Tradition!

1 Corinthians 11:2-6    
2 Now I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things and keep the traditions just as I delivered them to you. 3 But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. 6 For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. 

The precepts or ordinances given to the church in Corinth dealt with authority and roles of men and women in the church and as in marriage.  The meaning was not to make women second class, but to reinforce the created order of man directly by God’s hand and breath under the Word who made him, with woman out of that man some time afterwards.  This is why the man falls under God’s authority directly, and the woman (wife) directly under him.  The behavior in church described here follows that design with precepts for showing this spiritual “chain of command,” by the cultural method of head covering as submission to the authority, not as a lesser being or of least importance.  

Glorious Imitation

1 Corinthians 10:31 - 11:1    
31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense, either to the Jews or to the Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.   11:1 Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.

We are told to do all for God’s glory, which means not for our own pleasure or gain.  This includes not being offensive in ourselves, but only in the gospel message itself which targets man’s guilt and due judgment.  Therefore, we are to be seeking the good and profitable eternal welfare of others, their salvation from our sin’s punishment of God’s wrath which we all deserve.  We are to do as the example Jesus, Paul, and the other Christ followers gave as recorded in the scriptures.  Those who imitate Christ, in the areas they follow Him, we are to do in the same ways withe same attitude and goal of God’s glory. 

Conscience’s Sake

1 Corinthians 10:27-30    
27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to dinner, and you desire to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no question for conscience’ sake. 28 But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for conscience’ sake; for “the earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness.” 29 “Conscience,” I say, not your own, but that of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man's conscience? 30 But if I partake with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for the food over which I give thanks?

We are at liberty to eat all foods, yet must be aware of the weak consciences of others.  In the example of foods prepared for false gods (common still in the Far East), we don’t ask when offered a meal - unless we are told it is for one of those.  Then we refuse to show them it is wrong and attempt to reach their conscience to see that.  In all other things we give thanks for all God gives.  This can certainly apply to other customs as well, with our conduct of freedom stopping our exercise of it when the gospel and testimony of the true God is at hand.  We love while not condoning evil.  

Lawful or Helpful?

1 Corinthians 10:23-26   
23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. 24 Let no one seek his own, but each one the other's well-being. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake; 26 for “the earth is the Lord's, and all its fullness.” 

We are set free from earning our way to God by the Law, but not from its principles.  To love God with our everything and to then love each other by His love as a fruit of the Spirit in our hearts, so we seek what is best for others in an eternal perspective.  We then can eat anything, but must be sensitive to the conscience of others.  

Idolatry Before a Jealous God

1 Corinthians 10:14-22    
14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to wise men; judge for yourselves what I say. 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.     18 Observe Israel after the flesh: Are not those who eat of the sacrifices partakers of the altar? 19 What am I saying then? That an idol is anything, or what is offered to idols is anything? 20 Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord's table and of the table of demons. 22 Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

Whether idolatry of carved or hewn idols, or of other substance, what we sacrifice to is a substitute for God.  The first commandment speaks of one God and no other to worship.  The example here shows communion in Christ’s body and by His blood precludes fellowship with any false objects of worship, here seen as the gods of the nations around the believers.  Not that those empty idols live or have any power, but the heart of God’s people should be His in practice and example as a witness as well.  Who are we to anger God, the one whose we are, as if we believe we are stronger than what He desires for us?  No, we are to have no other gods except in Christ, and so we remember His sacrifice in the bread and wine, and live dedicated to Him and not to another.  

Tempting Examples

1 Corinthians 10:11-13   
11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.   12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.

The history of the rebellion of God’s people teaches us and corrects us with an eye on eternity.  We only stand firm as we kneel before our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.  In humility we need to acknowledge that we cannot stand in our own power or righteousness, but in Him alone.  Then when we are tempted, we can realize we are no stronger nor weaker than any other, but that we can turn to our Lord by the guidance and power of of His Spirit and Word to escape or bear through the temptations that come upon us.  That is why reading and studying the entire Bible, with fervent prayer and humility, is crucial to walking rightly with our God.  

Tempting Christ

1 Corinthians 10:6-10   
6 Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 And do not become idolaters as were some of them. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” 8 Nor let us commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell; 9 nor let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents; 10 nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer.

The example of those who were set free from bondage in Egypt, from sin in a symbolic sense, shows us how easy it is to go back to our own gods of self instead of waiting patiently in hope on the Creator and Sustainer of our souls.  They ended up in more and more sin with their idol of gold, until many were punished by death.  They tempted Christ and the serpent began to kill as begun in Eden, until they by faith looked up to the one on a tree for deliverance.  They complained about the sameness of the miraculous manna to sustain them for 40 years instead of being thankful... So we must not desire wrongly as they did, not substitute anything for God and His will.  In our patience we possess our souls.  

Rock of Baptism

1 Corinthians 10:1-5    
1 Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, 2 all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5 But with most of them God was not well pleased, for their bodies were scattered in the wilderness.

The Israelites were baptized or immersed in God’s grace of deliverance (salvation) by passing through the parted waters of the Red Sea, and in the cloud of God’s presence leading in the day and over the tabernacle.  They ate of God’s word and manna for spiritual and physical food, they drank from Christ’s mercy, the true Rock from which the water of life would flow as later explained to Nicodemus.  But they did not trust and obey, they did not have the faith of Moses or Abraham who “believed God and it was accounted to him as righteousness.”  This is why they wandered for 40 years in the desert until they most all died.  Only the few who believed lived.  So only those trusting Christ and His finished work now will live in His presence with no veil to separate. This is good news! 

Run to the Prize

1 Corinthians 9:24-27   
24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. 26 Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. 27 But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

Here is motivation to persevere; when life in Christ is seen with a goal, and that goal is the heavenward call of God in Christ, then strength from Him and the will to press homeward as best we can is found.  We are told to run to win what does not rot or fade like Greek prizes on the head or self-satisfying trophies.  No, we are to have the absolute goal of certain eternity for God’s glory motivate us, fighting the good fight to the last breath beyond physical and spiritual measure, daily conquering sin and self so we can please God with the words of life, the gospel of salvation.  Disqualification is giving into failure instead of getting up, dying daily, and being resolute in following Christ.  We run to win for Him. 

Adapting and Overcoming

1 Corinthians 9:19-23   
19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel's sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.

Freedom in Christ does not negate empathy and cultural understanding to best communicate the gospel  without being offensive.  Paul did not live lawlessly, yet did not push the laws over grace to the non-Jews.  Likewise, he respected the background of the fellow Jews as he spoke to them from the traditions and culture of his fathers.  But he put his Heavenly Father first by staying true to the gospel and its holiness from the heart into action.  He did all this to bring the grace of God’s mercy in the gospel of Christ to all.  So should we serve all to win their hearts to God in Him by the good message we bring, not preaching culture, but the unifying grace of salvation.  

Gospel Necessity

1 Corinthians 9:15-18   
15 But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things that it should be done so to me; for it would be better for me to die than that anyone should make my boasting void. 16 For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship. 18 What is my reward then? That when I preach the gospel, I may present the gospel of Christ without charge, that I may not abuse my authority in the gospel.

Though Paul had every right by scriptural example, he chose to not take wages for bringing the gospel, instead working as a tentmaker.  He did this to avoid being seen as holding this over others, as being deserving or authoritatively expecting to receive something in return.  He willingly was sold out to Christ and His gospel, not because he had to, but because the love of his Savior compelled him.  It was necessary and of his desire to preach the gospel at any cost, knowing there was no boasting because it was Christ working through him.  We also should never think we just “have to” preach the gospel, but it should be the driving love of God in us to be able to do nothing less.  

Don’t Muzzle the Ox!

1 Corinthians 9:8-14  
 8 Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.” Is it oxen God is concerned about? 10 Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it a great thing if we reap your material things? 12 If others are partakers of this right over you, are we not even more?   Nevertheless we have not used this right, but endure all things lest we hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who minister the holy things eat of the things of the temple, and those who serve at the altar partake of the offerings of the altar? 14 Even so the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should live from the gospel.

Paul continues to show from scripture that we who labor in the gospel do so first of all in hope, knowing the work is never for nothing, no matter the opposition or hardship.  Yet he also reminds those being ministered to that they should be meeting the needs of those doing the work of that ministry.  Paul and the others worked to sow and reap in the Corinthians, and lived from the gospel in spiritual ways and in physical by food and shelter to sustain them.  He summarized by saying that preachers live from the gospel for the work of ministry to continue.  That pattern holds today - not to get rich, but to be dedicated to Christ’s work. 

Called and Commissioned

1 Corinthians 9:1-7    
1 Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you. For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 3 My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we have no right to eat and drink? 5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have no right to refrain from working? 7 Who ever goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?

Paul was called and commissioned by Christ Himself on the Damascus Road, seeing Him there in that blinding light.  The Corinthians were fruit of his labor, demonstrating his apostleship.  To answer their criticism of his eating in freedom, no longer under the Law, to answer why he taught it is best to remain single to mind God’s work yet have a wife, to address the accusations that he did not have to work or earn his way with the gospel — these he defended in truth and directness.  He used examples of funded armies and being fed from he flock tended to show that God arranged those who labor in His work should be sustained by it and those being ministered to. 

Free Not to be a Stumbling Block

1 Corinthians 8:9-13   
9 But beware lest somehow this liberty of yours become a stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 For if anyone sees you who have knowledge eating in an idol's temple, will not the conscience of him who is weak be emboldened to eat those things offered to idols? 11 And because of your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you thus sin against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble.

Being set free from sin’s penalty of God’s wrath does not make us free to cause others to stumble.  Here it is the freedom to eat any food, but not when others see it was for idolatrous use by some.  Just because we have knowledge of freedom does not negate our duty to love others and be sensitive until they see that same freedom.  As we mature in Christ, some things we are offended by become non-essentials.  What is essential is love that does no harm to a neighbor.  We must control our liberty out of concern for our brothers, not wounding their consciences.  Let all things be done in Christ’s love.

Idle Idols

1 Corinthians 8:4-8   
4 Therefore concerning the eating of things offered to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is no other God but one. 5 For even if there are so-called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), 6 yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live.   7 However, there is not in everyone that knowledge; for some, with consciousness of the idol, until now eat it as a thing offered to an idol; and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But food does not commend us to God; for neither if we eat are we the better, nor if we do not eat are we the worse.

The problem in Corinth with all the false gods was the amount of food dedicated to them for sale, much like the Muslim’s food they make to give to others.  We do not partake if told, yet can certainly eat all food the one God made.  He is the only God whom created and sustains everyone and everything.  Not all know that, and willingly eat what is made to honor another so-called god by eating its sacrifices.  We should eat as God gives, but not knowingly to honor one as if it was the Creator and Lord.  In the end again, the food has no power in it, so we can eat all He made, yet need to know what honors God and honor Him, especially before others to testify of His glory.  

Love Knows Him

1 Corinthians 8:1-3    
1 Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

In beginning to talk about idols and freedom in Christ, Paul looks first at the heart attitude.  Simply knowing about Christian liberty and missing the love of God for others in our actions simply misses the mark.  Knowledge by itself leads to pride, which is ironic since we know nothing that God does not first give us to know.  Pride leaves God aside to credit oneself instead.  If we know God’s love and then love others because of and by means of His love, then our knowledge has value as seen in our application to others in humility.  If we know God, we can love; if we are able to love rightly, it is proof we know Him.  In He matter of idols in the verses to follow, we will see how to put our freedom and knowledge under love’s dominion. 

Steadfast Will

1 Corinthians 7:36-40   
36 But if any man thinks he is behaving improperly toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of youth, and thus it must be, let him do what he wishes. He does not sin; let them marry. 37 Nevertheless he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity, but has power over his own will, and has so determined in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well. 38 So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.   39 A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. 40 But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my judgment—and I think I also have the Spirit of God.

Continuing from the previous verses, this passage fits best as addressing a man marrying if the passions cannot be controlled to live a single life.  At that point it is better to marry than eventually fall into sin.  But those who can stay the course alone without overwhelming desires and a will to remain single can do so to serve God alone.  Then he addresses widows along a similar line, advising to remain single even though she can remarry a believer.  Paul still believes it is best to stay as a widow and devote herself to God.  The underlying theme is to serve God in holiness and commitment without distraction when possible. 

Careless Marriage Concerns

1 Corinthians 7:32-35    
32 But I want you to be without care. He who is unmarried cares for the things of the Lord—how he may please the Lord. 33 But he who is married cares about the things of the world—how he may please his wife. 34 There is a difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares about the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares about the things of the world—how she may please her husband. 35 And this I say for your own profit, not that I may put a leash on you, but for what is proper, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction.

Paul again shows singleness and marriage as what can be used for His glory as he speaks of worry and divided cares.  We certainly can be devoted to the Lord and married, and the single may be tempted and be better off married, yet in either case we must put Christ first to be without care or distraction from the eternal.  We can do all things in Him.  This passage is not saying it is bad to be married and we can do so much more as unmarried, but that we must not allow trials and cares of this life to choke out God’s work in and through us. 

Called Contentment

1 Corinthians 7:25-31   
25 Now concerning virgins: I have no commandment from the Lord; yet I give judgment as one whom the Lord in His mercy has made trustworthy. 26 I suppose therefore that this is good because of the present distress—that it is good for a man to remain as he is: 27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be loosed. Are you loosed from a wife? Do not seek a wife. 28 But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have trouble in the flesh, but I would spare you.   29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short, so that from now on even those who have wives should be as though they had none, 30 those who weep as though they did not weep, those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, those who buy as though they did not possess, 31 and those who use this world as not misusing it. For the form of this world is passing away.

The principle here is to be content in our calling, married or single.  To serve God fully and avoid the distress the increasingly evil world brings up, it may be best for some to even remain single to avoid what comes upon the children (“woe to those in those days”).  Because the time grows short and this world and its system is passing away while we head for eternity, it behooves is to focus on that upward call of Christ as we run this race, not allowing the distress around us to make us lose sight of making disciples and glorifying God.  What we do leverage in this world must be by God’s standards for eternal gain, not for ourselves in the now.  Godliness with contentment is such great eternal gain! 

Live as Called

1 Corinthians 7:20-24   
20 Let each one remain in the same calling in which he was called. 21 Were you called while a slave? Do not be concerned about it; but if you can be made free, rather use it. 22 For he who is called in the Lord while a slave is the Lord's freedman. Likewise he who is called while free is Christ's slave. 23 You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men. 24 Brethren, let each one remain with God in that state in which he was called.

We are to be content in what gives us in life, striving only in pursuit of godliness and God’s glory.  The station in life is not the pursuit, but the means.  We should use that in our calling.  These verses do not condone slavery, as some may attempt to do, but rather show the personal response from within that abominable state.  Of course, slavery here was either willing bondslaves of their own people, or sometimes conquered people in the Roman world, and not the more egregious form of the past few hundred years.  Nonetheless, slavery is contrasted with freedom in Christ, and so we individually serve Christ in that freedom while corporately stand against the stain of human bondage that is opposed to the One who sets us free.  But do not forget that we are slaves of righteousness and of Christ, He being our Lord and Master, yet He is no human slaver, but compassionate and good.

Obedient to the Call

1 Corinthians 7:17-19   
17 But as God has distributed to each one, as the Lord has called each one, so let him walk. And so I ordain in all the churches. 18 Was anyone called while circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised. Was anyone called while uncircumcised? Let him not be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.

God calls us out individually and gives the appropriate gifts and talents, and also calls us to walk out these with Him.  The example here was for Jew and Gentile, as to being called out in Christ as circumcised to be associated as one of God’s people or not circumcised as one of His.  The bottom line here is to be called as God’s to follow Him as we trust and obey Jesus Christ, God’s Son and our redeemer.  What makes us His people is His calling us to be His, not our own identification or decision.  So we live as called without trying to be Jewish or Gentile, but Christ’s. 

Marriage Grace

1 Corinthians 7:12-16   
12 But to the rest I, not the Lord, say: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is willing to live with him, let him not divorce her. 13 And a woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is willing to live with her, let her not divorce him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. 15 But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart; a brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace. 16 For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save your husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save your wife?

Paul continues on marriage with a believer married to an unbeliever after finishing the direction for believers who separate, to stay single or reconcile. Then he says even an unbeliever is not to be abandoned by divorce, letting God’s grace keep the marriage unless the unbeliever leaves.  We for our part are not to do so.  This the children can be kept in contact with God to become holy and possibly believers as well. We cannot make the unbeliever believe, so if they do choose to go, our arguments against that never guarantee salvation. 

Control and Marriage

1 Corinthians 7:8-11    
8 But I say to the unmarried and to the widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am; 9 but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. 10 Now to the married I command, yet not I but the Lord: A wife is not to depart from her husband. 11 But even if she does depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a husband is not to divorce his wife.

For the unmarried, they can serve God well if they can remain so, no matter if they were married before or not.  Yet the reality of God’s design and our desires makes it most often best to marry; here it is also pointed out that a gauge of this is our desires.  Since most of us marry, we are told to stay together as God brought us (just as He brought us to Christ as His bride and are to remain).  Yet if this happens and one leaves, reconciliation is the best outcome.  What He brings together must remain so, whether with Him or a spouse. 

Marriage Intimacy

1 Corinthians 7:5-7  
5 Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6 But I say this as a concession, not as a commandment. 7 For I wish that all men were even as I myself. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that.

For those who are married, we must not withhold intimacy for too long in order to avoid temptation, because even the best self-control has limits.  Satan loves to take advantage of our weak nature, making us pridefully ignore this, but God reminds us to keep our temple clean with an undefined bed.  Paul says this for our good, based on our fallen nature and the battles we wage in our old nature.  Not all can fight such desires to be so committed to God alone to be single, for that is not a common gift, so we protect what God has called us to in imitation of the church as Christ’s bride.  Notice also that when we do abstain for a short time, it is to allow us to deepen our relationship with God in prayer and fasting.

Marriage Authority

1 Corinthians 7:1-4   
1 Now concerning the things of which you wrote to me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, because of sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.

The Corinthians asked Paul about what God wanted them to do about relationships between men and women, and he began with the hands off approach.  He meant they should not get intimate unless married, and if the urges grew strong, to marry for the designed moral place for intimacy.  Couples then give each other that affection, not to others.  It comes down to authority as God has over us; in marriage, each has authority over the other in matters of the body for intimacy.  We do not flirt with other false gods or idols (having been joined to Christ as His bride), and we must not in the marriage realm either.  Holy is the marriage covenant, just as we are to be holy for our Lord in union with Him. 

Run From Immorality

1 Corinthians 6:18-20    
18 Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19 Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God's.

Sexual sins desecrate our bodies which are the temples where God lives as the Holy Spirit.  By using what is set apart for God for our own pleasures which are unholy (not set apart by God’s standards), we rebel against His authority and design for what is good for us as well.  We do not even own our own lives, and are set free from sin to stay away from it.  Who would want to be released from a death sentence in prison and then murder again to return?  Jesus Christ bought us from sin at the price of His life, giving up His position in the heavens for the years of suffering on earth for us.  We are His by design and by reconciling redemption.  How can we treat that immense and invaluable grace with impunity?  

Holiness to the LORD

1 Corinthians 6:15-17    
15 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 harlot? Certainly not! 16 Or do you not know that he who is joined to a harlot is one body with her? For “the two,” He says, “shall become one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.

Since we have become united with Christ in the spirit, we are each part of His body as the church.  This is why we cannot go to a prostitute to pay for the passing pleasures of sin while submitting Christ and other believers as His body to such unholy unions.  When God created sex, it is for joining together for life to one other, not to many.  Therefore, we are to be joined to one Lord as well, and that is what it means to be holy - set aside for that one only.  Since we are one with Christ and our bodies are the temple we worship Him in, where His glory comes to permanently rest and reside as was temporary with Moses, so must we worship in the beauty of “Holiness to the Lord” written inside on our minds and hearts as the Levitical priests used to wear outwardly on their heads to make us acceptable to the Lord.

Exodus 28:36-38   36 “You shall also make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet:HOLINESS TO THE LORD. 37 And you shall put it on a blue cord, that it may be on the turban; it shall be on the front of the turban. 38 So it shall be on Aaron's forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things which the children of Israel hallow in all their holy gifts; and it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord.

Lawful Freedom

1 Corinthians 6:12-14   
12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 13 Foods for the stomach and the stomach for foods, but God will destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14 And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.

While we are free from sin and the power of the Law, what we do either is helpful as it honors God, or it is destructive for us.  What we allow to dominate us becomes our idol, and violates the first commandment.  What we take in matters; this is true for physical and spiritual matters.  The body itself is to be set aside for God first and our spouse second, and there is no third.  We do not serve the pleasure of our own worship and gratification, but the living God.  We will be resurrected and face Him forever, so the direction of our thoughts and actions of life should be guided by the freedom from sin to be holy for Him.