1 Corinthians 6:12-20 (Part 1)

Introduction: Common justifications/excuses for sexual immorality

I. A BRIEF OVERVIEW

A. They were misunderstanding their rights & freedom (12) “All things are lawful for me.”

B. They were misunderstanding sex (13,15-17) “Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food.”
“Paul's theology of sexuality is profoundly humanizing, in that it treats people with the care and dignity the creatures made in God’s image deserve. Paul understands that sex has unique affects on the person psyche—it is not a mere physical matter. Because sex reflects the most intimate of interpersonal relations among humans, it should be reserved for the most permanent of interpersonal commitments.” F.F. Bruce

C. They were misunderstanding the Body (13-15, 18-20)

II. A MISUNDERSTANDING OF RIGHTS & FREEDOM

A. Their slogan (13)—“All things are lawful for me.”
• … but not all things are helpful.
• … but I will not be dominated by anything

“The great fact of the Christian faith is not that it makes a man free to sin, but that it makes a man free not to sin.” David Prior

B. As Christians, we do not belong to ourselves—we belong to Jesus Christ. (19,20)

Conclusion