Paul counters two arguments the Corinthians used to justify their choices: “all things are lawful” and “food is for the stomach.”
Review
We’re in the middle an argument that begin in 1Corinthians 5. Paul has challenged the Corinthians that the some of the ways they have been living their lives is not in keeping with the gospel. In fact, the choices they are making (like this casual attitude toward sin) are red flags.
They are unwilling to evaluate their circumstances from a Christian perspective. That refusal to follow God’s way was the deeper problem behind their strife and divisions in the first 4 chapters. It remains the underlying problem in this issues Paul begin in chapter 5.
Passage
6:9Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, 10nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. – 1Corinthians 6:9-11
- Compare with Titus 3:3-7. Paul’s perspective is that those who stand to inherit eternal life are not just those who have been forgiven, they are also those who have been reborn and regenerated by the Holy Spirit.
- As a result of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives, our fundamental attitude toward sin has changed and our lives will reflect that change.
- How you respond to these issues matters a great deal because it reveals whether or not the Holy Spirit is at work in your life.
- All believers seriously struggle with all kinds of sin including the items on this list. People who’s hearts are set against God in such a way that they would rather have the things on this list than an inheritance in the kingdom of God will not receive an inheritance in the kingdom of God.
- The question is not do you struggle with sin — because we all struggle with sin. The question is: are we willing to see ourselves the way God sees us, repent and follow Him?
12All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. 13Food is for the stomach and the stomach is for food, but God will do away with both of them. Yet the body is not for immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord is for the body. 14Now God has not only raised the Lord, but will also raise us up through His power. – 1Corinthians 6:12-14
- Paul is quoting 2 arguments the Corinthians used to justify their choices: 1) All things are lawful and 2) food is for the stomach.
- The Corinthians think that since believers are no longer under the law and all behavior will be forgiven, we can live as we please now.
- Paul responds all behavior can be forgiven by the blood of Christ, but only if we having saving faith. Part of the saving faith is choosing to live in obedience to God.
- The Corinthians argue that the body is designed for sexuality the same way the stomach is designed for food. Therefore we should satisfy our sexual desires just like our hunger.
- Paul responds the body was not designed for immorality but rather designed to serve God. Our bodies are intended to be the medium by which we live out our faithfulness to God.
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Series: 1 Corinthians: Pride & Prejudice in the church
Study: 1Corinthians Resources
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