Glorify God with your body
Introduction
Not an easy subject
A very necessary subject for society today
There is a huge reaction against it
People say it is ‘old fashioned ethics’
We do not want to be misunderstood – the gospel is for all
However, the morality laid down in the Bible has not changed
Roman society
More promiscuous than our society
The body was seen to be purely functional
Quote from Cicero
Prostitution was an accepted practice
Our Society
Example
There is little commitment in our society
Teaching is greatly needed
Paul’s teaching
He gives stark warnings about this sin
Sexual sin is in a different category
The highest reason is that our bodies are not our own – it belongs to Christ so glorify God with your body
It might be helpful to have a discussion about some of these things – but time does not permit tonight
Three questions:
Why does Paul address this subject at this point in his letter?
How does Paul address the matter?
Application
This subject is applicable to all people
Some people may struggle more in this area
Example of Solomon and David
Why does Paul address this subject at this point in his letter?
This was a very problematic church as people were converted out of very problematic backgrounds
First, they need to sort out their squabbles – they need to be united
Second, the need for discipline against the believer sleeping with his step-mother
Third, not for fellow believers to take each other to court
Now he deals with the matter of prostitution
The word ‘Corinthianize’ means to commit immorality
Why not straight away?
First dealing with internal matters
Now dealing with external matters
Was it happening in the church or just warning them against the possibility of this sin?
v15 – Do you not know
v19 – Do you not know
You should know / you should not do this
He is speaking of a sin that is occurring
Is this a disciplinable offense?
The greatest form would be excommunication
It is a warning that if they continue in this sin, then discipline would be required
v9-11 – lifestyle sins
Do not be deceived – such will not inherit the kingdom of God
But such were some of you – our sin is completely forgiven in Christ Jesus
We are washed, sanctified and justified in the Lord Jesus
People are saved from this background but there is the danger of falling in this area
v19-20
How does Paul address the matter?
He does not simply say ‘no’
Christianity is not just ethics or a code of morality – it is first the gospel of Jesus Christ
Out of this comes our morality
Because you have been given a new life – walk this way
“All things are lawful”
He starts with the Christian’s freedom
But not all things are helpful
Our lives are not narrow – we have liberty and joy in Christ
God has given us all things to richly enjoy
Gal 5:13 – we are free to please God
Heb 12:1 – there are things that might be innocent but hot helpful
Example
If anything other than Christ brings us into bondage – sin should not have dominion over us
Yes you are free but be careful with your freedom
Examples
Paul disciplines his body
There is a need to be rigid about these things
Freedom but not licence
The sanctity of the human body – v13
This might refer to a particular saying in Corinth
The body is of temporary nature
But our body is for the Lord
One day our body will be raised from the dead
Do not give way to this Greek mythology
Jesus Christ took a human body … which was raised to heaven
The body is not discarded
Members of Christ -v15
Our bodies are members of Christ
The Spirit of Christ is in us / goes with us
The two shall become one flesh – v16
Sexual intimacy with another persons produces a deep abiding bond
Marriage is a covenant before God and witnesses
Sex brings an irrevocable union
This sin is different to others – v18
Flee from sexual immorality
The highest reason: we are God’s temple – v19
No longer the very holy temple of the Old Testament but the very holy temple of our own body
Christ paid an awful price for us – v20 – His death, betrayal, sin laid upon Him
Glorify God with your body and spirit
Application
We are not to conform to the world
We must not be led by societal trends
We must stand on the Bible
We must understand our culture
Resist and flee temptation
Examples
Finding satisfaction in Christ
If you truly love Him, there is little room for the devil to enter
Remember the consequences of sin
Prov 5-7
Recognise that as a Christian you have a new position
Dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus
Not under law but under grace
Not everything is helpful
Not perfection but liberty in Christ
Bring glory to God