Living as God's Holy People

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Paul writes to the Corinthian church addressing divisions and moral failures that threaten their witness and unity. Previously, he dealt with issues of factionalism and spiritual gifts, setting the stage for practical instructions on living as God's people. Corinth was a wealthy, diverse city with many pagan influences, making the call to holiness especially challenging. This chapter reveals how believers are to handle disputes and live in a way that honors their new identity in Christ, highlighting the importance of internal church discipline and personal purity.

What You'll Learn

• Why Paul urges believers to settle disputes within the church rather than before unbelievers, emphasizing the church’s role as a community of judges.
• How the promise that saints will judge the world and angels elevates the believer’s responsibility to live righteously.
• The serious warning against various sins that exclude people from God’s kingdom, showing the need for repentance and transformation.
• The theological significance of the body as a temple of the Holy Ghost and the call to honor God with our bodies.
• How Christian freedom must be balanced with responsibility to avoid being mastered by anything.
• The assurance of justification and sanctification through Jesus Christ and the Spirit, encouraging believers in their new identity.

Believers are called to holiness, community justice, and honoring God with their bodies as redeemed members of Christ’s kingdom.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

1 Corinthians 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?

1 Corinthians 6:2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

1 Corinthians 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

1 Corinthians 6:4 If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.

1 Corinthians 6:5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

1 Corinthians 6:6 But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.

1 Corinthians 6:7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

1 Corinthians 6:8 Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.

1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

1 Corinthians 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

1 Corinthians 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

1 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.

1 Corinthians 6:13 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.

1 Corinthians 6:14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

1 Corinthians 6:15 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.

1 Corinthians 6:16 What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.

1 Corinthians 6:17 But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

1 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.

1 Corinthians 6:19 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?

1 Corinthians 6:20 For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

1 Corinthians 6:1

Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints?

Study: Paul challenges the Corinthians for taking their disputes before pagan courts instead of resolving them within the church community. This reflects the early church’s expectation that believers, empowered by the Spirit, are capable of judging fairly. God gave this command to preserve the church’s witness and unity, showing that believers should handle conflicts in a way that honors their new identity in Christ.

1 Corinthians 6:2

Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

Study: This verse reveals the astonishing truth that believers will one day judge the world, a promise that elevates their present responsibility. Paul uses this to shame the Corinthians for being unwilling to judge minor disputes among themselves. It reminds readers that their current conduct should reflect their future role in God’s kingdom, encouraging maturity and justice within the church.

1 Corinthians 6:3

Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

Study: Paul intensifies his argument by stating believers will even judge angels, highlighting the immense authority granted to the church. This comparison underscores how much more equipped Christians are to handle earthly matters. The verse teaches that God’s people are called to exercise spiritual discernment and responsibility in daily life, reflecting their heavenly calling.

1 Corinthians 6:4

If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church.

Study: Paul advises that if believers must judge worldly matters, they should appoint the least esteemed in the church to do so, emphasizing humility and practical wisdom. This suggests a structured approach to conflict resolution that avoids pride and division. It also shows God’s concern for order and peace within His covenant community.

1 Corinthians 6:5

I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?

Study: Paul expresses shame that among the Corinthians there is no wise person able to judge disputes, highlighting a spiritual and moral failure. This rebuke reveals the seriousness of their immaturity and the need for godly wisdom. It encourages believers to cultivate wisdom and maturity to uphold justice and unity in the church.

1 Corinthians 6:6

But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.

Study: Paul condemns the practice of believers suing each other before unbelievers, which damages the church’s testimony. This behavior contradicts the unity and love expected within the body of Christ. The verse teaches the importance of resolving conflicts internally to reflect God’s holiness and community.

1 Corinthians 6:7

Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

Study: Paul points out the fault in the Corinthians’ eagerness to litigate rather than suffer wrong or be defrauded, highlighting a lack of humility and grace. This challenges believers to consider the cost of pursuing personal rights over peace. It teaches that sometimes enduring wrong is better for the sake of unity and witness.

1 Corinthians 6:8

Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren.

Study: Paul confronts the Corinthians with the reality that by suing one another, they are actually wronging and defrauding fellow believers. This reveals the spiritual harm caused by selfishness and discord. The verse calls for repentance and a renewed commitment to love and fairness within the church family.

1 Corinthians 6:9

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

Study: Paul warns that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s kingdom, listing specific sins to clarify what behaviors exclude people from salvation. This sober warning serves to correct the Corinthians’ moral laxity and call them to repentance. It also reveals God’s holiness and the necessity of living a transformed life in Christ.

1 Corinthians 6:10

Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Study: The continuation of the sin list emphasizes that persistent sinful behaviors such as theft, drunkenness, and extortion are incompatible with kingdom inheritance. This verse underscores the comprehensive nature of God’s moral standards. It encourages believers to examine their lives and pursue holiness empowered by the Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:11

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

Study: Paul reminds the Corinthians that many of them once practiced these sins but have been washed, sanctified, and justified through Jesus and the Spirit. This verse offers hope and assurance of God’s transformative power. It teaches that past sins do not define believers, but their new identity in Christ does.

1 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.

Study: Paul acknowledges Christian liberty but warns that not all things are beneficial or controlling. This balance teaches responsible freedom, where believers avoid anything that enslaves them. It highlights the New Covenant principle that freedom in Christ must be exercised with wisdom and self-control.

1 Corinthians 6:13

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.

Study: Paul uses the metaphor of food and the body to explain that the body is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord. This imagery connects physical needs with spiritual purpose, emphasizing the body’s sacredness. It teaches that God’s ultimate plan is resurrection and sanctification of the whole person.

1 Corinthians 6:14

And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

Study: Paul affirms the resurrection of Jesus and promises believers will also be raised by God’s power, reinforcing hope beyond physical death. This theological truth undergirds the call to honor God with the body now. It assures believers of God’s power to transform and redeem their entire being.

1 Corinthians 6:15

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.

Study: Paul reminds believers that their bodies are members of Christ, making sexual sin a profound violation of unity with Him. This verse deepens the understanding of the believer’s union with Christ, showing the spiritual gravity of bodily sin. It calls for reverence and purity in how believers treat their bodies.

1 Corinthians 6:16

What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh.

Study: Paul quotes Genesis to explain that joining with a prostitute makes two one flesh, illustrating the spiritual and physical unity involved in sexual relations. This highlights the covenantal nature of the body and sexuality. It warns believers against breaking this sacred bond outside of God’s design.

1 Corinthians 6:17

But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

Study: In contrast, Paul states that those joined to the Lord are one spirit, emphasizing the intimate spiritual union between Christ and believers. This verse reveals the New Covenant reality of spiritual oneness with God. It encourages believers to live in harmony with this union by fleeing sin.

1 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.

Study: Paul commands believers to flee fornication, explaining that sexual sin uniquely harms one’s own body. This verse teaches the serious personal consequences of sexual sin and the need for decisive action to avoid it. It connects physical sin with spiritual and bodily integrity.

1 Corinthians 6:19

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?

Study: Paul declares the believer’s body as the temple of the Holy Ghost, emphasizing God’s indwelling presence and ownership. This profound truth calls believers to honor God by caring for their bodies. It reveals the sacredness of the physical body in the New Covenant and the responsibility it entails.

1 Corinthians 6:20

For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Study: Paul concludes by reminding believers they were bought with a price, Jesus’ sacrifice, and therefore must glorify God in body and spirit. This verse ties redemption to practical holiness, urging believers to live in gratitude and obedience. It encapsulates the chapter’s call to honor God in every aspect of life.

1 Corinthians 6 addresses the Corinthian church’s struggles with internal disputes and immoral behavior, urging believers to resolve conflicts within the church and live holy lives. Paul highlights the believer’s future role as judges of the world and angels, underscoring the responsibility to reflect God’s justice now. He warns against sins that exclude from God’s kingdom and teaches that the body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, calling for purity and honoring God with one’s whole being.

Lord, help us to live as Your holy people, resolving conflicts with wisdom and humility within our community. Teach us to honor You with our bodies, remembering that we are Your temple, bought at a great price. Strengthen us by Your Spirit to flee sin and walk in the newness of life, reflecting Your holiness and love to the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

• Pray for wisdom and humility to resolve any personal conflicts within your church or community.
• Memorize 1 Corinthians 6:19 to remind yourself that your body is God’s temple.
• Reflect on areas where you may be misusing your freedom and ask God for self-control.
• Confess any known sins that separate you from God’s holiness and receive His cleansing.
• Encourage a fellow believer struggling with conflict or sin through prayer and support.
• Journal how your understanding of your body as God’s temple affects your daily choices.
• Worship God for the gift of redemption and the indwelling Holy Spirit empowering your new life.

1 Corinthians 6 calls believers to live as God’s holy people by resolving disputes within the church, fleeing sexual immorality, and honoring God with their bodies. Paul reminds the Corinthians of their future role as judges and the transformative power of Christ’s redemption. This chapter challenges believers to embrace their identity in Christ fully, living with integrity, unity, and reverence for the Holy Spirit dwelling within them.

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