1Cor 6:19-20 (KJV)
19) What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost [which is] in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? 20) For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.
Our next set of devotions comes from 1 Cor 6:19-20. The basic principle of this study will be “Glorifying God With All Our Being”. Before looking at these verses, phrase by phrase, it is important for us to notice the context in which these verses are written.
The Apostle Paul is writing these verses to the church at Corinth. The city of Corinth was one of the main centers for shipping, trade and commerce. Because of this Corinth was filled with a great mixture of people of different languages, nationalities, religions and occupations. As such, the city was filled with idolatry and many sinful practices of
the neighboring nations. It was in this environment that the church at Corinth existed. The sins of the surrounding community crept into the church at Corinth. Some of the main sins included…
1. Divisions and lawsuits between members of the assembly (chap 1-4 & 6)
2. Sexual Immorality (chap 5)
3. Ungodly Lifestyles (chap 6)
4. Breaking Marital Vows (chap 7)
5. Misusing Christian Liberty (chap 8-10)
6. Rebellion To God’s Authority (chap 11, 14)
7. Abusing Lord’s Supper (chap 11)
8. Misusing Spiritual Gifts (chap 12-14)
9. Teaching of Heresies (chap 15)
In other words, this church was in a real mess. These sins had resulted in the church’s loss of testimony and effectiveness for the cause of Christ.
In the epistle of 1 Corinthians, we can see the wonderful patience, and gentleness of our Lord shown to them through Paul’s ministry. Instead of “writing them off” and raising up another church (which He could have easily done!); the Lord continued to instruct them, correct them and rebuke them. Based upon 2 Corinthians, we find that the letter of 1 Corinthians was a success, working to rid the church of many of these sins. (2 Cor 1:12-14) This church had gone from backsliding to service, all through the Lord’s application of His Word to their lives.
As a child of God, do you feel as if your past, or present, sins eliminate you from glorifying the Lord in your life? Just like this church was restored to a position of service to the Lord, so too, can be your personal life. Your sins have been covered through the shed blood of Christ. They are already forgiven. The need now is for confession and then restoration of an intimate walk with Him… 1John 1:8-10 (KJV)
8) If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.9) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.10) If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
Let us keep these things in mind as we begin our journey to “Glorify God With All Our Being.”
May the Lord bless us as we “Think On These Things”.
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i belong to a few groups in LinkedIn, and I am not usually impressed by them, but this one group has been going on for days now about how god loves everyone even the gay community. i struggle to keep my mouth quiet, as i have my own opinions from the bible that i understand. it opens my eyes and forces me to question if i am right or wrong, and i guess i don’t like this. i don’t want to question what i think the bible is saying. to me the bible says that sleeping with same sex is wrong, it doesn’t say god doesn’t love each of us, but that this is a sin, and with god’s help he can heal this and all other sins. am i wrong? does god feel it is alright for same sex? should i keep my mouth quiet so as to not have arguing? i look at the whole picture of the days gone by and i see squabbling day after day like children, arguing with no one winning, and i think how silly this looks
Terry,
You have to do as the Lord leads you. But I’ll be glad to share with you how the Lrod normally leads me in these situations. If I believe that the person or persons I am conversing with have an open ear to the truth, I gladly share with them my beliefs. However, if I pick up an attitude of just wanting ot pick a fight with no real desire to hear the truth, I have a tendecy to simply move on. As I have gotten older, I’ve learned that no matter what I may share with them if they are unwilling to accept God’s Word then there is really no purpose in getting into wars about it.
The Lells us to “Matt 7:6 Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.”
If they really just want to fight and do not care about what God’s Word says then I really feel burdened not to waste it with them. When it comes to debating about whether homosexuality is a sin or not, the BIble is so plain about the sinfulness of same-sex unions I have a really hard time believing that they are concerned with what the Bible says. This is just my way of thinking, like I said do the best you can to discern God’s will and seek to do what is pleasing for Him. Lord bless you.
i believe that the people arguing back and forth must be gay and are trying to get people on their side of belief so that they fill better. i am glad i asked you because the verses say not to give to those who refuse. i am glad that i stayed out of the conversation as it would be not me proving a point but more arguing. thank u
You may be right.
But believe it or not, there are some people who simply despise Christ and Christianity and love to fight and argue over His teachings no matter what the subject. That could be a part of what it is all about as well.
Then their are those Christians who are simply prideful and think they appear wise by opposing historic views and coming up with “something new” or a “new way to look at” these truths. It is so sad. As I said before over the years, the Lord has seemed to lead me to stay out of all that stuff and simply teach His Word and let others haggle over it. Lord bless. Still praying for you guys.
valid points you have made through out our chat. thank you for letting me see it from the right point of view
Thank you, Pastor Rob, for the time and energy you pour into these studies. Praying that He reward you in wonderful ways! Today’s post once again brought to me the need to confess and repent . ..for He is faithful to forgive. Asking that we be a confessing and repentant people before our God, starting with me. God bless you!
Debbie,
Thank you again for all your encouragment… Believe me I do feel it is a privilege to be able to teach and present His Word. It is only because of the Lord and His grace that I am able to share His Word. His is so good to me. I know for my own self, many of these postings were meant for me… I find myself seeing so many differing needs in my life. I thank Him for showing me my needs and trust Him to grace me with the needed remedy. Lord bless you Debbie. Thank you for your faithfulness in posting as well. It is always a blessing and a needed encouragment.
Rob, this is another of the ‘almost forgotten’ passages, which were constantly preached on 50 years ago, but seldom heard now. This is such an important aspect of the Christian life and I look forward to challenges as the Lord directs you.
Angela,
I know as a young teen I heard these verses used over and over to stress the need for not abusing our bodies through drugs, sex, alcohol, etc etc. These verses contain a very powerful message on the need to glorify our Lord in all that we do (abuse of our bodies is a part of that of course). I believe many of the principles that are taught are very important in today’s time. I truat it will be a blessing to us all. Lord bless you Angela.