Main Highlights
Believers should resolve disputes within the church rather than through secular courts, and they must avoid sexual immorality because their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.
Key Verses
Does anyone of you, when he has a case against his neighbor, dare to go to law before the unrighteous and not before the saints?— 1 Corinthians 6:1 Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you not competent to decide trivial cases?— 1 Corinthians 6:2 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?— 1 Corinthians 6:19
Related Scripture
Flee immorality. Every other sin that a person commits is outside the body, but the immoral person sins against his own body.— 1 Corinthians 6:18
Scholar Insight
"Paul is teaching that Christians have a responsibility to demonstrate a higher standard of justice and reconciliation within their own community than the world offers." -John MacArthur, MacArthur New Testament Commentary"
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
God desires that His people reflect His justice and holiness, and He provides the Holy Spirit to empower them to live accordingly. "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" (1 Corinthians 6:19)
Christological Connection
While not explicitly named in every sentence, Jesus is implied as the one who purchased believers, making their bodies His temple. "For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:20)
Systematic Theology
Sanctification and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the transformation that occurs in believers and the importance of living a life that honors God. "Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?" (1 Corinthians 6:19)
Law & Grace
Grace empowers believers to live according to God's law, and their transformed lives should reflect obedience and righteousness. It demonstrates how Grace empowers us not to use it as a license for sin but as a power for obedience. "For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body." (1 Corinthians 6:20)
Personal Application
Believers should seek to resolve conflicts within the church peacefully, and they should be mindful of the holiness of their bodies, avoiding sexual immorality and pursuing purity. "Flee immorality. Every other sin that a person commits is outside the body, but the immoral person sins against his own body." (1 Corinthians 6:18)