1 Corinthians 7:31

1 Corinthians 7:31 (KJV) offers profound guidance on how believers should interact with the world around them, emphasizing a posture of detachment and an eternal perspective. The verse states: "And they that use this world, as not abusing [it]: for the fashion of this world passeth away."

Context

This verse is part of a larger section in 1 Corinthians 7 where the Apostle Paul addresses various aspects of Christian living, including marriage, singleness, and daily conduct, all viewed through the lens of the "present distress" (1 Corinthians 7:26) and the urgency of the times. Paul encourages believers to live with a sense of eschatological awareness, as if time is short and the Lord's return is imminent. This shapes his advice on how Christians should relate to their earthly circumstances – whether married or single, sorrowful or joyful, buying or selling – urging them to hold loosely to worldly affairs because their true hope lies beyond this temporary existence. His advice, particularly in verses like 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, underscores the transient nature of all earthly things.

Key Themes

• Stewardship Without Worldliness: The phrase "use this world, as not abusing [it]" highlights a crucial balance. Believers are to engage with the world's resources, opportunities, and responsibilities, but without being consumed by them or becoming enslaved to them. It's about utilizing the world's provisions responsibly, rather than misusing them for selfish gain or becoming overly attached to them. This theme contrasts with the idea of loving the world, as seen in 1 John 2:15.
• The Temporal Nature of Earthly Things: The core reason for this detached engagement is given: "for the fashion of this world passeth away." This emphasizes that all earthly systems, trends, pleasures, and struggles are temporary. They are like a passing scene in a play, a fleeting display that will soon vanish, urging believers to fix their gaze on eternal realities.
• Christian Detachment and Eternal Perspective: This verse calls believers to live "in the world, but not of the world." It encourages a mindset where one's identity, security, and ultimate hope are not found in earthly achievements or possessions, but in Christ and His coming kingdom. This detachment allows for freedom from anxiety over worldly losses and a greater focus on spiritual priorities.

Linguistic Insights

• "Abusing" (Greek: katachraomai): This word carries the sense of using something to the full, using it up, or misusing it. In this context, it implies not becoming engrossed, enslaved, or utterly consumed by worldly things to the point of spiritual detriment. It's about not over-indulging or allowing the world to master you.
• "Fashion" (Greek: schema): Refers to the outward form, appearance, or transient display. It's distinct from morphe, which denotes an inner, essential nature. Paul uses schema to highlight the superficial, ever-changing, and ultimately impermanent character of the world's trends, systems, and structures. It's like a stage set that is constantly being changed or will be dismantled.
• "Passeth away" (Greek: paragei): Means to pass by, to go away, to come to an end. It powerfully conveys the idea of transience and the inevitable dissolution of the present world order.

Practical Application

For believers today, 1 Corinthians 7:31 serves as a vital reminder to live with an eternal perspective in a rapidly changing world. It challenges us to:

• Prioritize God's Kingdom: While we work, earn, buy, and sell, our ultimate allegiance and focus should remain on God's will and His eternal purposes, not on accumulating earthly wealth or status.
• Hold Loosely to Possessions: We are stewards, not owners, of the resources God entrusts to us. This perspective frees us from materialism and encourages generosity.
• Navigate Culture Wisely: We can engage with cultural trends, technology, and entertainment, but discerningly, ensuring they do not lead to spiritual compromise or distract us from our true calling.
• Live with Urgency: Understanding that "the fashion of this world passeth away" should motivate us to make the most of our time for God's glory, investing in what truly lasts, as encouraged in Colossians 3:2.

This verse does not advocate for asceticism or withdrawal from society, but rather for a balanced, Spirit-led engagement with the world, always remembering its temporary nature and our ultimate citizenship in heaven.