7.5 Minutes Listen or Read
Uploaded: September 12, 2025
In 1 Corinthians 6, the Apostle Paul challenges believers in Corinth to live out their new identity in Christ. This chapter deals with pressing issues that were weakening the church’s witness: legal disputes among Christians, immoral behavior, and a failure to understand the sacredness of the human body. Paul doesn’t mince words. He draws a line between the former life of sin and the new, sanctified life in Christ—and he calls believers to live with holiness, humility, and spiritual responsibility.
The chapter opens with a strong rebuke: Why are believers dragging each other into secular courts rather than resolving disputes internally? Paul points to the absurdity of Christians—who are destined to judge the world and even angels—being unable to judge small matters within their own community. He emphasizes that unresolved conflict damages the church’s credibility and testifies poorly to outsiders.
From there, Paul transitions into a powerful warning: those who live unrighteously—engaging in sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, and other sins—will not inherit the kingdom of God. But then comes a breathtaking declaration of transformation: “And such were some of you.” They were once lost in sin, but now they are washed, sanctified, and justified in Jesus Christ.
Finally, Paul shifts the focus to the body. He teaches that the body is not made for immorality but for the Lord. It is a temple of God's Spirit. Therefore, Christians are commanded to flee from sexual sin - in all its forms (e.g., pornography, masturbation, lust, fornication, adultery, lasciviousness, etc..) - and glorify God with their bodies.
1. Settle Disputes Within the Church
Paul expects believers to resolve disagreements in the church, not the courtroom.
Application: When you face conflict with another Christian, prioritize reconciliation within the church body—guided by Scripture, love, and mature believers.
2. Believers Are Called to Judge with Wisdom
If we will one day judge the world and angels, we must develop the wisdom to handle small issues now.
Application: Practice spiritual discernment in daily life. Grow in wisdom through God’s Word so you can navigate tough situations rightly.
3. The Church’s Reputation Matters
Bringing lawsuits before unbelievers damages the church’s testimony.
Application: Consider how your personal decisions reflect on the faith community—and on the name of Christ Himself.
4. Choose Humility Over Winning
Paul suggests that it’s better to suffer wrong than to ruin unity.
Application: Lay down your right to be right. Pursuing peace is more powerful than proving your point.
5. Unrighteous Behavior Leads to Spiritual Death
Paul gives a sobering list of sins that disqualify people from God’s kingdom.
Application: Take personal inventory. Don’t assume salvation while living in willful rebellion against God.
6. You Are Not Your Past
“You were washed… sanctified… justified.” That’s who you are now.
Application: Don’t let past labels define you. Christ has given you a new name and a new identity.
7. Freedom in Christ Requires Discernment
“All things are lawful,” Paul says, “but not all are beneficial.”
Application: Ask not just, “Is it allowed?” but “Is it wise? Is it glorifying? Will it enslave me?”
8. The Body Is for the Lord
Your body is not your own playground—it’s a sacred space.
Application: Treat your body as something holy. What you do with it matters deeply to God.
9. Honor God with Your Body
You were bought at a price. That makes your body God’s property.
Application: Glorify God in your eating, movement, sexuality, and appearance—not for legalism, but for worship.
10. Sexual Sin Is Uniquely Destructive
Paul singles out sexual sin because it defiles the body itself.
Application: Flee from lust. What feels “natural” often contradicts what is spiritual—and eternal.
11. We Are Members of Christ’s Body
If you’re joined to Christ, your body is part of His. Sin dishonors that union.
Application: Your body is not just about you. Your choices either honor or dishonor the One you’re joined to.
12. The Holy Spirit Lives in You
You are a temple of the Holy Spirit.
Application: Create a spiritual “atmosphere” in your body—one of purity, peace, and purpose. It’s sacred space.
13. Flee from Sin, Don’t Flirt with It
Paul doesn’t say “resist” sexual sin—he says “flee.”
Application: Avoid the edge of the cliff. Run the other way. Temptation grows stronger the longer you stare at it.
14. God Will Raise Your Body
Just as He raised Christ, God will raise your body too.
Application: Respect your body now—because it has eternal value and a resurrection future.
15. You Are Not Your Own
Modern culture says, “My body, my choice.” Scripture says, “Your body, God’s possession.”
Application: Live with ownership by God, not just of self.
16. Guard Against Exploiting Fellow Believers
Paul condemns defrauding others—especially within the church.
Application: Never use another believer for personal gain—whether financially, emotionally, or physically.
17. Legal Systems Are Not the Final Authority
While human courts have a place, Paul insists spiritual matters be judged spiritually.
Application: Respect civil law, but let God’s Word be your highest authority.
18. Sanctification Is Ongoing
You were sanctified—but now you must walk in sanctification.
Application: Let your lifestyle match your spiritual position. Growth is proof of grace.
19. Glorify God in All Things
Paul’s summary: “So glorify God in your body.”
Application: Whatever you do—eat, speak, move, serve—do it with God’s honor in mind.
20. The Kingdom Belongs to the Holy
Those who practice unrighteousness will not inherit God’s kingdom.
Application: Holiness is not optional. It’s the mark of those who truly belong to the King.
The Christian life isn’t just about believing differently—it’s about living differently. 1 Corinthians 6 challenges us to examine how we handle conflict, what we do with our bodies, and whether our lifestyle truly reflects our new identity in Christ. If you’ve been washed, sanctified, and justified, then live like it. And when you fall short, return to the One who bought you with His blood.
I hope this mini-Bible study has been helpful/instructive. If you have questions or comments, email me here.
In His Name,
Roy