◄ 1 Corinthians 6 ►
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Summary The Temple of the Holy Spirit 1 Corinthians 6 is a vivid reminder of the high calling of believers, in dealing with disputes wisely, living morally, and honoring God with our bodies. It challenges us to rethink our attitudes towards personal disagreements, not resorting to worldly means, but resolving them with spiritual wisdom. The chapter paints a stark contrast between the past identity of believers as sinners and their new identity in Christ. The sanctity of the body as a dwelling place of the Holy Spirit encourages us to treat our bodies with respect, fleeing sexual immorality, and living to glorify God. Verses 1-8: Lawsuits Among Believers Paul criticizes the Corinthians for having lawsuits against each other before the unrighteous instead of before the saints. He reminds them that the saints will judge the world and angels, hence they are competent to judge trivial matters. Paul chastises the community, highlighting that lawsuits among believers are a defeat for them, and it's better to suffer wrong and be defrauded. Verses 9-11: Warning against Immorality Paul warns the Corinthians that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God. He lists specific behaviors, including sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery, homosexual acts, theft, greed, drunkenness, reviling, and swindling. He reminds the Corinthians that some of them were once like that, but they have been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of God. Verses 12-20: The Body as a Temple of the Holy Spirit Paul explains that while all things are lawful, not all things are helpful or dominating. He asserts the body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. Arguing against joining with a prostitute, he reminds them of the profound unity of a man with a woman, becoming one flesh, and contrasts it with our unity with Christ, becoming one spirit with Him. Paul urges the Corinthians to flee from sexual immorality, as every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. He concludes by emphasizing that the bodies of believers are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in them and whom they have from God. They are not their own, as they were bought with a price, so they should glorify God in their bodies. 1 Corinthians 6 delves into matters of internal disputes among believers, the role of saints in judgment, and the sanctity of the Christian body. Paul uses these topics to encourage the Corinthians to live in a manner worthy of their calling in Christ, exhibiting wisdom and spiritual maturity. He emphasizes the significance of the body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and the critical importance of sexual morality. Teaching Points Lawsuits Among Believers Paul admonishes the Corinthians for taking their disputes before secular courts rather than resolving them within the church. He emphasizes that believers should be able to judge trivial matters among themselves (1 Corinthians 6:1-6). Identity in Christ Paul reminds the Corinthians of their new identity, stating, But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11). This transformation calls for a life that reflects God's holiness. The Body as a Temple Paul teaches that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to flee from sexual immorality and honor God with their bodies (1 Corinthians 6:18-20). Inheriting the Kingdom of God Paul lists behaviors that are inconsistent with inheriting the kingdom of God, urging believers to turn away from such practices (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Practical Applications Resolve Conflicts Biblically Seek to resolve disputes within the church community, using biblical principles and godly counsel rather than resorting to secular courts. Embrace Your Identity Live out your identity in Christ by pursuing holiness and righteousness in all areas of life. Honor God with Your Body Recognize your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit and make choices that reflect this truth, particularly in matters of sexual purity. Evaluate Your Lifestyle Regularly assess your actions and attitudes to ensure they align with the values of God's kingdom. People 1. Saints In 1 Corinthians 6:1, Paul refers to the "saints" as those who are part of the Christian community. The term "saints" (Greek: ἅγιοι, hagioi) signifies those who are set apart or consecrated to God. In a conservative Christian perspective, this term emphasizes the holiness and distinctiveness of believers in Christ. 2. Unrighteous Mentioned in 1 Corinthians 6:1, the "unrighteous" are those outside the Christian faith who do not adhere to God's standards. The Greek word used here is ἄδικοι (adikoi), which means unjust or wicked. This term highlights the moral and ethical contrast between believers and non-believers. 3. Judges In 1 Corinthians 6:2-3, Paul speaks of believers judging the world and even angels. The term "judges" (Greek: κριταί, kritai) refers to those who have the authority to make decisions or discernments. This reflects the future role of believers in God's kingdom, according to conservative Christian theology. 4. Brethren The term "brethren" appears in 1 Corinthians 6:5, referring to fellow believers or members of the Christian community. The Greek word ἀδελφοί (adelphoi) is used, which can mean brothers or siblings in a spiritual sense, emphasizing the familial bond among Christians. 5. Fornicators, Idolaters, Adulterers, Effeminate, Homosexuals, Thieves, Covetous, Drunkards, Revilers, Extortioners In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul lists various types of sinners who will not inherit the kingdom of God. Each term represents a specific sin or lifestyle contrary to Christian teachings. The Greek terms used include πόρνοι (pornoi) for fornicators, εἰδωλολάτραι (eidololatrai) for idolaters, μοιχοί (moichoi) for adulterers, μαλακοί (malakoi) for effeminate, ἀρσενοκοῖται (arsenokoitai) for homosexuals, κλέπται (kleptai) for thieves, πλεονέκται (pleonektai) for the covetous, μέθυσοι (methusoi) for drunkards, λοίδοροι (loidoroi) for revilers, and ἅρπαγες (harpages) for extortioners. These terms underscore behaviors that are inconsistent with Christian values. 6. God While not a person in the human sense, God is referenced throughout the chapter as the ultimate authority and judge. In 1 Corinthians 6:11, Paul speaks of believers being washed, sanctified, and justified "in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God." This highlights the transformative power of God in the lives of believers. Places 1. Courts of Law The chapter begins with a discussion about believers taking disputes before secular courts. Paul questions, "If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints?" (1 Corinthians 6:1). The Greek term used here for "law" is "κρίμα" (krima), which refers to a judgment or legal decision. 2. The Church Paul emphasizes that disputes should be settled within the church community. He asks, "Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?" (1 Corinthians 6:2). The church is seen as a place of wisdom and authority, capable of resolving conflicts among its members. 3. The Kingdom of God Paul warns that certain behaviors will prevent individuals from inheriting the Kingdom of God. He states, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?" (1 Corinthians 6:9). The Greek word for "kingdom" is "βασιλεία" (basileia), indicating a realm or dominion under God's rule. 4. The Body as a Temple Paul describes the believer's body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. He writes, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God?" (1 Corinthians 6:19). The Greek term "ναός" (naos) is used for "temple," signifying a sacred place. Events 1. Lawsuits Among Believers Paul addresses the issue of believers taking legal disputes against each other to secular courts. He questions, "If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints?" (1 Corinthians 6:1). The Greek word for "unrighteous" (ἄδικος, adikos) emphasizes those outside the Christian community. 2. Judgment by the Saints Paul reminds the Corinthians that the saints will judge the world and even angels, suggesting they should be competent to judge trivial matters among themselves: "Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?" (1 Corinthians 6:2). The term "saints" (ἅγιοι, hagioi) refers to those set apart for God. 3. Shame of Seeking Secular Judgment Paul expresses shame that there is no one wise enough among them to settle disputes: "I say this to your shame. Is there really no one among you wise enough to arbitrate between his brothers?" (1 Corinthians 6:5). The Greek word for "shame" (ἐντροπή, entropē) conveys a sense of disgrace. 4. Defeat in Lawsuits Paul states that having lawsuits at all is a defeat for them, urging them to rather be wronged or cheated: "The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged?" (1 Corinthians 6:7). 5. Unrighteous Will Not Inherit the Kingdom Paul lists behaviors that will prevent inheriting the kingdom of God, emphasizing transformation through Christ: "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?" (1 Corinthians 6:9). The Greek word for "wicked" (ἄδικοι, adikoi) is the same as "unrighteous" earlier. 6. Transformation Through Christ Paul reminds them of their past and their transformation: "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11). The terms "washed" (ἀπελούσασθε, apelousasthe), "sanctified" (ἡγιάσθητε, hēgiasthēte), and "justified" (ἐδικαιώθητε, edikaiōthēte) highlight the complete change in their status before God. 7. Body as a Temple of the Holy Spirit Paul teaches that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit and should be honored: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God?" (1 Corinthians 6:19). The Greek word for "temple" (ναός, naos) signifies a sacred dwelling place. 8. Glorify God with Your Body Paul concludes by urging believers to honor God with their bodies, as they were bought at a price: "Therefore glorify God with your body" (1 Corinthians 6:20). The concept of being "bought at a price" (ἠγοράσθητε, ēgorasthete) reflects the redemptive work of Christ. Connections to Additional Scriptures Matthew 18:15-17 Jesus' teaching on resolving conflicts within the church. Romans 12:1-2 A call to present our bodies as living sacrifices and to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Galatians 5:19-21 A list of the works of the flesh, similar to Paul's list in 1 Corinthians 6. Ephesians 5:3-5 An exhortation to live as children of light, avoiding immorality and impurity. Prayer Points Pray for wisdom and discernment in resolving conflicts within the church community. Ask God to help you fully embrace your identity in Christ and live a life that reflects His holiness. Seek God's strength to honor Him with your body and make choices that align with His will. Pray for a heart that is sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading, continually evaluating and aligning your life with God's kingdom values. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Paul's guidance about resolving disputes among believers challenge our usual approach to conflict? 2. In what ways can the church today apply Paul's advice about handling disputes internally? 3. What does it mean to you personally that the saints will judge the world and angels? 4. What steps can you take to ensure your behavior aligns with the future responsibilities that Paul outlines for the saints? 5. How does Paul's listing of specific sinful behaviors help you understand what behaviors are unpleasing to God? 6. How can we reconcile the truth that we have been washed, sanctified, and justified with the reality of ongoing sin in our lives? 7. How does understanding our body as a temple of the Holy Spirit impact your daily decisions? 8. In what ways does Paul's admonition to "flee from sexual immorality" inform your understanding of personal boundaries? 9. How can you practically "glorify God in your body" in your daily life? 10. What does the statement "You are not your own" mean to you in terms of personal rights and freedoms? 11. How does the understanding of being bought with a price influence your view on stewardship of your life? 12. What steps can we take to cultivate an environment within the church where disputes are handled in a godly manner? 13. How does this chapter challenge you to view your physical body in terms of spiritual significance? 14. How should Paul's teaching on sexual immorality inform the church's approach to addressing these issues today? 15. In what ways can we ensure that we're using our bodies to honor God? 16. How can we live out the truth that we have been washed, sanctified, and justified in Christ in our interactions with others? 17. How does Paul's teaching about our bodies being temples of the Holy Spirit impact your understanding of personal holiness? 18. How does the concept of being bought with a price affect your perspective on personal sacrifice for the sake of Christ? 19. How does the fact that we will judge the world and angels affect your view on your role and responsibility as a Christian? 20. How should the fact that our bodies are a temple of the Holy Spirit influence our decisions about physical health and care for our bodies? Topics 1. Lawsuits Among Believers In 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, Paul addresses the issue of Christians taking legal disputes against one another to secular courts. He emphasizes that believers should resolve their differences within the church community. The Greek word "adikēma" (ἀδίκημα), meaning "wrong" or "injustice," highlights the moral failing of seeking judgment from those outside the faith. 2. The Unrighteous Will Not Inherit the Kingdom Verses 9-10 list behaviors that are inconsistent with inheriting the Kingdom of God. Paul warns against being deceived, using the Greek term "planaō" (πλανάω), meaning "to lead astray." He lists various sins, including sexual immorality and idolatry, emphasizing the transformative power of the Gospel. 3. Washed, Sanctified, and Justified In verse 11, Paul reminds the Corinthians of their transformation through Christ. The terms "washed," "sanctified," and "justified" reflect a past action with ongoing effects, rooted in the Greek words "apolouō" (ἀπολούω), "hagiazō" (ἁγιάζω), and "dikaioō" (δικαιόω), respectively, indicating a complete change in status before God. 4. Freedom and Responsibility Verses 12-14 discuss Christian liberty and the importance of not being mastered by anything. Paul uses the phrase "All things are lawful for me," but cautions against actions that are not beneficial or that lead to enslavement, highlighting the balance between freedom and responsibility. 5. The Body as a Temple of the Holy Spirit In verses 15-20, Paul teaches that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the sacredness of the physical body. The Greek word "naos" (ναός), meaning "temple," underscores the idea of the body as a dwelling place for God, calling for purity and honor in how one lives. Themes 1. Lawsuits Among Believers The chapter begins by addressing the issue of lawsuits among believers, emphasizing that disputes should be settled within the church rather than in secular courts. Paul questions, "If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints?" (1 Corinthians 6:1). The Greek word for "unrighteous" (ἄδικος, adikos) highlights the contrast between secular judges and the righteous community of believers. 2. Judgment and Authority of the Saints Paul reminds the Corinthians of their future role in judging the world and even angels, underscoring the authority and wisdom that believers should possess. He states, "Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?" (1 Corinthians 6:2). The term "saints" (ἅγιοι, hagioi) refers to those set apart for God, indicating their elevated status and responsibility. 3. The Call to Holiness The chapter stresses the importance of living a holy life, free from immorality. Paul warns against various sins, including sexual immorality, idolatry, and greed, stating, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?" (1 Corinthians 6:9). The Greek word for "wicked" (ἄδικοι, adikoi) is the same used earlier, reinforcing the call to righteousness. 4. Transformation Through Christ Paul highlights the transformative power of Christ, reminding the Corinthians of their past sins and their new identity in Christ. He writes, "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God" (1 Corinthians 6:11). The terms "washed," "sanctified," and "justified" (ἀπελούσασθε, ἡγιάσθητε, ἐδικαιώθητε) reflect the complete renewal and cleansing believers experience. 5. The Body as a Temple Paul teaches that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, urging believers to honor God with their bodies. He states, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God?" (1 Corinthians 6:19). The Greek word for "temple" (ναός, naos) signifies a sacred dwelling place, emphasizing the sanctity of the believer's body. 6. Glorifying God in Body and Spirit The chapter concludes with a call to glorify God in both body and spirit, recognizing that believers are not their own but were bought at a price. Paul exhorts, "Therefore glorify God with your body" (1 Corinthians 6:20). The concept of being "bought at a price" (ἠγοράσθητε τιμῆς) underscores the sacrificial love of Christ and the believer's obligation to live in a way that honors Him. 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