1 Corinthians 6
Causes of Litigation Censured.In this section, Paul criticizes the Corinthians for taking their disagreements to non-Christian judges. He says that Christians should solve their problems inside the church, using wise members for help, instead of making their conflicts public and damaging the reputation of believers. Paul wants them to act like brothers and sisters, showing love and patience, even when there are problems between them.v. 1: Paul is shocked that anyone in the church would dare to take a fellow believer to court before non-Christian judges. He asks, Dare any of you, when he has a dispute with another, take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? (1 Corinthians 6:1 a). Christians should not do things that bring shame to their faith. Going to court over small matters shows a lack of peace and love. v. 2-3: Paul reminds them that Christians will one day help Christ judge the world and even angels (1 Corinthians 6:2-3; Matthew 19:28 b; Jude 14-15 c). If believers will have such great responsibility in the future, surely they are able to settle small disagreements now. It is dishonorable for them to take small arguments to those who do not believe in Christ. – v. 4-5: Paul asks if they must set those with no respect in the church, like unbelieving judges, to decide their little problems (1 Corinthians 6:4 d). He even suggests, perhaps with some irony, that they could let the least important person in the church judge such matters. It is better to have even the least respected brother help solve a problem than to go to people outside the church. Paul says, I speak to your shame (1 Corinthians 6:5 e). It is embarrassing for Christians to let small fights grow so big. – v. 6-7: Paul points out that it is already a failure when Christians sue each other. He says, Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? (1 Corinthians 6:7 f). In small matters, it is better to accept being treated unfairly than to fight and damage the unity and reputation of the church. Christians should forgive and seek peace. – v. 8: Sadly, Paul says that some in the church are not only refusing to suffer wrong but are actually cheating and doing wrong themselves—sometimes even to their own Christian brothers (1 Corinthians 6:8 g). This is especially bad, because Christians should love one another and never harm each other. Love works no ill to his neighbor (Romans 13:10 h). Solemn Warnings.In this section, Paul warns the Corinthians against living in sin. He reminds them that such behavior separates people from God and prevents them from inheriting His kingdom. Paul also points out the transformation that has taken place in the lives of believers through the gospel, encouraging them to live in a way that reflects their new identity in Christ.v. 9-10: Paul states a serious truth: The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9 i). He lists specific sins, such as idolatry, sexual immorality, theft, greed, drunkenness, and slander. These actions break God’s commandments and show rebellion against Him. Those who continue in such sins cannot be part of His church on earth or His eternal kingdom in heaven. Paul emphasizes that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23 j), and those who live in sin cannot expect to receive God’s reward of eternal life. – v. 11: Paul reminds the Corinthians of the great change that has happened in their lives: Such were some of you (1 Corinthians 6:11 k). Some of them had once lived in sin, like those he described, but the gospel transformed them. Through faith in Christ, they were washed, sanctified, and justified. Paul explains that this transformation happened in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. The blood of Christ cleanses people from guilt, and the Holy Spirit makes them holy. Paul shows that salvation involves both justification (being made right with God) and sanctification (being made holy). Both are necessary for true believers, and both are gifts of God’s grace. Against Fornication.In this section, Paul addresses the Corinthian Christians, warning them against the sin of fornication and teaching them how to use their bodies in a way that honors God. Some Corinthians had misunderstood Christian liberty, thinking they could do anything, including indulging in sinful desires. Paul strongly corrects this view, emphasizing that Christian freedom is not a license for sin but a call to holiness. He explains that believers’ bodies are meant for God’s glory, not for sinful purposes.v. 12: Paul begins by quoting a popular saying among the Corinthians: All things are lawful for me. He counters this by saying, but not all things are helpful (1 Corinthians 6:12 l). Even if something is lawful, it may not benefit others or help a Christian grow spiritually. He adds, I will not be brought under the power of anything. This means that Christians should not let their desires or habits control them. Paul warns that freedom in Christ should never lead to slavery to sin or bodily appetites. v. 13: Paul uses the example of food to illustrate his point. He says, Food is for the belly, and the belly is for food, but God will destroy both (1 Corinthians 6:13 m). While food and eating are natural, they are temporary and will not last in eternity. Paul transitions to a deeper point: The body is not for fornication, but for the Lord. Our bodies were not created for sinful purposes but to serve and glorify God. Paul emphasizes that believers must honor God with their bodies. v. 14: Paul points to the resurrection as another reason to avoid sin. He says, God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power (1 Corinthians 6:14 n). Just as Jesus’ body was raised in glory, Christians have the hope that their bodies will also be raised. This should motivate believers to live in purity now, treating their bodies as sacred and preparing for their future resurrection. v. 15-17: Paul explains that a Christian’s body is a member of Christ. He asks, Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a harlot? (1 Corinthians 6:15 o). The thought is shocking, and Paul responds, God forbid!. He reminds them that sexual sin creates a deep, physical connection, as Scripture says, The two shall become one flesh (Genesis 2:24 p). But the Christian is united to Christ and is one spirit with Him (1 Corinthians 6:17 q). This close union with Christ should prevent believers from joining themselves with sin. – – v. 18: Paul commands the Corinthians to flee fornication . Other sins are external, but fornication is a sin against one’s own body. It defiles and dishonors the body, which is meant for God. Paul urges believers to run from temptation and avoid situations where they may fall into sexual sin. v. 19-20: Paul concludes with a powerful reminder: Your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost (1 Corinthians 6:19 r). The Holy Spirit lives in believers, making their bodies sacred. Paul adds, You are not your own, for you were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20 s). Jesus paid the highest price, His own life, to redeem believers. Therefore, Christians are called to glorify God with their bodies and spirits, which belong to Him. Paul reminds them that their lives are not their own to use as they please but are dedicated to the service and glory of God.
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