📅 February 23: 1 Corinthians 6: Judging Righteously

Daily Bible Readings February
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:date: February 23: 1 Corinthians 6: Judging Righteously

:earth_africa: Introduction
The apostle Paul’s letter to the Corinthians continues with a call to righteous judgment and the honoring of our bodies – both individually and collectively – as temples of the Holy Spirit.

:one: Paul Addresses Legal Disputes
The apostle Paul, in his characteristic teaching style, addresses the matter of legal disputes. He implores the Corinthians to solve their issues within the church community instead of turning to secular courts.
:scroll: Key Verse: “Can it be that there is no one among you wise enough to settle a dispute between the brothers?” (1 Corinthians 6:5)

:two: The Body as a Temple
Paul urges the Corinthians to honor their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, avoiding sexual immorality. He argues that as we are united with Christ, we should treat our bodies with the same respect Christ would.
:scroll: Key Verse: “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own” (1 Corinthians 6:19)

:sparkles: Key Themes and Reflections

  • Righteous Judgment: Paul’s teaching here invites us to think critically about how we solve disputes and whether our judgment aligns with God’s principles.
  • The Sacredness of the Body: The calling to view and treat our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit sheds light on the Christian viewpoint of physical health and morality.

:bulb: Today’s Application
These teachings call for us to be mindful of how we handle disagreements, opting first for Godly counsel within our community. Therewith, we are encouraged to honor our bodies by maintaining purity, recognizing that we house the Holy Spirit.

:mag: Hidden Gem
The Greek word for ‘temple’ used in verse 19 refers specifically to the sanctuary or Holy of Holies – the innermost, most sacred part of the Jerusalem Temple. This underscores the profound holiness and sanctity of our bodies.

:thought_balloon: Reflective Q&A
:question: How does resolving disputes amongst believers within the church community enhance unity?
A: Resolving issues internally fosters understanding, peace, and cohesion in the Christian family. It keeps our witness untarnished, modeling Christ’s love and grace.

:question: What does it mean to treat our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit?
A: It means recognizing the sanctity, value, and holiness of our physical bodies. This leads to making conscious decisions that honor our bodies - in purity, health, and self-care.

:speech_balloon: Join the Discussion
What are your thoughts on today’s reading? How does recognizing our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit impact the way we live?

:date: See you tomorrow in ‘1 Corinthians 7’, where we’ll explore themes of marriage and singleness in Christian living. There is wisdom here for all, regardless of your current life season.

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1Corinthians 6
Paul sets out: [1] Litigation reveals a lack of brotherly love: vv. 1-8. That litigation is not restricted to the courts of law in society, but can also include the power struggles within the Brotherhood. [2] Complete separation from worldly practices a necessity: vv. 9-20. Note the repetitive phrase “Do ye not know…”; “Know ye not…” that appears consistently in this chapter as well as elsewhere in Corinthians. It is a question set in an emphatic style to draw attention to a vital truth, and occurs eleven times in the two epistles. There is a significant and developing cord that ties each one together. Thus the first occurrence (1Cor. 3:16) lays the basis for the holiness and separateness that the faithful must maintain in a world of compromise, wickedness and blasphemy. The faithful will not be found associating with the defiling churches of Christendom in any way, or the fleshly temples of human greed. They must reflect the glory of the “temple of God.” Thus, the case of the Corinthians in going to law before the “unjust” (ch. 6:1) demonstrated that the ecclesia did not yet understand the exclusiveness and status of the Truth. The ecclesia should have the wisdom of the Word to make judgments on matters before it. Paul reminded the brethren of the different way of life they now follow from that which was formerly their indulgence. Some of them had been engaged in carnal and fleshly gratification (v. 11), but the Truth had cleaned their conscience. The future elevation to immortality will change the physical needs and elements of the body (v. 13). Consequently, the body should be offered to the Lord, and the Lord “for the body.” He acts, plans and provides for its needs. He sustains and keeps it for His glory. It is inappropriate therefore to take that which is nourished by the kind and constant agency of God, and devote it to pollution. Thus the climax of the chapter demonstrates the high and exalted status of the saints. We thus glory God in action (body) and thought (spirit) – which are God’s (v. 20)! — Logos