The Body’s Real Purpose (Part 1 of 2)
Context of Sexual Sin in Corinth
Recent chapters in 1 Corinthians address a particular sin rampant in the Corinthian church. In chapter 5, an individual had a sexual relationship with his father's wife—a relationship so egregious that even unbelievers would reject it. Paul instructed that such a person, showing no evidence of saving grace, be put outside the church for the destruction of their flesh, that their spirit might be saved.
Paul also addressed church members suing each other over trivial disputes. Instead of seeking wisdom within the church, they took fellow believers to court, shaming God's glory. He listed the sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who practice homosexuality, the greedy, drunkards, revilers, and swindlers—none of whom will inherit the kingdom of God.
Now, Paul circles back to sexual immorality, teaching that all things have a purpose. We must pursue the purpose for which God designed them, following His owner's manual—the Scriptures.
Pursuing the Intended Purpose
Paul introduces this concept generally, then focuses on the purpose of sex, the body, and intimacy. He lays out three arguments for Godly Christian behavior, especially in romantic relationships. These principles apply broadly, even beyond personal struggles with sexual sin.
First Argument: Refuse Domination (1 Corinthians 6:12)
"All things are lawful for me," but not all things are helpful. "All things are lawful for me," but I will not be dominated by anything.
Many misunderstand this verse, thinking Paul claims total freedom to do anything non-idolatrous. But the quoted phrases echo the Corinthians' own arguments—those who tolerated a man sleeping with his father's wife. Paul, the skilled debater, engages their words: not all things are profitable. Even if lawful, many things harm spirituality and miss God's intended purpose.
He repeats: not all things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated or enslaved. Domination occurs when we ignore an object's design and purpose, seeing creation through our lens rather than God's. Pleasures like food or entertainment can dominate if they control us. Paul refuses this—he controls his body and behaviors.
Things have design and purpose, not random chaos. This leads to verse 13:
The Design of Food and Body (1 Corinthians 6:13-14, 20)
Food is meant for the stomach and the stomach for food—and God will destroy both one and the other. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power... You were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Food fuels life, yet people twist it for pleasure, becoming dominated—like "comfort foods" sought for what only God provides. Test domination by suggesting abstinence; defensiveness reveals enslavement. Food and stomach are temporary—pursuing pleasure there is futile.
Likewise, the body has purpose: for the Lord, to glorify Him. Why do we have bodies, especially for intimacy? To honor God by using them as intended. Deviating brings no eternal value, only temporary pleasure—and sin. Our existence glorifies God; bodily resurrection (contra some Corinthians) confirms its permanence. Bodies vary in shape and size, but all glorify God. Don't let the world define your body—let God.
Second Argument: Avoid Degrading Acts (1 Corinthians 6:15-17)
Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, "The two will become one flesh." But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.
This language reveals our view of Christ and fellow believers. We are members of Christ's body. Uniting those members with a prostitute—anyone open to sexual promiscuity—fornicates, creating "one flesh." This doesn't mean Christ literally fornicates, but highlights our union with Him.
Poor Christology enables sexual sin; a high view of Jesus' holiness repels it. It also degrades the body of Christ collectively—uniting brothers' and sisters' members with a prostitute. Fornication encompasses any sexual act outside marriage between one man and one woman. No "testing waters"—it's uniting Christ's members with sin.
In romantic relationships, even "good Christian" couples face temptation. Accountability is key: public commitment to purity, not hidden "boyfriend/girlfriend" dynamics. Biblical terms emphasize virginity as precious devotion, not worldly shame.
Third Argument: Flee Sexual Sin's Destruction (1 Corinthians 6:18-20)
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. 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, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
Sexual sin uniquely destroys the body, which is the Holy Spirit's temple. Like Israel defiling the temple, we brazenly sin in God's presence. Flee—don't fight. Unlike other battles, don't confront fornication head-on; run like a dog with tail between legs. Resisting directly ensures defeat. The command is clear: flee.
