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1 Corinthians 6 · Berean Standard Bible

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¹If any of you has a grievance against another, how dare he go to law before the unrighteous instead of before the saints! ²Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? ³Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life! ⁴So if you need to settle everyday matters, do you appoint as judges those of no standing in the church? ⁵I say this to your shame. Is there really no one among you wise enough to arbitrate between his brothers? ⁶Instead, one brother goes to law against another, and this in front of unbelievers! ⁷The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means that you are thoroughly defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? ⁸Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, even against your own brothers! ⁹Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, ¹⁰nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. ¹¹And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. ¹²“Everything is permissible for me,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me,” but I will not be mastered by anything. ¹³“Food for the stomach and the stomach for food,” but God will destroy them both. The body is not intended for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. ¹⁴By His power God raised the Lord from the dead, and He will raise us also. ¹⁵Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! ¹⁶Or don’t you know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, “The two will become one flesh.” ¹⁷But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spirit. ¹⁸Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a man can commit is outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body. ¹⁹Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; ²⁰you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.

Berean Standard Bible · public domain. More versions and languages in the Reading Plan.

1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 6

Lawsuits and the Call to Purity

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Objective

This chapter addresses two key issues within the Corinthian church: the improper handling of disputes among believers and the call to sexual purity in light of the believer's body being a temple of the Holy Spirit. Paul urges the Corinthians to reflect God's holiness in their relationships and actions.

Vivid Artistic Descriptions

Lawsuits Among Believers

A courtroom scene where two believers argue while a broken cross lies between them, symbolizing the damage to their unity and witness. In the background, a figure of Christ silently pleads for reconciliation.

The Unrighteous and the Washed

A dark river flows, carrying symbols of sin (idols, chains, coins), but on the shore, a group of redeemed people, glowing with light, step out, cleansed and radiant.

The Body as God's Temple

A glowing temple made of human figures, each one illuminated from within by the Holy Spirit, symbolizing the sacredness of the body and its unity with God.

Song

Temple of the King

Verse 1

Once we walked in shadows deep, Bound by sin, our hearts asleep. But Christ has washed and made us new, Now we live in grace and truth.

Verse 2

Flee the chains that once enslave, Christ has triumphed, left the grave. Your body now a sacred space, A vessel for His holy grace.

Chorus

Oh, temple of the King, Let your praises rise and sing. You are not your own, For you've been called, redeemed, His throne.

Bridge

Bought with blood, the price was paid, In His love, we are remade. The Spirit dwells, His fire burns, Through our lives, His truth returns.

Outro

Honor Him in all you do, Let your life be pure and true. Oh, temple of the King, Forever to His glory cling.

Practical Application

Personal Life

Evaluate whether your actions reflect the fact that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Flee from sin and pursue holiness.

Trust in your new identity in Christ--washed, sanctified, and justified--and live accordingly.

Community & Society

Resolve conflicts within your church or Christian community in a way that reflects unity and grace, avoiding public disputes that harm the church's witness.

Encourage others to see their bodies and lives as sacred, offering accountability and support for those struggling with sin.

Global Perspective

Pray for Christians in cultures where sin is normalized, encouraging them to stand firm in their identity in Christ.

Support global initiatives that help believers grow in purity and navigate the pressures of cultural immorality.

Conclusion

1 Corinthians 6 reminds believers of their identity as God's redeemed people, called to live in purity and unity. The chapter challenges us to reflect Christ's holiness in our relationships and actions, honoring God with our bodies and lives. As temples of the Holy Spirit, we are not our own but belong to God, living as a witness to His transforming power and grace.