1 Corinthians 7:31

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

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].

Cross References

Luke 21:34

“But pay attention to yourselves so that your hearts do not become overburdened by carousing, and drunkenness, and the worries of life. [If you do], that ‘day’ [i.e., Jesus’ second coming and judgment] will arrive suddenly, like a trap [i.e., which catches an animal by surprise].

1 Corinthians 7:29

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.

1 Corinthians 7:30

Those who cry [should live] as though they were not sad. Those who rejoice [should live] as though they were not happy. Those who buy things [should live] as though they did not own them.

1 Corinthians 9:18

Then what is my reward? It is being able to preach the good news without receiving financial support [for it], so as not to claim my full rights in [the work of preaching] the good news.

Hebrews 12:27

Now the words, “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken --- that is, the created universe --- so that those things which cannot be shaken will remain. [Note: These “things” have been variously interpreted to be eternal truth, the heavenly kingdom, the new heavens and earth, etc.].

James 4:14

[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.

1 Peter 1:24

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.

1 Peter 4:7

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

1 John 2:17

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.