1 Corinthians 6:1–11, 13b–20

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor, School of Christian Studies, University of Mobile

Four Reasons to Practice Christian Morality
1 Corinthians 6:1–11, 13b–20

To Help Your Church (1–6)
Paul criticized the Corinthians for taking lawsuits to the public courts instead of using the church to settle the matter. How can Christians claim to be one in the body of Christ when they look to non-Christians to settle internal disputes? In resolving matters internally, while looking to godly leadership, the church demonstrates its unity and casts a positive light on Christ’s body. It is not exactly clear what Paul meant when he spoke of judging angels — either we will sit in judgment upon Satan, a fallen angel, and his demons or Paul was referring to how Christians will be placed over angels when in heaven — regardless, since we will be privileged enough to be judging angels, we surely should be able to resolve our disagreements within the church here on earth. When our churches act in a moral fashion, we should be able to avoid situations in which a court would be needed in the first place so that we portray a positive picture of unity and love.

To Exhibit Your Salvation (7–11)
The fact that there were lawsuits in the church at Corinth reflected poorly on its level of spiritual maturity. Paul said it would be better for the believers to accept being wronged rather than create division in the church. The causes of discord in the church were a reflection of immoral behavior. In fact, those who practice these behaviors and show no sign of repentance are likely not truly saved and need to examine themselves. Included in this list are the sins of idolatry, adultery, homosexuality, drunkness and thievery. Despite what the world may say, the Bible is clear that these are not acceptable behaviors for a Christian. Paul mentioned that many of those in the Corinthian church came out of such immoral backgrounds and had been “washed.” The “washing” here may refer to baptism, but baptism is not what produces the inner washing. The washing ultimately refers to the cleansing from sin through the saving work of Christ, which baptism portrays but does not by itself provide. Because of the salvation that the Corinthians had in Christ, they should act in a different manner than the non-Christians who lived around them. Even today, our moral character should be a sign to others that there is something different about us, that Christ has saved us and called us to live holy lives.

To Maintain Your Godliness (13b–17)
The temple of the love goddess Aphrodite was located at Corinth, making this city a haven of sexual immorality. Paul warned the Corinthians to avoid sexual immorality. Because we have been united to Christ, we should not unite ourselves with a prostitute; not only is this immoral but it could also be seen as a sort of idolatry since prostitution was used in worship to Aphrodite. Paul was not suggesting that sex within marriage is a violation of our union with Christ, as he even cited Genesis 2:24. He was saying that one who unites himself to a prostitute is abusing the way God intended sex to be. The church at Corinth was called to be different than the culture around it, and likewise Christians today need to take care not to mimic the culture that surrounds us. Instead we have been set apart and need to practice moral behavior, which helps us maintain a close relationship with God.

To Safeguard Your Well-being (18–20)
Paul stressed the need to flee from sexual immorality. As Christians, we need to reflect the purity and holiness of God. When we use our bodies in a sinful fashion, we are warring against the Holy Spirit who indwells believers. Since we were purchased with a heavy price — Christ’s death — we ought to seek to honor God with every aspect of our lives. Many people think that sin only affects them spiritually, but it also can affect them physically. Therefore, when we live in a moral fashion, in a way that is different from the world around us, we benefit not only spiritually but also physically.