1 Corinthians 7:29 Cross References - AUV

²⁹ But I say this, brothers; there is not much time left [i.e., before the crisis arrives in full fury. See verse 26]. From now on those men who are married should live as though they were single.

¹¹ Now this [is another reason for observing the law of love]: You should know that it is about time to wake up out of your [spiritual] sleep, because [the day of our final] salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed [in Christ]. ¹² The night is almost over and the day is near. So, we should stop doing the deeds of darkness [i.e., sinful things] and we should arm ourselves with the weapons of light [i.e., virtues for right living].

³¹ And those who make use of the things of the world [should live] as though they were not [really] involved with them. For the world as we know it is passing away. [Note: The five “as though’s” of verses 29-31 are intended to emphasize that Christians should live with eternity in mind and not to become preoccupied with even legitimate earthly circumstances].

¹³ So, we should go out to Him, outside of the camp [Note: This probably signifies separating from the whole system of Judaism, as well as full commitment to Christ], bearing the abuse that He suffered. ¹⁴ For we do not have a lasting city here on earth [i.e., such as Jerusalem] but we are looking for the city to come [i.e., heaven. See 10:11].

¹³ Come on now, you people who are saying, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this [or that] city, spend a year there, do business and make some money.” ¹⁴ [For actually] you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. What is your life? For you are [like] a mist that appears briefly and then vanishes. ¹⁵ Instead, you should be saying, “If it is what the Lord wants, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ But, as it is, you people are boasting in your arrogance [and] all such boasting is evil.

²⁴ For all forms of flesh are similar to grass, and all the splendor of [a person’s] flesh is like the flower [which blossoms] from the grass. [But as with] grass, [a person’s flesh] withers, and its flower [i.e., his splendor] falls off.

⁷ But the end of everything [as far as your lives are concerned] is near, so be sensible, and sober [so as to be] prayerful.

⁸ But do not forget this one thing, my dearly loved ones, that as the Lord [counts time], one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. ⁹ The Lord is not slow about keeping His promise, like some people are, but is [simply] being patient with you, since He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but He wants everyone to repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives].

¹⁷ And the world, with its [physical and material] desires, is passing away, but the person who does what God wants will continue to live forever.