1 Corinthians 7:31
Verse
Context
Sermons
Thomas Bradbury
William Gouge
St. John Chrysostom
John Nelson Darby
George Fox
Hieromonk DamasceneSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And they that use this world - Let them who have earthly property or employments discharge conscientiously their duties, from a conviction of the instability of earthly things. Make a right use of every thing, and pervert nothing from its use. To use a thing is to employ it properly in order to accomplish the end to which it refers. To abuse a thing signifies to pervert it from that use. Pass through things temporal, so as not to lose those which are eternal. For the fashion of this world - Το σχημα του κοσμον τουτου signifies properly the present state or constitution of things; the frame of the world, that is, the world itself. But often the term κοσμος, world, is taken to signify the Jewish state and polity; the destruction of this was then at hand, and this the Holy Spirit might then signify to the apostle.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
not abusing it--not abusing it by an overmuch using of it. The meaning of "abusing" here is, not so much perverting, as using it to the full [BENGEL]. We are to use it, "not to take our fill" of its pursuits as our chief aim (compare Luk 10:40-42). As the planets while turning on their own axis, yet revolve round the sun; so while we do our part in our own worldly sphere, God is to be the center of all our desires. fashion--the present fleeting form. Compare Psa 39:6, "vain show"; Psa 73:20, "a dream"; Jam 4:14, "a vapor." passeth away--not merely shall pass away, but is now actually passing away. The image is drawn from a shifting scene in a play represented on the stage (Jo1 2:17). Paul inculcates not so much the outward denial of earthly things, as the inward spirit whereby the married and the rich, as well as the unmarried and the poor, would be ready to sacrifice all for Christ's sake.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And they that use this world, as not abusing it,.... Such as have a large affluence of the things of this world, should use them in a moderate and temperate manner; should not squander them away extravagantly, or spend them on their lusts, and use them intemperately, which is to abuse them: for the fashion of this world passeth away; not the nature, matter, and substance, but the figure and form of it; for after this world is burnt up, a new one, as to form and fashion, will arise, in much more beauty and glory; all that looks glorious and beautiful in the present world, as riches, honour, &c. are all mere show and appearance, having nothing solid and substantial in them; and are all fluid and transitory, are passing away; there is nothing firm and permanent; in a little time, all will be at an end, the world itself, as to its present form, and all that is in it; when there will be no more marrying, nor giving in marriage, no more buying and selling, no more of the present changes and vicissitudes of prosperity and adversity, of joy and sorrow; these scenes will be all removed, and quite a new face of things appear: wherefore what the apostle exhorts unto, with respect to present conduct and behaviour, must be right and good.
1 Corinthians 7:31
The Unmarried and Widowed
30those who weep, as if they did not; those who are joyful, as if they were not; those who make a purchase, as if they had nothing;31and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Beware of the Pride of Reasoning; the True Guide to Knowledge Is Love.
By Francois Fenelon0GEN 13:9PRO 3:5MAT 11:25JHN 8:361CO 7:31Francois Fenelon warns against the pride of reasoning, emphasizing that true knowledge is guided by love. He cautions against being overly occupied with external matters and engaging in endless argumentation, as it hinders one's ability to focus on God. Fenelon encourages humility, simplicity, and being recollected before God, rather than getting lost in endless reasonings and dangerous curiosity that lead away from grace. He stresses the importance of being faithful in what one knows, distrusting the intellect that can mislead, and focusing on the eternal truth of God.
The World
By Thomas Bradbury0LUK 18:9JHN 1:10JHN 3:16JHN 15:17JHN 17:8ACT 5:20ACT 11:14ROM 1:81CO 7:311JN 2:1Thomas Bradbury preaches on the profound love of God as demonstrated in John 3:16, emphasizing the necessity of being born again to understand divine truth and experience salvation through Jesus Christ. He delves into the significance of the term 'the world,' refuting the misconception that it refers to all mankind, and instead reveals its various contextual meanings in Scripture. Bradbury highlights the exclusivity of God's love for His chosen ones, contrasting it with the world's enmity towards God, and underscores the divine purpose of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles, breaking down all barriers through Christ.
Of Well-Using Abundance
By William Gouge0JOB 1:21PSA 62:10PRO 3:9LUK 16:91CO 7:311TI 6:17William Gouge emphasizes the importance of using worldly abundance wisely, drawing from the examples of patriarchs like Job, David, and Solomon. He provides both negative and affirmative rules for handling riches, cautioning against placing too much value on earthly possessions and encouraging the use of wealth for good works and charity. Gouge reminds his audience to honor the Lord with their substance, be ready to let go of possessions if needed, and ultimately trust in the living Lord rather than in uncertain riches.
Homily 70 on Matthew
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 8:22MAT 22:16MAT 22:29MAT 22:32LUK 20:36ROM 13:71CO 7:31GAL 5:24John Chrysostom preaches about the Pharisees' attempt to entangle Jesus in His words, highlighting their wicked intentions and hidden craftiness. Despite their flattery and deceitful questions, Jesus exposes their hypocrisy and reveals the secrets of their hearts with wisdom and severity. He silences their wickedness and teaches about rendering to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's, demonstrating His divine knowledge and authority. Jesus also addresses the Sadducees' question about the resurrection, revealing their ignorance of the Scriptures and the power of God, and affirming the reality of the resurrection and the eternal life with God.
No More Conscience of Sins
By John Nelson Darby0PSA 144:4MAT 9:9MAT 20:30MRK 1:16MRK 15:21JHN 9:11CO 7:311JN 2:81JN 2:17The preacher delves into the meaning of 'passing away' (parago) in the Bible, highlighting its various senses such as leading past, leading aside, and going out of existence. Through examples in the New Testament, the concept of passing away is illustrated in instances where Jesus passed by individuals, emphasizing the transient nature of the world and its desires. The sermon emphasizes the brevity of earthly life, the importance of doing the will of God, and finding eternal significance in obedience to Him.
Epistle 85
By George Fox0DEU 18:15JER 10:14JER 31:34HAB 2:18JHN 5:25ACT 3:22ACT 7:48ACT 7:591CO 7:311PE 1:41JN 2:27George Fox emphasizes the importance of following the light of Christ to find rest and witness the new covenant, where personal teaching from man is not needed. He urges listeners to let the light reveal sin, worldly evils, and unrighteousness, guiding them to stand in the light to see Jesus. Fox warns against vain thoughts and idolatry, encouraging people to listen to the voice of the Son of God for true life. He references Stephen's martyrdom and Moses' prophecy to highlight the significance of hearing and obeying the prophet raised by God.
Not Conformity but Transformation
By Hieromonk Damascene0JHN 6:27ROM 12:11CO 7:312CO 3:18COL 3:2Hieromonk Damascene emphasizes the importance of sacrifice and transformation in the Christian life, drawing from Romans chapter 12 where presenting our bodies as living sacrifices leads to a renewal of the mind and a transformation away from worldly conformity. He delves into the meaning of 'the world' as the realm of passions and attachments to worldly desires, urging self-examination and confession to uproot these favorite passions. The preacher highlights the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the need to focus on enduring spiritual transformation, not conforming to passing fashions and appearances.
1 John 2:17
By John Gill0Eternal SecurityThe Transience of the WorldMAT 6:19JHN 10:28JHN 15:10ROM 7:251CO 7:31EPH 1:42TI 2:19HEB 13:14JAS 1:121JN 2:17John Gill emphasizes the transient nature of the world and its desires, explaining that while the physical world and its pleasures are fleeting, those who do the will of God will endure forever. He highlights that worldly possessions and lusts are temporary and ultimately lead to sorrow, while true fulfillment comes from a relationship with Christ and obedience to God's will. Gill reassures believers that their eternal security is rooted not in their works, but in God's unchanging grace and the covenant established through Jesus.
Epistle 405
By George Fox0Diligence in FaithEvangelism1CH 29:15JER 9:3MAT 5:15MAT 25:3LUK 19:201CO 7:291CO 7:311TI 2:41TI 6:9HEB 13:17George Fox encourages his friends to actively engage in spreading the truth of the Gospel, emphasizing the importance of not hiding their gifts and talents. He urges them to be diligent in their service to God and to be mindful of their time on earth, reminding them that they are sojourners and should live in the fear of God. Fox warns against the distractions of worldly desires and calls for unity among Friends in ministry to effectively share the truth with others. He expresses a desire for them to be valiant in their efforts and to give a joyful account to God at the end of their lives.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And they that use this world - Let them who have earthly property or employments discharge conscientiously their duties, from a conviction of the instability of earthly things. Make a right use of every thing, and pervert nothing from its use. To use a thing is to employ it properly in order to accomplish the end to which it refers. To abuse a thing signifies to pervert it from that use. Pass through things temporal, so as not to lose those which are eternal. For the fashion of this world - Το σχημα του κοσμον τουτου signifies properly the present state or constitution of things; the frame of the world, that is, the world itself. But often the term κοσμος, world, is taken to signify the Jewish state and polity; the destruction of this was then at hand, and this the Holy Spirit might then signify to the apostle.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
not abusing it--not abusing it by an overmuch using of it. The meaning of "abusing" here is, not so much perverting, as using it to the full [BENGEL]. We are to use it, "not to take our fill" of its pursuits as our chief aim (compare Luk 10:40-42). As the planets while turning on their own axis, yet revolve round the sun; so while we do our part in our own worldly sphere, God is to be the center of all our desires. fashion--the present fleeting form. Compare Psa 39:6, "vain show"; Psa 73:20, "a dream"; Jam 4:14, "a vapor." passeth away--not merely shall pass away, but is now actually passing away. The image is drawn from a shifting scene in a play represented on the stage (Jo1 2:17). Paul inculcates not so much the outward denial of earthly things, as the inward spirit whereby the married and the rich, as well as the unmarried and the poor, would be ready to sacrifice all for Christ's sake.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And they that use this world, as not abusing it,.... Such as have a large affluence of the things of this world, should use them in a moderate and temperate manner; should not squander them away extravagantly, or spend them on their lusts, and use them intemperately, which is to abuse them: for the fashion of this world passeth away; not the nature, matter, and substance, but the figure and form of it; for after this world is burnt up, a new one, as to form and fashion, will arise, in much more beauty and glory; all that looks glorious and beautiful in the present world, as riches, honour, &c. are all mere show and appearance, having nothing solid and substantial in them; and are all fluid and transitory, are passing away; there is nothing firm and permanent; in a little time, all will be at an end, the world itself, as to its present form, and all that is in it; when there will be no more marrying, nor giving in marriage, no more buying and selling, no more of the present changes and vicissitudes of prosperity and adversity, of joy and sorrow; these scenes will be all removed, and quite a new face of things appear: wherefore what the apostle exhorts unto, with respect to present conduct and behaviour, must be right and good.