1 Corinthians 6:9-20 is about Paul’s admonition against sexual immorality and the importance of honoring God with our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.
9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality,
10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
11 And such were some of you. 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.
12 “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.
13 “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food”—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.
14 And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.
15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never!
16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.”
17 But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.
18 Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.
19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,
20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Setting the Scene for 1 Corinthians 6:9-20
In 1 Corinthians chapter 6, the apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church regarding various issues, including disputes among believers and sexual immorality. The scene unfolds in the city of Corinth, a bustling hub of trade and culture in ancient Greece. The Corinthian church, comprised of a diverse group of believers, is gathered in a meeting place, likely a house or a communal space.
Among those present are Chloe, who had informed Paul of the divisions within the church (1 Corinthians 1:11), and other prominent members such as Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus (1 Corinthians 16:17). The atmosphere is tense as Paul admonishes the believers for taking their disputes before secular courts rather than resolving them within the church. He also addresses the issue of sexual immorality, urging them to flee from such sins and honor God with their bodies.
The room is filled with a mix of emotions – conviction, discomfort, and perhaps even defiance from some members who struggle to align their behavior with the teachings of the gospel. Paul’s words challenge the Corinthian believers to live in a way that reflects their identity as followers of Christ, reminding them that their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and urging them to glorify God in all they do.
What is 1 Corinthians 6:9-20 about?
This verse speaks to the importance of honoring our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. When we engage in sexual immorality, we are defiling the sacred space within us that is meant to house the Spirit of God. Imagine a beautiful, holy temple being desecrated – that is the gravity of the metaphor Paul is using here. Our bodies are not just physical vessels, but spiritual homes for the divine presence.
Paul urges us to treat our bodies with respect and reverence, knowing that our actions have spiritual consequences. We honor God and show gratitude for the gift of our bodies by abstaining from sexual immorality. When we prioritize purity and holiness in our physical relationships, we are actively living out our faith and demonstrating our commitment to God. Our bodies are not our own; they belong to God, and we have a responsibility to care for them in a way that reflects our devotion to Him.
Understanding what 1 Corinthians 6:9-20 really means
Structure for the Commentary:
1. Introduction to the Passage
2. Context and Background
3. Key Phrases and Their Meanings
4. Cross-References and Reinforcing Scriptures
5. Relevance to Modern Life
6. Personal Anecdote
7. Conclusion and Reflection
Introduction to the Passage:
The verses from 1 Corinthians 6:9-20 address issues of morality, identity, and the sanctity of the human body. These passages often challenge readers to reflect on their behavior and align their lives with the principles of Christian faith. They invite us to consider our actions and their impact on our spiritual well-being.
Context and Background:
Paul writes to the Corinthians, a community struggling with various moral and ethical dilemmas. Corinth was a city known for its immorality, and the newfound Christians were navigating their faith in a challenging environment. Paul’s letters often served as guidance to help them live according to the teachings of Jesus amidst these challenges.
Key Phrases and Their Meanings:
One key phrase is “the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God.” This statement emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects God’s righteousness, not just in belief but in action. Paul lists specific behaviors that are inconsistent with inheriting God’s kingdom, urging believers to examine their lives critically.
Another significant phrase is “your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit.” This metaphor elevates the physical body to a place of divine importance, suggesting that how we treat our bodies is a reflection of our respect for God. It underscores the idea that our bodies are not our own but belong to God.
Cross-References and Reinforcing Scriptures:
Paul’s message aligns with other biblical teachings. For example, in Romans 12:1, Paul urges believers to offer their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. Similarly, in Galatians 5:19-21, he lists the acts of the flesh and contrasts them with the fruits of the Spirit, reinforcing the call to live a life that honors God.
Relevance to Modern Life:
These passages hold profound relevance today. Paul’s message reminds us of the importance of discipline and moral integrity in an age where personal freedom and self-expression are often prioritized. It challenges us to consider how our choices reflect our faith and impact our spiritual health.
Personal Anecdote:
I recall a young man in our congregation who struggled with substance abuse. He felt trapped in a cycle of guilt and addiction. Through pastoral counseling and the support of the church community, he began to see his body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. This realization was a turning point, helping him to make healthier choices and find freedom in his faith. Let’s ask ourselves as we reflect on these verses: Are we honoring God with our bodies and our lives? Are we living in a way that reflects our identity as God’s children? These questions invite us to a deeper, more meaningful relationship with God, grounded in both faith and action. We should strive to live lives that are worthy of the calling we have received.
What does it mean to honor God with our bodies?
Honoring God with our bodies means recognizing that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and treating them with respect and reverence. This includes caring for our physical health by avoiding harmful behaviors such as sexual immorality, substance abuse, and neglecting our bodies. It also involves using our bodies to serve and glorify God, rather than indulging in selfish desires or sinful activities.
When we honor God with our bodies, we acknowledge that our physical bodies are a gift from God and a vessel through which we can worship Him. This means living a life that reflects the values and teachings of Christ, being mindful of how we use our bodies in all aspects of our lives – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. We demonstrate our love and obedience to Him by making choices that align with God’s will and treating our bodies as sacred. Honoring God with our bodies is ultimately a holistic approach to living out our faith, recognizing that our physical selves are interconnected with our spiritual well-being. This involves making conscious decisions to live in a way that glorifies God in all areas of our lives, including how we treat and care for our bodies, knowing that we have been bought with a price and are called to honor God in all that we do.
Application
Think of your body as your life’s headquarters, guiding your work and caring for your family. 1 Corinthians 6:9-20 reminds us to respect this headquarters by fleeing from actions that corrupt it. It’s a call to prioritize pure actions and choices that reflect glory, not shame. The modern world often distracts us with tempting shortcuts that undermine our integrity. Are you ready to treat your body with the honor it deserves and set an example for the modern world?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.