Covenant Reformed News – May 2007 • Volume XI, Issue 13
This article provides an exegetical exposition of 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, addressing how Christians should relate to worldly possessions and institutions in light of the brevity of this present age. The author argues for biblical stewardship—using the world according to God's purposes rather than hoarding treasures or engaging in worldly excess—while rejecting both monastic withdrawal and selfish materialism. The piece emphasizes that all temporal things will pass away, and therefore believers must maintain an eschatological perspective in their daily economic and social practices.
Marriage in This Passing World (3) Having considered marriage and weeping and rejoicing in this passing world (I Cor. 7:29-30), we now turn to the proper use of our possessions and the world itself (30-31). Since “the time is short” (29), “they that buy [should be] as though they possessed not” (30). This does not mean that we do not own things by purchase and legal right. But all our possessions—clothes, books, car, house, and so on, including whatever we value most highly—will pass away....