1 Corinthians 7:31 – “Those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.”

Extended Explanation

Paul’s words in this verse remind us of a central truth of the Christian life: this world is temporary. Everything we see, own, and experience in this life will eventually fade away. Because of this, Paul is encouraging believers to use what is in the world without becoming too attached to it.

• “Those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them” – Paul is not saying that believers should avoid the world entirely. He acknowledges that we must interact with money, possessions, jobs, and responsibilities. However, we should not let these things control our hearts or become our ultimate focus.
• “For this world in its present form is passing away” – Everything in this life—our material possessions, human achievements, and even our current struggles—will one day be gone. Only what is done for God will last forever.

Paul’s message is clear: We should live in this world, but we should not live for this world.

Historical Context

1. Paul’s Expectation of Christ’s Return – Many early Christians, including Paul, believed that Jesus might return very soon. Because of this, they lived with a sense of urgency, focusing on eternal things rather than getting too wrapped up in temporary concerns.
2. The Materialism of Corinth – Corinth was a wealthy, commercial city where people were obsessed with wealth, luxury, and status. Paul wanted believers to resist the temptation to make money and possessions their ultimate goal.
3. Persecution and Uncertainty – The early church faced opposition from both the Roman government and Jewish leaders. In a time of instability, Paul’s words reminded Christians that earthly security is never guaranteed, but God’s kingdom is eternal.

Paul’s advice was not just for his time but for every generation—reminding us not to live as if this world is our final destination.

Theological Implications

1. Everything in This World is Temporary – Whether it’s wealth, fame, relationships, or personal success, nothing in this life will last forever.
2. Christians Should Not Become Consumed by Earthly Things – It’s not wrong to work, earn money, or enjoy life, but our hearts should not be wrapped up in them.
3. The Kingdom of God is Our True Home – Instead of getting too comfortable in this life, we should live for God’s kingdom, which is eternal.

Paul is not promoting carelessness, but rather a balanced perspective—we live in this world, but we should never let this world own us.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s choice of words is intentional and powerful:

• “Use the things of the world” – This acknowledges that Christians will have possessions, jobs, and responsibilities. He is not calling for complete separation from society.
• “As if not engrossed in them” – This is the key phrase. Paul is warning against being controlled by worldly things—whether money, pleasure, or personal success.
• “This world in its present form is passing away” – This is a direct reminder that everything we see now is temporary.

Paul’s writing is not extreme—he is not saying that possessions or responsibilities are bad. Instead, he is calling for an eternal mindset.

Biblical Cross-References

• Matthew 6:19-20 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth… But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” (A clear warning against being too attached to material things.)
• 1 John 2:17 – “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (Echoes Paul’s statement that the world is temporary.)
• Colossians 3:2 – “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” (A call to focus on eternal priorities.)
• Luke 12:15 – “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; life does not consist in an abundance of possessions.” (Jesus’ warning about materialism.)

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

1. We Should Not Let Possessions Control Us – It’s fine to have things, but they should not have us.
2. We Should Be Generous and Eternally Focused – Since everything in this world is temporary, we should invest in eternal things—like helping others, sharing the gospel, and living for Christ.
3. We Should Keep a Loose Grip on Earthly Comforts – Whether it’s money, success, or even relationships, we must remember that our true treasure is in heaven.

This verse challenges us to ask: What am I really living for?

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

1. God Wants Us to Live for What Truly Matters – He doesn’t want us to waste our lives on things that will not last.
2. God Cares About Our Spiritual Priorities – He reminds us that true joy and fulfillment come from Him, not from temporary success.
3. God Provides for Our Needs – Since everything we have ultimately belongs to Him, we can trust that He will take care of us.

God’s love is seen in His desire for us to focus on things that have eternal value rather than being consumed by temporary concerns.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

1. Jesus Lived With an Eternal Perspective – He did not chase wealth or comfort, but focused on doing His Father’s will.
2. Jesus Warned Against Worldly Attachments – He told His followers not to be anxious about material things because God would provide (Matthew 6:25-34).
3. Jesus Showed That the Kingdom of God is What Truly Matters – In His parables, Jesus often spoke about how temporary earthly things are compared to the eternal kingdom of God.

Jesus is the perfect example of living with an eternal mindset, and Paul’s words reflect this same truth.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there things in your life—money, success, possessions—that you have become too attached to?
2. How can you use the things of this world without being engrossed in them?
3. How does remembering that “this world is passing away” change the way you live each day?
4. What does it mean to live for God’s kingdom while still being responsible in this world?
5. How can you encourage others to focus on eternal priorities rather than temporary things?