Introduction: In 1 Corinthians 6, the apostle Paul addresses two main issues troubling the Corinthian church: lawsuits among believers and immorality. Paul exhorts the Corinthians to resolve their disputes within the church community rather than seeking judgment in worldly courts (1 Corinthians 6:1-8). He then gives firm exhortation against sin, making the point that believers are called to a life of holiness, for they have been bought with a price and are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:9-20). Paul’s words remind believers of our identity in Christ and the behavior that should come from a life changing encounter with Christ.
I. Lawsuits Among Believers (1 Corinthians 6:1-8)
Paul questions why believers are taking each other to the worldly court system and insists that they are capable of judging small matters among themselves (1 Corinthians 6:1-4). Jesus spoke on these same matters in Matthew 18:15-17, He outlines the steps for resolving disputes among believers, showing the early church an order of events to handle disputes. Proverbs 25:8-10 gives sound wisdom, as it also discourages taking disputes hastily to court and revealing another’s secrets.
Paul shows his disappointment that believers are not able to resolve disputes, a show of defeat before the unrighteous (1 Corinthians 6:5-6). Proverbs 17:14 advises avoiding strife before it escalates, somewhat like Paul’s advice to solve conflicts internally. Paul warns against the damage these lawsuits bring to the testimony of the church and suggests letting it go instead (1 Corinthians 6:7-8). Jesus taught in Matthew 5:39-40 , it would be wise to turn the other cheek, shedding light on the virtue of patience in suffering wrong.
II. Warning Against Sin and Immorality (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
Paul lists a variety of sins, stating that those who practice such will not inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). In Galatians 5:19-21, we find a similar list about the works of the flesh and supports the concept that such behaviors prevent people from going to heaven. Ephesians 5:5 basically says that no immoral person has an inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God. Things to consider as we travel through this world. Paul reminds them that they were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of Jesus and by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:11). Another verse that refers to this can be found in 2 Corinthians 5:17, which says those in Christ are new creations, having left old sins behind.
III. Living a Moral Lifestyle (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)
Paul explains Christian freedom but warns against sinful actions that do not benefit or enslave the person (1 Corinthians 6:12). We read a similar verse in Romans 6:12-14, the Bible teaches against letting sin reign in our bodies, somewhat like Paul’s warning against being mastered or controlled by anything. Paul teaches about the body being for the Lord, and the Lord for the body, uplifting sexual morality, and warning against fornication (1 Corinthians 6:13-15). We read in Romans 12:1, we should present our bodies as living sacrifices, which lines up with using the body for the Lord’s purposes.
Paul sharply warns against sexual immorality, as it is a sin against one’s own body, and preaches that believers’ bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). A cross reference for this is in 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5, the verses call for abstaining from sexual immorality and controlling our bodies in holiness.
Paul ends the chapter by reminding believers that they were bought with a price and should therefore glorify God in their body (1 Corinthians 6:20). 1 Peter 1:18-19 speaks of being redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, the price paid for our freedom.
Conclusion: 1 Corinthians 6 gives us an inspirational message to live in unity and purity as Christians. Paul’s admonitions to solve disputes within the church (1 Corinthians 6:1-8) and to flee from immorality (1 Corinthians 6:9-20) come from the understanding that we are new creations, no longer slaves to sin but temples of the Holy Spirit. The chapter challenges believers to consider their actions and the impact on their witness as members of the body of Christ. As those who have been bought with a price, our lives must be lived to glorify God, both in how we manage our relationships and how we honor our bodies.
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