February 27, 2022

Glorify God with your body

Preacher:
Series:
Passage: 1 Corinthians 6:9-20
Service Type:

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
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