2 Samuel 15 opens with Absalom mounting a campaign to take away David’s throne. He ingratiates himself with a large group of people and becomes king at Hebron. David hears about Absalom’s coup and responds with fear. He flees Jerusalem with most of his household. Many of the people follow David into hiding in the wilderness. Zadok the priest brings the Ark of the Covenant to follow David, but David tells him to return it to its place. If God is favorable toward him he will be back. David and the people mourn the turn of events. Absalom enters Jerusalem.

The same person who was unafraid of Goliath is now fleeing from his own son.

In 2 Samuel 16 Ziba the servant of Mephibosheth shows his loyalty to David by bringing him provisions. A man named Shimei who was one of Saul’s followers curses David saying that God has turned against him. David’s servants want to take care of Shimei but David refuses saying that Shimei may have a point. Shimei follows them continuing his curses and insults. Absalom takes over those remaining at David’s house in defiance of his father.

David is willing to let God’s plan work itself out even if it means his defeat. It is interesting that he didn’t asks God’s counsel before fleeing. Clearly, David is not in conversation with God as before, but he still has faith.

Much of 1 Corinthians 7 deals with issues relating to marriage. Paul exhorts those who are married to be faithful to one another. For those who are married to non-believers he counsels that they do as their spouse desires. If they wish to remain married then they should do so, but if they wish to divorce the believer will not be wrong to divorce. Paul makes the statement that because of the believer the non-believer is made holy. This could bring comfort to Christians who are married to those who do not believe.

Paul believes that the end times are near and so he counsels singles to remain single in order to more fully follow Christ. He does allow those who do not feel they can remain single to marry.

Paul also speaks about those who are circumcised, not circumcised, and slaves encouraging them to leave things as they are.

For the most part, Paul is telling the Corinthians that however they came to the faith they should remain that way. They do not need to change just because they have become Christians. God takes us as we are. He does not require us to change dramatically as long as we are not sinning. God can use us as a witness in whatever circumstance we find ourselves. We need to remain faithful.