What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 7:22? For he who was a slave when he was called by the Lord is the Lord’s freedman • Paul speaks to believers who were literal slaves in the Roman system. Though they remained under human masters, their ultimate identity changed the moment they trusted Christ. • In Christ they possess a freedom no chains can touch—freedom from sin’s penalty and power. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). • That liberty includes: – The right to call God “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15). – Bold access to God’s throne (Hebrews 4:16). – Assurance of eternal inheritance (Galatians 4:7). • Earthly status becomes secondary. Even if a believing slave never gains civil freedom, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). • This perspective encourages contentment and faithful service where God has placed us, echoed in Ephesians 6:5-8, where slaves are told to serve “as to the Lord.” Conversely, he who was a free man when he was called is Christ’s slave • Freedom in society doesn’t exempt anyone from submission; when a free person comes to Christ, he willingly surrenders ownership of his life to the Savior. • Scripture repeatedly embraces this title of “slave” (doulos) to honor Christ’s lordship: “You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness” (Romans 6:18). • Practical implications: – Every decision, schedule, and resource is placed under Christ’s command (Luke 14:27-33). – Personal rights yield to His purposes, mirroring Paul’s own self-description: “Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:1). – Freedom becomes a platform for serving others: “Use your freedom to serve one another in love” (Galatians 5:13). • This paradox—free yet enslaved—protects believers from pride. James, though a church leader, opens his letter “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ” (James 1:1). summary Whether earth labels us slave or free, Christ redefines everything. The believer in chains possesses unshakable liberty in the Lord; the believer with civic freedom gladly accepts the yoke of obedient service to Christ. Both find their true worth and calling in Him, living out the gospel with contentment, humility, and unwavering allegiance to their Master who bought them with His blood. |
    |