Nov 19, 2023
Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Continuing his assault on the varied forms of sexual sin, Paul contrasts the nature of sexual immorality with the nature of Christianity … ending with the pointed reminder that we are not the ultimate owners of our lives. "You are not your own" has special meaning for Christians, but the statement stands on its own with reference to every person … both believers and unbelievers.
Sexual immorality is seductive (1 Cor 6:12a) … tyrannical (1 Cor 6:12b) … an affront to Christ (1 Cor 6:113-15) … and self-destructive (1 Cor 6:16-18). There is a price to be paid for flaunting the commands of the Almighty. Someone gives himself/herself to sexual immorality "as a bird rushes into a snare; he does not know it will cost him his life" (Prov 7:27).
The 'it is my body (life), I can do with it what I please' logic is shattered by the statements in this passage. Because God is the Maker of all things, He is the rightful Owner of all things. He holds a claim over everything in His universe. This is especially true of Christians who "have been bought with a price" (1 Cor 6:20). The concluding exhortation is as splendid as it is comprehensive … "Therefore glorify God in your body." Let the wise heed the Word of God.