1 Corinthians 5-6 - Immorality & Lawsuits

by Katrina

LINK: 1 Corinthians 5-6

BACKGROUND
In these two chapters, Paul addresses the issues of immorality and lawsuits within the church. He does not mince words and has some clear instruction for the Corinthians.

The church is proud of being tolerant of the immoral person. Paul clearly says that this sin should not be tolerated, and the perpetrator should be removed from the church. Note that the intended goal of the removal is reconciliation.

Believers were taking each other to court and thereby displaying their disunity to the world. The motives behind the lawsuits were selfish, underscoring their spiritual immaturity. Paul instructs them to find some wise believers in the church to act as mediators when these issues come up.

REFLECTION
As believers, we can look back at our former lives and remember the sinners we once were. But we should never go back and "live" there! Paul emphasized the change that took place at salvation. You were washed. You were sanctified. You were justified. None of these were done by your own power, but in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 6:11).

APPLICATION
Our bodies are not our own. We are joined as members of Christ and were purchased for him by his blood. Paul also calls our bodies the temple of the Holy Spirit. So Paul asks -- Are you joining yourself to a harlot by living immoral lives? Or are you joining yourself to Jesus and living as one with him? What you do with your body should always glorify God! How do you resist immoral living? FLEE from immorality. Get serious about it and run the other way. Avoid the places and situations that tempt you. Joseph is a great example of this when Potiphar's wife tried to seduce him (Gen 39).

PRAYER
Lord, we belong to you and are set apart for your use. Let us not get caught in the traps of selfish and immoral living. You purchased us with your own blood. You deserve nothing less than our total commitment in return. May we live as your temples, honoring you with our bodies and with all that we do. In the name of Jesus, amen.