It's Not About Me - 6:12-20
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Introduction
Introduction
The prevailing message in our culture is that your thoughts, feelings, and desires are more important than anything else.
If you want something, you should have it.
If there is something that offends or frustrates you, it should not exist.
The message we are receiving over and over and over again is that everything is all about me.
The declarations of Scripture stand in stark contrast to this idea.
Consider just one of the many verses with me.
Philippians 2:3
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
Jesus calls us to love our enemies, to do good to others, and to pray for our persecutors.
He challenges us to love better.
VIDEO
The real problem in the Corinthian church, the core of their disunity, was selfishness.
Everyone was putting self ahead of others and the result was spiritual chaos.
Love was missing.
They had bought into a counterfeit love of inclusivity and compromise.
This happens anytime we become self-focused.
In that video we saw questions being asked.
Questions that are of vital importance for each of us.
Those questions are answered in Scripture and should be lovingly communicated by the body of Christ.
Today we are going to work our way through this passage by asking and answering three questions similar to those asked in the video.
There is a problem of focus among Christians today.
The questions we will ask and answer from this passage will teach us to live with a proper focus.
It is when our focus is on Christ that we are able understand life’s deepest questions.
Question #1…
1. Why Do We Exist? vv. 12-14
1. Why Do We Exist? vv. 12-14
Life, considered apart from the Biblical God, is often devoid of meaning or purpose.
Some teach that we exist simply to continue existing.
We get married and have children so that genetics can continue.
Others teach that we exist to get all we can, have as much fun as we can, and then die.
Still others teach that there is some sort of special place reserved for those who do enough.
All of these ideas stand in contrast to Scripture.
In the next three verses we will learn 5 reasons we exist.
Reason #1. We exist…
a. To seek the beneficial v. 12a
a. To seek the beneficial v. 12a
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.
All = all. Everything not specifically prohibited in Scripture is lawful.
Lawful = The use of the word “lawful” indicates the existence of things that are unlawful.
This word means permissible.
If something is not specifically off limits according to Scripture, it is allowed.
If it’s not forbidden, it’s allowed.
BUT
Logical contrastive. Called an adversative conjunction.
One of my favorite Biblical words.
Why?
Because it means something interesting is coming.
Everything not forbidden is permissible. But.
What’s the contrast?
All things are not helpful.
Helpful = profitable. Advantageous for accomplishing a specific end.
It is not enough for something to simply be allowed.
We must seek to discover if it is helpful, profitable, beneficial.
Simply having the freedom to do something doesn’t mean we should!
Is it beneficial?
We exist to seek things that have value and benefit.
Helpful for what?
This is the question.
Within this word “helpful” is contained the idea that we have a job to do and we avoid anything that does not help us get the job done.
Let me give you an example.
A few weeks ago I built this table.
While at the hardware store I saw an incredible table saw. I mean, this thing was fancy.
It could do all sorts of wonderful things.
The problem was… I didn’t need it to build the table.
It was something that could be great. It was even something I wanted.
But.
It wouldn’t be helpful to accomplish the task of building this table.
It was permissible, but not beneficial.
Paul is reminding the Corinthians that we are seeking the beneficial because there is a bigger picture.
What is that bigger picture? We’ll get there.
Seek only what advances the mission.
We exist…
#1. To seek the beneficial.
#2. We exist…
b. To seek the liberating v. 12b
b. To seek the liberating v. 12b
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.
Same words for all and lawful.
Anything not prohibited by Scripture is allowed.
But.
What is it this time?
What are we to consider?
Don’t be controlled by anything.
That’s the idea here.
Don’t be controlled by these things you are allowed to do.
What is Paul thinking of in context?
Earlier in the chapter he discusses sexuality, the desire for wealth and possessions, drinking, and our interactions with others.
All of these things can have a healthy place in the life of the believer.
It is when we allow these things to control us that we cross over into the sinful behavior Paul described earlier.
The issue is one of control.
Look at Ephesians 5:18.
Ephesians 5:18
18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit,
This verse presents a contrast of control.
We can either be controlled by substances, or by the Spirit.
Seek the control of the Spirit, not the control of substances.
When we are controlled by things other than Christ, we cannot advance the mission.
Live in the control of the Holy Spirit.
We exist to…
#1 seek the beneficial.
#2. Seek the liberating.
#3. We exist…
c. To seek the eternal v. 13a
c. To seek the eternal v. 13a
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.
The things of this life are temporary.
Both our food and the stomachs we put it into will one day have an end.
We need to seek the things that last.
Look at Colossians 3:1-4.
Colossians 3:1-4
1 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4 When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
We have been raised with Christ! We seek the things above!
We set our mind, will, and emotions on things of eternal value.
Why?
Because we died with Christ!
Our real life is in Him!
We await the moment when He appears.
We exist to seek the eternal.
This is not to say that we shouldn’t eat.
In fact, Paul is advocating using food and our stomach for its intended purpose.
However, don’t be controlled by your appetite.
Eat what you need and no more.
Don’t allow food to become an idol.
Only spiritual things are eternal.
Are we spending our lives on things of eternal value?
We exist to…
#1. Seek the beneficial.
#2. Seek the liberating.
#3. Seek the eternal.
#4. We exist…
d. To seek the purposeful v. 13b
d. To seek the purposeful v. 13b
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.
This is about our purpose.
The heathen worship present in Corinth at this time was largely focused on sexuality.
This meant that many were coming into the Corinthian church with an improper understanding of sex and sexuality.
Paul is setting down the foundation for what he will discuss later in the book.
Our bodies exist for the Lord.
He cares about what we do with these bodies flesh, blood, and bone.
If we think our bodies exist only for sex or some other physical thing, we have a small view of God’s purpose.
Our bodies exist for the Lord!
He has a plan and purpose for your body that is so much bigger than sex or sexuality!
You exist for Him!
Why do we exist? For the Lord!
We exist for His purpose and glory!
His purpose is so much bigger than the mere urges, desires, and needs of this life.
We live with purpose and that purpose is the advancement of God’s kingdom.
We seek what is purposeful.
A life of purpose is a life focused on Christ.
We must live with purpose. We exist for the Lord.
Our bodies have been created to glorify God, don’t use them for any other purpose.
We exist to…
#1. Seek the beneficial.
#2. Seek the liberating.
#3. Seek the eternal.
#4. Seek the purposeful.
#5. We exist…
e. To seek the resurrection v. 14
e. To seek the resurrection v. 14
14 And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.
Why put this here?
This is a reminder.
We have a purpose. We have an eternal destiny!
One day we will be resurrected. We will stand before Christ!
Are we ready for His coming?
What do we want to be doing when He returns?
It is also a reminder of the power we have access to.
The power that Raised Jesus from the dead will raise us.
That power is at work in you and me.
We exist to spend eternity with Jesus Christ.
He is going to return and call us to be with Him.
Will we be ready?
We exist to…
#1. Seek the beneficial.
#2. Seek the liberating.
#3. Seek the eternal.
#4. Seek the purposeful.
#5. See the resurrection.
That’s question #1. Why do we exist?
Question #2…
2. What Relationships Matter? vv. 15-17
2. What Relationships Matter? vv. 15-17
As Paul continues to address the Corinthian Church and its problems, he zeros in on one particular issue.
It is helpful to remember that this section of the book started in ch. 5.
Paul is still addressing how the church handled the man who was in a sexual relationship with his stepmom.
The Corinthian Church needs clarity in the area of relationships.
Paul gives clear truth regarding two types of relationships.
Relationship type #1…
a. Sexual relationships vv. 15-16
a. Sexual relationships vv. 15-16
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!
This explains why sexual immorality is such a big deal!
Our physical bodies are members of Christ!
We belong to Him!
Do you not know = they know this.
Members - like a body part.
We are the body parts of Christ.
It matters how we use these physical bodies because they belong to Christ!
What will we do with His bodies?
With that connection in mind, do we take Christ and join Him to a prostitute?
Scripture is clear that the only sexual relationship acceptable to God is one man and one woman within the covenant bonds of marriage!
Paul uses a strong negative here.
Me genoito - NASB “may it never be.”
It is completely unacceptable for a child of God to engage a prostitute.
Why?
look at v. 16.
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.”
The act of sexual intimacy is described in Scripture as a “one flesh” experience.
There is something that occurs emotionally and spiritually in that physical moment.
God has designed for this to only take place between husband and wife.
To casually join ourselves in this way is foreign to Scripture.
Our society says that sex isn’t that big a deal.
It is a natural function and urge of the body and should be satisfied.
God says no.
The act of sexual intimacy is a unique and special experience that must not be taken lightly!
Sexual relationships are a big deal and should be treated as such.
God takes them very seriously.
Now, if you are here or listening to this and you have violated God’s design for sexuality, let me speak to you for a minute.
Satan wants to lie to you.
He wants you to think that there is no forgiveness, there is no way back to the Lord.
That is a lie.
1 John 1:9 says this.
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
There is always forgiveness.
When our God forgives, He never remembers our sin again.
There is nothing we can do that He cannot and will not forgive.
Sexual relationships matter.
God cares about your sex life.
He has designed sex in marriage to be a unifying experience.
Scientifically speaking there are bonding chemicals released when a husband and wife enjoy becoming one flesh.
This means sex in marriage is very important. Paul will get to that in ch. 7.
Our sexuality was created to glorify God.
What relationships matter?
Relationship type #1. Sexual relationships.
Relationship type #2…
b. Spiritual relationships vv. 15-17
b. Spiritual relationships vv. 15-17
Let’s read vv. 15-16 again.
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.”
We are in a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Our bodies are members of Him.
The marriage relationship is a “one flesh” experience that was created by God to be exclusive.
These spiritual relationships are important.
Are we spending time developing them?
How much time are we spending with the Lord?
Are we seeking Him in and through His Word?
How much time do we spend with our spouse?
Not just administrating, talking about schedules and logistics, but about our feelings and emotions?
This is vital for a relationship to grow.
You are one flesh with your spouse!
Invest in them.
Look at v. 17
17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.
We are not to be united and attached to a prostitute.
We are to be united and attached to Christ!
When this happens there is a unity that develops.
We are one spirit with the Lord.
His desires have become ours.
We are joined to Him.
Elsewhere Paul describes our new relationship with the words “In Christ.”
Romans 8:1
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.
We are now in Christ Jesus and that relationship gives us a vital connection to Him.
We are one Spirit with Christ.
How can we desire the limited connection of sin when we are connected to the King of kings!
Ephesians 1:3 says that we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ!
We are joined to Him.
We are one Spirit with Him.
That is the relationship that matters most.
Second to it is the relationship we have with our spouse.
What are we doing with these relationships?
Only relationships that are nourished grow.
Relationship with Christ stagnate? Do something to grow it!
Relationship with spouse dry? Water it!
What relationships matter?
Relationship type #1. Sexual relationships.
Relationship type #2. Spiritual relationships.
Question #1. Why do we exist?
Question #2. What relationships matter?
Question #3…
3. Where Does Value Come From? vv. 18-20
3. Where Does Value Come From? vv. 18-20
This is a $1 bill.
It has the value of $1 because it has a 1 right here.
We as a society have agreed to use this as something we exchange for goods or services.
Its value comes from both government and society.
This is a gas can.
This last week its value went up tremendously in some places.
A gas can has value because of what we place inside of it.
These two examples tell us that value can vary based on many different factors.
In the final three verses of this chapter, Paul gives us three sources of value.
Source #1…
a. Value comes from truth v. 18
a. Value comes from truth v. 18
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.
Flee - run away from. Escape.
Sexual activity outside the covenant bonds of Biblical marriage is to be escaped.
Run away from it.
This is how serious we are supposed to take this.
How often do we run toward it instead of away from it?
We try to see how close we can get to the line.
Run the opposite direction.
With all other sin - it is external.
Sexual immorality is a uniquely physical sin.
Science is beginning to show us that there are chemical and physiological things that happen in our bodies with sexual sin that don’t happen with other sins.
Those addicted to sexual sin actually experience neurological damage to their brains!
Damage that takes years to repair once the behavior is ended.
Why is this such a big deal?
Because we have been joined to Christ!
We are His!
Paul will go into more detail in the next verses.
In this point we are asking the question, where does value come from?
Value comes from truth.
What truth does this verse present?
Our culture teaches that sex is no big deal.
Sex is just biology. It’s just something to do.
Sexual sin is a big deal.
Our value doesn’t come from sex or sexuality.
Our value comes from who we are in Christ!
Our value is not about sexual identity, sexual conquest, or sexual experimentation.
Our value comes from being joined to Christ!
Value comes from truth and the only valid source of truth is the Word of God!
When we look to our culture for truth we will inevitable be disappointed.
Scripture is our source for unchangeable truth.
This means that if we want truth, we must get into the Word.
Three sources of value.
Source #1. Value comes from truth.
Source #2…
b. Value comes from ownership v. 19
b. Value comes from ownership v. 19
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?
This is why what we do with our bodies is so important!
In v. 20 we learn that we have been bought at a price!
These bodies that we walk around in are not ours.
This is the temple of the Holy Spirit.
I am not my own.
There is a certain element of value that can come to an item depending on who owned it.
This is especially true when it comes to antiquities.
A pen is just a pen until we find out Edgar Allen Poe used it.
A sword is just a sword until we learn it belonged to George Washington.
The ownership of an item dramatically affects its value.
Who owns you?
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ you are owned by God!
You are not your own!
You are a purchased possession of the King of kings!
In addition to that, God Himself, God the Holy Spirit, lives inside of you!
You are a temple!
If you were to read through the OT you would learn all the requirements that existed for someone to enter the temple.
The laws about purity and washing were extensive.
Why?
Because the temple was where God dwelt.
You are the temple of the living God! Purity is expected.
Violating the purity of the temple is a big deal!
Value comes from ownership.
We are not our own.
Be a worthy temple.
The Holy Spirit lives inside of us, this reality should have a positive affect on our behavior.
Three sources of value.
Source #1. Value comes from truth.
Source #2. Value comes from ownership.
Source #3…
c. Value comes from purpose v. 20
c. Value comes from purpose v. 20
20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
We have been purchased on purpose for a purpose.
Ephesians tells us that we were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world.
You were purchased on purpose.
God knew exactly what you and I would be.
He knew full well the depth of our unworthiness.
He chose us anyway.
Not only did He choose us, He gave His Son to purchase us from sin.
We were bought at a price.
What was the price?
Look at 1 Peter 1:18-19.
1 Peter 1:18-19
18 knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers,
19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.
The purchase price of our freedom from sin was the blood of Jesus.
That is the price that was paid for you and me!
We have been bought by the blood of Christ!
We were purchased on purpose.
We were purchased for a purpose.
What is our purpose?
To glorify God in body and spirit.
“Glorify” is an active imperative.
We glorify God by doing what He has called us to do!
It isn’t about abstaining from the behavior Paul has listed, that’s passive.
Glorifying God is active!
It is about spending our lives in service to Him!
This is not optional for the child of God!
Our value comes from our purpose.
Our purpose is the glory of God.
That is a purpose that has no end and it is a purpose that effects every area of life.
Our purpose is the glory of God.
That purpose is achieved through relationship with Him.
That relationship leads us to proper living, to witnessing, and to time spent with Jesus.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Everything we have looked at drives us to one conclusion.
That conclusion is the title of our message.
It’s not about me.
There is a lot going on in the picture.
Let me break it down.
On one half of the picture is a dark storm, the other side depicts a lush green valley leading to light.
These two opposite sides are separated by a chasm that is almost impossible to cross.
The only point at which the chasm can be crossed is a Cross bridging the gap.
We are born into a life of sin. It is dark and stormy and there is only one hope of escape.
Our hope of escape is Jesus Christ.
It is only through faith in Him that we can cross into abundance and light.
This life is not about me.
It is about Jesus.
It is about helping others get across the gap.
If I am going to fulfill my purpose, I must have answers to life's biggest questions.
Where do we find those answers? In God’s Word.
Why do we exist?
To seek the beneficial, the liberating, the eternal, the purposeful, and the resurrection.
Simply put: We exist to seek things that have eternal significance.
Why? Because one day we will stand in the presence of Jesus Christ.
What relationships matter?
Sexual relationships and Spiritual relationships.
Simply put: Our relationship to Jesus Christ and our spouse take priority.
Why? Because we have been join to Christ and we are one flesh with our spouse.
Where does value come from?
From truth, from ownership, and from purpose.
Simply put: We have been purchased on purpose for a purpose.
Why? Because we were chosen by God and bought by the blood of Jesus Christ. Our responsibility is now to glorify God.
How does this affect me personally?
Flee sexual sin. Pursue Jesus. How? Through Scripture, prayer, church, and fellowship.
How does this affect my relationships?
Jesus comes first. Every relationship should be redemptive. Meaning, I strive to draw others closer to Jesus by being an example of the believer in Word, lifestyle, and attitude.
How does this affect my parenting?
It’s not about you. Parenting is not for the purpose of making you feel validated or loved. Parenting is a Biblical command to raise and train the next generation. Set self aside and parent for the glory of God.
How does this affect my marriage?
After Christ, your spouse is priority #1. Marriage is not about you needs or happiness. Marriage is about serving your spouse to the glory of God. More on that next week.
COMMITMENT:
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Live life in pursuit of eternal things.
Seek a growing relationship with Christ.
Run your race with purpose.
As purchased possessions of Jesus may we live to please Him.