Out of Context. I Corinthians 7

So many verses in I Corinthians 7 can be taken out of context.
For example (and I especially like this one ;),
"Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman."
In today's atmosphere, I doubt many fellows will want to keep reading. What is Paul saying?

Another out-of-context verse that seems odd if you just pull it out of Scripture is I Corinthians 7:18. "Was any man called when he was already circumcised? He is not to become uncircumcised. ..." Ok, now I wonder how is that even possible.

Let's look at one more.  I Corinthians 7:29--"But this I say, Brethren, the time has been shortened, so that from now on those who have wives should be as though they had none;"

According to our study (mine and Greg's) using the Kay Arthur book, I & II Corinthians: God's Answers for Relationships and Passions, we looked at the passage as a whole to determine a big picture of what Paul was saying to the Corinthians. We determined that Paul instructs them and also us (21st Century Christians) that when we are called (saved) we are not to change our condition. If married, stay married. If not married, don't seek marriage. If free, don't become a slave. If a slave, don't worry about that, you are free in The Lord. Concerning the first verse we looked at, it is because of all the immorality that we are instructed to have one husband per one wife. Marriage is a gift. Singleness is a gift.
Verse 29 goes on to say that Paul wants us to be free from concern.  When you are married, you become more concerned about your married life.  He wants us to be devoted to The Lord. Undistracted. It is easier when you are single, but to get married is not a sin. Just live with eternity in mind.


So I encourage everyone to read I Corinthians 7 as a whole. It will make so much more sense. :)