1 & 2 Corinthians – Page 8

1 Corinthians 7:8-16 – Best Practices

Keep in mind Paul is still responding to the people’s concern about refraining from having sex when he shares what’s appropriate for single people, particularly people whose spouses have died. Not burning with lust seems to be tied to not being able to control themselves. For those who find themselves in that camp, the solution is marriage. Is it safe to assume then that “lust” is one of those sexual sins we should avoid? Certainly, lust can easily lure the individual into sinful behavior that would be harmful.

Verses 10 and 11 are not my favorite having been divorced from my first husband and remarried to the man of my dreams. Paul makes a special point to say this is a “command that comes not from me, but from the Lord.” I have reconciled my abusive first marriage with God, but if you struggle feeling like these words are meant solely for you today, then talk with God about the forgiveness he offers. Reach out to me privately from our Facebook group (or by email).

1 Corinthians 7:1-7 – Sex in Marriage

Read 1 Corinthians 7:1-7

black and white photo of a wedding couple about to kiss

Starting in Chapter 7, we see Paul addressing the issues that the church had written to him about. Up to now, apparently, Paul was focusing on the issues he felt needed attention. I think this is helpful to note. Paul didn’t just meet the people “where they were” but first set foundation and reaffirmed the gospel. Paul laid the framework to make it easier to work through the issues concerning the people.

Even back then, sex was on people’s minds! It seems their concern was whether they should live celibate lives. While we’ll see Paul’s slant in this chapter being a single man himself, he does encourage marriage “because there is so much sexual immorality.” It’s as if marriage can become the solution to a big problem.

1 Corinthians 6:12-20 – Sexual Sin

Read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20

There are many layers to the complexity of sexual sin. It’s not just a sin against another human being. It’s a sin against our own bodies. These are the very same bodies known to be temples for the Holy Spirit. In God’s eyes, we are showing disrespect for him by tarnishing his holy place. Had you ever thought of sexual sin like that?

God gives us the freedom to choose what we do in our life, but Paul cautions that “not everything is good for you.” God knows what is best for us, and his desires for us should matter. We may not always agree or understand fully why God wants us to act in certain ways. I, for one, want to do my best to trust God and his plan for my life.

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 – Get Right With God

Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Did you see yourself in that list of sinners? I’m sure the list is a lot longer than that! We can all think of sins we’ve committed. We can all remember seeing important people in our lives falling prey to obvious sin. Paul’s words can be startling. “[N]one of these will inherit the Kingdom of God.” But hold on, all is not lost!

Paul assures his readers that we don’t have to stay stuck in our sins. There is a way out. Jesus was sent on a rescue mission to capture our hearts and draw us closer to God. Being “right with God” is what Paul says is what we need to do. “[Y]ou were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”

1 Corinthians 6:1-8 – Work it Out

Read 1 Corinthians 6:1-8

senior citizens walking away holding hands

I’ll never forget when I read this passage. I had been a very successful paralegal at my law firm for years. Now I felt like I had gotten punched in the gut! I struggled with this only because handling lawsuits was my profession for nearly 30 years. But then I realized this passage wasn’t meant as an indictment on the legal system, it was only addressing Christians suing other Christians.

We’re supposed to avoid that behavior, and I am in total agreement with Paul. You can’t imagine all of the things I have seen, broken relationships, penniless victims, crooked judges, deception, lies, etc. How could that NOT be a bad thing!