What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 7:23? You were bought - Paul begins with identity. The moment we trusted Christ, we ceased to be our own possession. - Scripture piles up proof: “You are not your own; you were bought at a price” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Peter echoes, “You were redeemed… with the precious blood of Christ” (1 Peter 1:18-19). Acts 20:28 adds that God “purchased” the church with His own blood. - Because the purchase is complete, our past slavery to sin has ended (Romans 6:6). We now belong to the Lord; He alone sets the agenda for our lives. At a price - The price was immeasurable: the blood and life of Jesus. Mark 10:45 calls it “a ransom for many.” - This cost reveals our value to God. Romans 5:8 says He showed His love while we were still sinners. - It also underscores the seriousness of redemption. Ephesians 1:7 reminds us that in Christ “we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.” - Practical takeaway: gratitude becomes the driver of obedience. We serve not to earn favor but because immense favor has already been paid for us. Do not become slaves of men - Paul’s warning is both social and spiritual. Even if a believer’s earthly status is one of literal servitude (1 Corinthians 7:21), no person may claim ultimate ownership of Christ’s disciple. - Freedom in Christ means refusing any human authority—philosophies, peer pressure, legalism, or fear—that competes with His lordship. Galatians 5:1 urges, “Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.” - Colossians 2:8 cautions against being “taken captive through philosophy and empty deception.” When human commands conflict with God’s will, Acts 5:29 sets the priority: “We must obey God rather than men.” - Living this out may involve: • Holding convictions even when culture disagrees. • Serving employers and authorities respectfully (Ephesians 6:5-8) while remembering they do not own us. • Guarding against habits or addictions that would re-enslave the heart Christ freed. summary Christ paid the highest price—His own blood—to make us His treasured possession. Because we belong to Him, no human master, system, or expectation can rightly claim ownership of our conscience or devotion. Our daily call is to enjoy the freedom He purchased and to live gratefully, refusing every form of bondage that would diminish His rightful rule. |
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