I Corinthians 7:6-9
Paul made it clear that sex is not essential for an individuals life, and thus a person can choose not to get involved in sexual sin, in I Corinthians 6:13. As Christians we have a responsibility to live in a way that pleases ansd glorifies God, rather than ourselves. He starts off Chapter seven with the statement that it is good for a man not to touch a woman. The reasons will be discussed later in the chapter. He then instructs that marriage is a way of preventing fornication and thus is a good thing. His advice makes it clear that taking responsibility can prevent temptation.
Paul also wants us to know that what he said does not make it a requirement to be married. Just as some have taught that to serve God, one must not marry, a second group has taught that marriage is essential to serve God. both positions are equally unsound.
"But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment. For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that. I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I. But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn." (I Corinthians 7:6-9)
As he says, we have permission to marry, it is not a command. He himself would rather that everyone be single, just as he was. God , however has given different ones different gifts, and different jobs, and we cannot demand that others live by what we think is ideal, since God has a different plan for them. As Romans 14:4 says, "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand." Their responsibility is to God, not to us.
As a result, it is good if a person stays single, just as Paul did. If it is or becomes a problem keeping ones thoughts pure, however, it is better to go ahead and marry than to struggle with lust. This applies equally to unmarried and to those who's mates have died.
The goal is to avoid sin in the church. A person may not commit the physical act, but as Matthew 5:28 tells us, "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." It is better to marry, than to struggle with the lust and temptation. For those who are not married, the choice is theirs.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Defraud Ye not One Another.
I Corinthians 7:1-5
The church at Corinth had not matured spiritually, and many problems had arisen as a result. Some things were being accepted that are not acceptable for Christians. Paul has dealt with these things already. Things were being taught that some of the older members were unsure about, and they had written to Paul, asking what was right. Most of the rest of I Corinthians is to addressing those teachings, and how we should treat them.
There had been some questions about marriage, including whether it was right to mrry at all. Apparently, some of the teaching was like that Paul warned Timothy about in I Timothy 4:1-3. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth."
Since these doctrines are Satanic in origin, we know that they are for the purpose of turning people away from God. Truths will be used and misused to propagate falsehood. It will be neccessary to look deeper into the word of God to answer the questions. Failure to do so will lead to false doctrine, misleading people from the truth. Paul starts with questions about marriage.
"Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency." (I Corinthians 7:1-5)
Paul says that it is good for there to be no sexual contasct. Humans have a God given desire for sex, however, and marriage is desireable because it serves to satisfy that desire in an acceptable manner, preventing sin. Each one is to have their own husband or wife. While polygamy is not expressly forbidden, it is clearly implied that it is not desirable. It is expressly forbidden for church leaders in I Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-11.
Regular sexual activity is required to maintain the bond that God establishes between husband and wife. Each has a right to regular enjoyment of the others body. In fact, to deprive ones mate is to defraud or cheat them. Adultery is not cheating on your mate, it deserves the death penalty, seriously damaging or breaking the bond God has established.
The only valid excuse for withholding sexual relations, other than actual physical constraints, is to devote oneself to fasting and prayer. Even this is only acceptable by mutual consent, and only for the duration of the fasting. Those church leaders and college professors who tell people thay are there to serve the Lord and their mates will just have to accept it have placed themselves in direct opposition to God.
God wants his children to support and strengthen what he has done, not weaken or destroy it. A desire not to express our love by meeting the desires and longings of ones mate indicates that we are not walking in the Spirit. Both I Timothy 3 and Titus 1 state that a person who cannot maintain aproper relationship to their family is spiritually unqualified to lead a church.
The church at Corinth had not matured spiritually, and many problems had arisen as a result. Some things were being accepted that are not acceptable for Christians. Paul has dealt with these things already. Things were being taught that some of the older members were unsure about, and they had written to Paul, asking what was right. Most of the rest of I Corinthians is to addressing those teachings, and how we should treat them.
There had been some questions about marriage, including whether it was right to mrry at all. Apparently, some of the teaching was like that Paul warned Timothy about in I Timothy 4:1-3. "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth."
Since these doctrines are Satanic in origin, we know that they are for the purpose of turning people away from God. Truths will be used and misused to propagate falsehood. It will be neccessary to look deeper into the word of God to answer the questions. Failure to do so will lead to false doctrine, misleading people from the truth. Paul starts with questions about marriage.
"Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency." (I Corinthians 7:1-5)
Paul says that it is good for there to be no sexual contasct. Humans have a God given desire for sex, however, and marriage is desireable because it serves to satisfy that desire in an acceptable manner, preventing sin. Each one is to have their own husband or wife. While polygamy is not expressly forbidden, it is clearly implied that it is not desirable. It is expressly forbidden for church leaders in I Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-11.
Regular sexual activity is required to maintain the bond that God establishes between husband and wife. Each has a right to regular enjoyment of the others body. In fact, to deprive ones mate is to defraud or cheat them. Adultery is not cheating on your mate, it deserves the death penalty, seriously damaging or breaking the bond God has established.
The only valid excuse for withholding sexual relations, other than actual physical constraints, is to devote oneself to fasting and prayer. Even this is only acceptable by mutual consent, and only for the duration of the fasting. Those church leaders and college professors who tell people thay are there to serve the Lord and their mates will just have to accept it have placed themselves in direct opposition to God.
God wants his children to support and strengthen what he has done, not weaken or destroy it. A desire not to express our love by meeting the desires and longings of ones mate indicates that we are not walking in the Spirit. Both I Timothy 3 and Titus 1 state that a person who cannot maintain aproper relationship to their family is spiritually unqualified to lead a church.
Friday, March 13, 2009
Ye Are Not Your Own
I Corinthians 6:19-20
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? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (I Corinthians 6:19-20)
Imagine buying a house. The contract stipulates that the former owner is to be moved out and allow you to move in by a certain date. On the specified date you arrive with your stuf, to find that he still has not moved all his stuff, but he assures you he'll get it out. Months later, you come home to find that he is using your washer and dryer, and hanging his clothing in your closet. He has even moved back some of the furniture he had moved out. What would you do?
When you bought the house, he gave up his right to it. Anything he does in the house after the sale must be approved by you. You would not allow things which prevent you from using the house freely or which you did not want in your home. If neccessary, you would contact the police or the court to force him out.
When we accept Christ, we give up our rights, and allow him to buy us. Matthew 16:24-26 says we have to give up our desires. "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? From verse 26, it is clear he is talking about being saved.
Luke 14:26, talking about the same thing, states that it is impossible to be his disciple without giving up our own will. "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." This is re-iterated in verse 33. "So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." Many try to skip that commitment, but Jesus says it is impossible to be saved without it. Saving faith believes to that point, and makes that commitment, even though it may be unspoken. Salvation is not just a fire escape, and you can't just try Jesus.
To go back into sin after salvation is like moving back into a house we no longer own and beginning to change things to suit ourselves. We are obligated to allow him control, letting him decide what is done, and how. Our relationship to other Christians, our sex life, our marriage, and everything else is to be for his glory, not our pleasure.
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? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's." (I Corinthians 6:19-20)
Imagine buying a house. The contract stipulates that the former owner is to be moved out and allow you to move in by a certain date. On the specified date you arrive with your stuf, to find that he still has not moved all his stuff, but he assures you he'll get it out. Months later, you come home to find that he is using your washer and dryer, and hanging his clothing in your closet. He has even moved back some of the furniture he had moved out. What would you do?
When you bought the house, he gave up his right to it. Anything he does in the house after the sale must be approved by you. You would not allow things which prevent you from using the house freely or which you did not want in your home. If neccessary, you would contact the police or the court to force him out.
When we accept Christ, we give up our rights, and allow him to buy us. Matthew 16:24-26 says we have to give up our desires. "Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? From verse 26, it is clear he is talking about being saved.
Luke 14:26, talking about the same thing, states that it is impossible to be his disciple without giving up our own will. "If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple." This is re-iterated in verse 33. "So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple." Many try to skip that commitment, but Jesus says it is impossible to be saved without it. Saving faith believes to that point, and makes that commitment, even though it may be unspoken. Salvation is not just a fire escape, and you can't just try Jesus.
To go back into sin after salvation is like moving back into a house we no longer own and beginning to change things to suit ourselves. We are obligated to allow him control, letting him decide what is done, and how. Our relationship to other Christians, our sex life, our marriage, and everything else is to be for his glory, not our pleasure.
Flee Fornication.
I Corinthians 6:18
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body." (I Corinthians 6:18)
Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body." (I Corinthians 6:18)
Don't ever run away, it proves you're a coward. Stand up like a man. That's the philosophy most of us were raised with, and it is the approach we take to overcoming temptation. To run from a dog encourages him to attack you, but to run from an impending explosion is the only intelligent choice. An old soldier told his son how to be truly brave. "Size up the enemy, decide what the best solution is, and act accordingly." That might include running.
With the dog, convincing him that you will fight, but are not agressive is the best choice. Sizing up the explosion, on the other hand, tells you that the best solution is to be far enough away. Fornication is like the explosion, If you are there, you will be hurt. There is no way to convince it not to hurt you. Many were saying that drugs were beneficial during the 60's, even though all of them are known poisons. Ingesting them weakens your health, and excessive use is usually fatal. To use them is deliberately allowing them to have that effect on our body.
Fornication refers to promiscuous sexual activity, never to the physical relationship between husband and wife. It does refer to all sexual activity outside marriage, and the particular form used here refers especially to prostitution, either as prostitute, or client.
There is an old saying that when you sleep with someone, you sleep with everyone they have slept with. You are, by having sex, exposing yourself to the possibility of contacting every sexually transmitted disease they may have come in contact with, as well as any other contagious disease. These can range from mononucleosis and herpes, to full blown AIDS. Since the symptoms of most diseases take a while to develop, the carrier may not be aware that they have been infected, and some don't care. It is foolish to take that risk. Continued promiscuity almost guarantees that one or more will eventually occur.
The physical and emotional joining, on the other hand, will certainly occur with every sexual encounter. Initially, breaking that bonding is, according to Psychiatric studies, nearly as devastating as having an arm amputated. Each additional joining interfers with each of the others, weakening the ability to bond fully, thus preventing ever experiencing a fully satisfying relationship. This is irreversible and greatly reduces the possibility of a good marriage. You have literally sinned against yourself.
Promiscuity, like any other sin, can lead to loss of pleasure in normal sexual acts and into various perversions, including homosexuality, abuse, and masochism. Serial torture, rape amd murder are ultimate outcomes of such yielding to sin. Paul describes this in Ephesians 4:19. "Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness." They become so desensitized that what is to others the extreme in pleasure or pain is meaningless to them. They have destroyed their own sense of pleasure.
There are a lot of books about dealing with sexual temptation. Several deal with it as battle for your mind. A great deal of emphasis is placed on controlling your mind, because Jesus said in Matthew 5:28, "But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart." As James tells us, we are tempted when we let our lusts entice us to do sin. That lust, when allowed to continue, results in sin. Self control is about facing and standing up to the problem. The battle is already lost, if we depend on self control. Every dieter can tell how often they fell back when depending on self control.
Christ has already won the victory. We are no longer controled by sin. We have a new mind. It is not about self control. Paul tells us in Galatians 5:16, "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." Walking in the Spirit will prevent lust from enticing us. The lust will not concieve, and sin will not result. Attaining victory is actually quite easy. When the Holy Spirit is in control, it is automatic.
Nancy Reagans's "Just Say No" program was probably the most effective anti drug program ever used. Drug use declined steadily during the time the program was in place. Because it was "too simple to work", it was replaced with much more expensive and powerful programs. Drug use has mushroomed since the program was dropped.
Paul is instructing us to just say "NO" to fornication. We have the neccessary power. Flee. Unlike the dog, it won't chase you down. Run to Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to take over. Instead of you controlling your mind, let him control it. Fornication will no longer be a temptation.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Two Shall Be One Flesh
I Corinthians 6:15-17
Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit." (I Corinthians 6:15-17)
As Christians, we are spiritually members of the body of Christ. Paul uses this imagery repeatedly to help us understand our relationship to Christ, and to one another. The image he portrays here is similar to a modern day transplant. It does not make sense to transplant organs from a healthy person to one who has damaged organs, except in cases where the healthy person will not be seriously harmed by having the organ removed. The risk of failure, and the extreme difficulty of the process makes transplanting parts which are not essential for survival, even from terminally injured patients, almost pointless, even with modern technology.
To transplant an arm or a leg from one person to another will very probably destroy the arm or leg, and will definitely seriously handicap the donor. It is unlikely to be benefit the recipient to the maximum benefit due to the likelyhood that if it survives, it probably will never attain full strength or function, and may be totally useless. By becoming sexually involved with a prostitute, Paul says, we are effectively transplanting a part of the body of Christ to a prostitute.
Sexual intercourse, Paul says under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, joins us to that other person. He then quotes Adam's statement about marriage as proving the validity of that statement. The statement is the basis for godly marriage and is as follows: "And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." (Genesis 2:22-24)
Jesus states that that joining is caused by God, and that once accomplished, no man has the authority to separate them. He also quotes Genesis 2:24 as the basis. The person officiating at the marriage does not in fact, join them in marriage, nor does the state or church have jurisdiction over marriage. Matthew 19:3-6makes this clear. "The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
As Christians, we are not under the law, but Paul tells us, in I Corinthians 10, that those things were given as an example for us. Deuteronomy 22 gives us God's command to israel in the law regarding sexual behaviour. It shows us how God wants such behaviour dealt with. I would like to examine it in reverse order, starting with what is commonly called pre-marital sex.
If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found; Then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damsel's father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife; because he hath humbled her, he may not put her away all his days." (Deuteronomy 22:28-29)
If a guy had sex with a girl, he was obligated to claim her as his wife, taking all the responsibilities associated with marriage. If rape were suspected, he could never divorce her. In certain situations, too young or fear of abuse for example, the parents might refuse to allow her to live with him, but technically they were still married, according to Exodus 22:16-17. "And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife. If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins." This was not optional.
Sex with a someone who was joined(married) to another, on the other hand, required a mandantory death penalty. Consensual sex required the execution of both parties. Rape required the execution of the rapist. Consider the following.
If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel.
If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her; Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.
But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die: But unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; there is in the damsel no sin worthy of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so is this matter: For he found her in the field, and the betrothed damsel cried, and there was none to save her." (Deuteronomy 22:22-27)
This is the standard that God set, and it clearly is in conflict withe the traditions of most Americans. Spiritual people will recognize God's standard, while those who are carnal will retain their traditions, as Paul tells us in I Corinthians 14:37-38.
Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit." (I Corinthians 6:15-17)
As Christians, we are spiritually members of the body of Christ. Paul uses this imagery repeatedly to help us understand our relationship to Christ, and to one another. The image he portrays here is similar to a modern day transplant. It does not make sense to transplant organs from a healthy person to one who has damaged organs, except in cases where the healthy person will not be seriously harmed by having the organ removed. The risk of failure, and the extreme difficulty of the process makes transplanting parts which are not essential for survival, even from terminally injured patients, almost pointless, even with modern technology.
To transplant an arm or a leg from one person to another will very probably destroy the arm or leg, and will definitely seriously handicap the donor. It is unlikely to be benefit the recipient to the maximum benefit due to the likelyhood that if it survives, it probably will never attain full strength or function, and may be totally useless. By becoming sexually involved with a prostitute, Paul says, we are effectively transplanting a part of the body of Christ to a prostitute.
Sexual intercourse, Paul says under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, joins us to that other person. He then quotes Adam's statement about marriage as proving the validity of that statement. The statement is the basis for godly marriage and is as follows: "And the rib, which the LORD God had taken from man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man. Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh." (Genesis 2:22-24)
Jesus states that that joining is caused by God, and that once accomplished, no man has the authority to separate them. He also quotes Genesis 2:24 as the basis. The person officiating at the marriage does not in fact, join them in marriage, nor does the state or church have jurisdiction over marriage. Matthew 19:3-6makes this clear. "The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause? And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female, And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
As Christians, we are not under the law, but Paul tells us, in I Corinthians 10, that those things were given as an example for us. Deuteronomy 22 gives us God's command to israel in the law regarding sexual behaviour. It shows us how God wants such behaviour dealt with. I would like to examine it in reverse order, starting with what is commonly called pre-marital sex.
If a man find a damsel that is a virgin, which is not betrothed, and lay hold on her, and lie with her, and they be found; Then the man that lay with her shall give unto the damsel's father fifty shekels of silver, and she shall be his wife; because he hath humbled her, he may not put her away all his days." (Deuteronomy 22:28-29)
If a guy had sex with a girl, he was obligated to claim her as his wife, taking all the responsibilities associated with marriage. If rape were suspected, he could never divorce her. In certain situations, too young or fear of abuse for example, the parents might refuse to allow her to live with him, but technically they were still married, according to Exodus 22:16-17. "And if a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall surely endow her to be his wife. If her father utterly refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins." This was not optional.
Sex with a someone who was joined(married) to another, on the other hand, required a mandantory death penalty. Consensual sex required the execution of both parties. Rape required the execution of the rapist. Consider the following.
If a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel.
If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her; Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you.
But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die: But unto the damsel thou shalt do nothing; there is in the damsel no sin worthy of death: for as when a man riseth against his neighbour, and slayeth him, even so is this matter: For he found her in the field, and the betrothed damsel cried, and there was none to save her." (Deuteronomy 22:22-27)
This is the standard that God set, and it clearly is in conflict withe the traditions of most Americans. Spiritual people will recognize God's standard, while those who are carnal will retain their traditions, as Paul tells us in I Corinthians 14:37-38.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The Body Was Not Made For Fornication
I Corinthians 6:13-14
Corinth, from the descriptions Paul gives, and those by historians and commentators, was very much like our modern world. Sex was apparently viewed as a neccessity, especially for guys. The temple of Aphrodite provided prostitutes for their worshippers, and even married women were expected to occasionally serve in that capacity as part of their worship of the Godess. Promiscuity was rampant, and marriage was considered somewhat foolish for young people. Divorce was commonplace and considered normal.
The Corinthian Christians had grown up with this same teaching about sexual behaviour and, like every other culture, had brought some of these traditional teachings with them into the church. As a result of their carnality, they had not matured properly to recognize that these teachings were contrary to what God wanted. They probably thought of them as only a minor problem, not to be taken too seriously. Their attitude was much like that of the pastor in Farmington, New Mexico, who said "You young ladies need to keep yourselves pure, but we can't really expect these old rough boys to."
Some groups insist that it is not right to change the culture of those we preach to. It is true that changing the culture is not the goal, but when a person becomes a Christian, he becomes a part of a different culture, a citizen of heaven. As such, some parts of his old culture are not acceptable, regardless what culture he is from. Unfortunately, many missionaries and teachers try to convert them to their own old culture, rather than to what God desires.
Paul does not attack their old culture, but focuses on what God has specified. It is very different from what they have accepted, and in many cases different from what many of us have been taught as well. He begins by contradicting a widely held opinion, common in our day.
"Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power." (I Corinthians 6:13-14)
Food (meats) is essential to the body. The digestive system is designed solely for the purpose of digesting food efficiently, extracting needed nutrients in useable form, and eliminating waste. Foods are designed to provide neccessary nutrients in a manner to be readily extracted and used. These nutrients vary with the type of animal eating them and the digestive system matches the food eaten. They are neccessary for survival, but both the body and the food are perishable, and will die and decay.
Sex, or fornication, on the other hand, is not essential for the survival of the individual, or for his physical health. Most are only capable of procreation at certain stages in their lives, under certain conditions. Theit lives continue whether those conditions are met or not. Humans are less bound by such constraints, and are much freer to choose whether to indulge in sexual activity or not. Sex is not a primary purpose of our body, not what it was made for.
Humans were made for God's pleasure according to Revelation 4:11. "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." We were not designed to please ourselves, but God. As such, the greatest joy and pleasure will be found in fulfilling that purpose. Paul's teaching in the next verses and through chapter seven will explain how to please God in this area.
The results will be both temporal and eternal, producing immediate benefits, and eternal rewards. The body will be destroyed, but God will raise us up. As Hebrews 9:27 tells us, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." For our own spiritual welfare, we need to learn and follow God's plan. As Jesus said in John 14:21, "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me." He goes on to say that the person who does not keep his commands does not love him. His blessings, and his filling are for those that love and obey him. "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me." (John 14:23-24)
Corinth, from the descriptions Paul gives, and those by historians and commentators, was very much like our modern world. Sex was apparently viewed as a neccessity, especially for guys. The temple of Aphrodite provided prostitutes for their worshippers, and even married women were expected to occasionally serve in that capacity as part of their worship of the Godess. Promiscuity was rampant, and marriage was considered somewhat foolish for young people. Divorce was commonplace and considered normal.
The Corinthian Christians had grown up with this same teaching about sexual behaviour and, like every other culture, had brought some of these traditional teachings with them into the church. As a result of their carnality, they had not matured properly to recognize that these teachings were contrary to what God wanted. They probably thought of them as only a minor problem, not to be taken too seriously. Their attitude was much like that of the pastor in Farmington, New Mexico, who said "You young ladies need to keep yourselves pure, but we can't really expect these old rough boys to."
Some groups insist that it is not right to change the culture of those we preach to. It is true that changing the culture is not the goal, but when a person becomes a Christian, he becomes a part of a different culture, a citizen of heaven. As such, some parts of his old culture are not acceptable, regardless what culture he is from. Unfortunately, many missionaries and teachers try to convert them to their own old culture, rather than to what God desires.
Paul does not attack their old culture, but focuses on what God has specified. It is very different from what they have accepted, and in many cases different from what many of us have been taught as well. He begins by contradicting a widely held opinion, common in our day.
"Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power." (I Corinthians 6:13-14)
Food (meats) is essential to the body. The digestive system is designed solely for the purpose of digesting food efficiently, extracting needed nutrients in useable form, and eliminating waste. Foods are designed to provide neccessary nutrients in a manner to be readily extracted and used. These nutrients vary with the type of animal eating them and the digestive system matches the food eaten. They are neccessary for survival, but both the body and the food are perishable, and will die and decay.
Sex, or fornication, on the other hand, is not essential for the survival of the individual, or for his physical health. Most are only capable of procreation at certain stages in their lives, under certain conditions. Theit lives continue whether those conditions are met or not. Humans are less bound by such constraints, and are much freer to choose whether to indulge in sexual activity or not. Sex is not a primary purpose of our body, not what it was made for.
Humans were made for God's pleasure according to Revelation 4:11. "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created." We were not designed to please ourselves, but God. As such, the greatest joy and pleasure will be found in fulfilling that purpose. Paul's teaching in the next verses and through chapter seven will explain how to please God in this area.
The results will be both temporal and eternal, producing immediate benefits, and eternal rewards. The body will be destroyed, but God will raise us up. As Hebrews 9:27 tells us, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." For our own spiritual welfare, we need to learn and follow God's plan. As Jesus said in John 14:21, "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me." He goes on to say that the person who does not keep his commands does not love him. His blessings, and his filling are for those that love and obey him. "Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me." (John 14:23-24)
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
All Things are Lawful Unto Me, But...
I Corinthians 6:12
"All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." (I Corinthians 6:12)
There is no sin that I can commit, that can cause me to lose my salvation. All is lawful unto me. Why? "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship," (Ephesians 2:8-10). My own works had nothing to do with my salvation. It was God's gift. It was done so that I could not take pride in my own efforts. I am his workmanship. I cannot claim to be self made. What I am is what he has made me to be. My actions cannot change who or what I am. I am not what I do, but what I do will usually reflect who and what I am.
It is not my own works that keeps me, any more than it was I who saved me. I Peter 1:5 tells us, "Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. It is the power of God that keeps me saved, through faith. As Paul asks in I Corinthians 10:22, "Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?" Unless we are, nothing we do can break his power to keep us.
So what does it matter what I do? If I cannot lose my salvation, doesn't that mean I am free to do any thing? As one lady said, "If I believed that, I'd kill my husband."Such an attitude ignores who and what we are. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10) We were saved with the intent tha we would do good works. It is part of our new nature, as we have seen from our study of I Corinthians 6:9-11.
We choose to yield unto God rather than to the carnal nature. As Paul describes in Romans 7:14-25, The only way to obtain victory over that sin is through faith in Jesus Christ. This is where James 2 fits into the picture. The devils believe. They also believe that they can overcome God, so ignore his commands. We demonstrate our faith in his power by acting according to his word. The actions do not save us or keep us saved, but they demonstrate the reality of our faith.
As I Corinthians 6:12 says, there is nothing that can send me to hell, but there are things that I can do that are not beneficial to me or to the cause of Christ, and may be actually harmful to my relationship to him, or to my physicasl wellbeing. I Corinthians 10:23 clarifies this. "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not." A lot of things I can do will not strengthen me or other Christians. Many will serve to hinder my testimony to the unsaved, or even driuve them away.
There are also things that Satan uses in an effort to gain control of my life. Paul Says that he refuses to allow them to gain control. as they then prevent freedom in his relationship to Christ. Such things can include alcohol, drugs, gambling, and sex are some of the more commonly recognized as evil. All the action listed as works of the flesh fall into one of these categories.
A less commonly recognized source of control is debt, but Proverbs 22:7 tells us, "The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender." Employers, political leaders, religious leaders, marriage partners, and parents can all attempt to attain control. While all have some authority, their authority is limited, and all tend to try to gain greater power. That attempt to exceed their authority is Satanicly inspired.
While it is good to participate in sports, to have a job, to care for children, and many other things, these things should never be allowed to control our life. When they prevent us obeying God, they are sin.
Note again Paul's statement: "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." (I Corinthians 6:12) As the Apostles told the council in Acts 5:29, "We ought to Obey God rather than men." Allowing anything or anyone to have excessive power over our lives prevents us from obeying God fully. Anything that hinders my relationship with God, or that of others should be avoided.
"All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." (I Corinthians 6:12)
There is no sin that I can commit, that can cause me to lose my salvation. All is lawful unto me. Why? "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship," (Ephesians 2:8-10). My own works had nothing to do with my salvation. It was God's gift. It was done so that I could not take pride in my own efforts. I am his workmanship. I cannot claim to be self made. What I am is what he has made me to be. My actions cannot change who or what I am. I am not what I do, but what I do will usually reflect who and what I am.
It is not my own works that keeps me, any more than it was I who saved me. I Peter 1:5 tells us, "Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. It is the power of God that keeps me saved, through faith. As Paul asks in I Corinthians 10:22, "Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he?" Unless we are, nothing we do can break his power to keep us.
So what does it matter what I do? If I cannot lose my salvation, doesn't that mean I am free to do any thing? As one lady said, "If I believed that, I'd kill my husband."Such an attitude ignores who and what we are. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10) We were saved with the intent tha we would do good works. It is part of our new nature, as we have seen from our study of I Corinthians 6:9-11.
We choose to yield unto God rather than to the carnal nature. As Paul describes in Romans 7:14-25, The only way to obtain victory over that sin is through faith in Jesus Christ. This is where James 2 fits into the picture. The devils believe. They also believe that they can overcome God, so ignore his commands. We demonstrate our faith in his power by acting according to his word. The actions do not save us or keep us saved, but they demonstrate the reality of our faith.
As I Corinthians 6:12 says, there is nothing that can send me to hell, but there are things that I can do that are not beneficial to me or to the cause of Christ, and may be actually harmful to my relationship to him, or to my physicasl wellbeing. I Corinthians 10:23 clarifies this. "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not." A lot of things I can do will not strengthen me or other Christians. Many will serve to hinder my testimony to the unsaved, or even driuve them away.
There are also things that Satan uses in an effort to gain control of my life. Paul Says that he refuses to allow them to gain control. as they then prevent freedom in his relationship to Christ. Such things can include alcohol, drugs, gambling, and sex are some of the more commonly recognized as evil. All the action listed as works of the flesh fall into one of these categories.
A less commonly recognized source of control is debt, but Proverbs 22:7 tells us, "The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender." Employers, political leaders, religious leaders, marriage partners, and parents can all attempt to attain control. While all have some authority, their authority is limited, and all tend to try to gain greater power. That attempt to exceed their authority is Satanicly inspired.
While it is good to participate in sports, to have a job, to care for children, and many other things, these things should never be allowed to control our life. When they prevent us obeying God, they are sin.
Note again Paul's statement: "All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any." (I Corinthians 6:12) As the Apostles told the council in Acts 5:29, "We ought to Obey God rather than men." Allowing anything or anyone to have excessive power over our lives prevents us from obeying God fully. Anything that hinders my relationship with God, or that of others should be avoided.
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