honors Christ; set limits so leisure never becomes lord (Philippians 4:8). Technology • Use devices for connection and gospel influence; guard against endless scrolling (1 Corinthians 6:12). Work • Labor diligently as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23-24). • Keep career from eclipsing family, fellowship, and service. Relationships • Cultivate friendships that sharpen faith (Proverbs 27:17). • Love unbelievers without adopting their values (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). Time • Schedule Scripture, prayer, and fellowship first; everything else orbits those priorities. Living Today in Light of Tomorrow • Each sunrise is one day closer to the world’s “passing away” and the Lord’s appearing (2 Peter 3:10-13). • Holding earth’s gifts loosely frees us to hold heaven’s promises tightly. • As “those who use the world,” we participate without being possessed, engage without being entangled, and enjoy without being ensnared—showing a watching world the surpassing worth of Christ. |
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