1. Stay where God put you (17-24)

We do not become better Christians by changing our human conditions. Only the change that Jesus makes within brings peace. A believer should not shop for a church for human reasons. We should stay in the place to which God has assigned us, put down roots and bear fruit. Rituals don't matter- obedience to God's commands does. In Paul's day, slavery was a legal institution. Paul did not directly attack the institution; he told slaves to serve God where they were. However, the principle of freedom and equality under God made a crack in the institution that finally broke it. Every person belongs to God. He made us. He bought us with a price.

2. The time is short (25-31)

Paul sees life in the perspective of eternity. In the short time we have in this world we should live for Jesus' sake and the gospel's, and not allow our hearts to become enslaved by the things of the world, for the world is passing away. Married or single, we should first give our hearts to God.

Application: Lord, help me to overcome circumstances and live for your glory where I am.
One Word: Serve God where you are