1 Corinthians - Verse by Verse Study - Chapter 7

1 Corinthians 7:1
Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.

We are now given the information that at some point after Paul had moved on in his ministry from Corinth, that the saints at Corinth had some questions for him. They wrote these in a letter and had it sent to Paul, so he is going to address those things beginning in this chapter. First on the list, it is apparent that some saints were questioning marriage. They either wanted to know if it was okay that a man not get married and have children or if it was better to marry. We don't have the exact question, but I can't imagine why else Paul would both share God's view and his own regarding the marriage relationship in terms of the physical. Paul gives them both the physical and spiritual reasons for his statements in these next few verses.

We may not have record of what the Corinthian saints wrote specifically, but I can imagine what may have been happening and going through their heads. Remember, by God's own words that "there is nothing new under the sun" (Ecc 1:9), and that these people faced much of the same things that we face today. Don't let technology fool you that we are far and above the ancient cultures. These were still real people, in real places, experiencing very similar needs as we do today. Some may have been questioning, "God says children are a blessing and to be fruitful and multiply, but I don't know if I want to bring children into this kind of a world. Is it okay if I don't get married or have children? What does God think about that?" Remember that this was around the time of Nero, and the Roman culture wasn't particularly kind to bible believing Christians. From another angle, some men may have been having problems finding a wife and now they were getting up there in years. Perhaps they were thinking "What if I don't ever get married? Is that okay?" I could speculate all day, but I want us to wrap our brains around the fact that these people faced difficulties and brought their questions to the spiritual authorities just like what happens today. God alone knows the specifics, but let us reap the benefits by getting the same counseling they did.

We see that in God's eyes, during this age of grace, celibacy is okay. It may have been okay under the Law also, but I would hesitate to say so for one reason. Yes, the culture was quite different, as we see throughout what is called the Old Testament, but the major reason is because the Christ child hadn't been born yet (Gen 3:15). Many times we see woman desperate or excited to have baby boys (Eve, Sarah, Leah, Rachel, Hannah, etc.) because they were looking for that Christ child. Still, we have the assurance in this verse, that if one doesn't "touch a woman" it is counted as "good." There is no law against remaining single.

1 Corinthians 7:2
Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.

Even though it is good to be single, we still live in these bodies of flesh that were cursed since Adam disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. They will lust after each other. God instituted marriage as the only safe haven for a sexual relationship from the beginning. Note the words carefully in this verse, to avoid fornication. The words to follow are going to say the only ways of avoiding fornication. They are that the man (husband) has his own wife, and the woman has her own husband. That's it. Sexual activity is ONLY for the marriage covenant, which was established by God and made for one man and one woman (Gen 2:24, Mark 10:2-9). Any sexual activity outside of the marriage covenant is labeled fornication according to God.

Despite this hard and fast rule, there will still be those thinking, "how far can we go and still be safe?" That question really comes up with anything labeled as a sin in the bible and not just fornication as is the subject in this verse. I'll answer the question this way: If anyone has that thought of "how far can I/we go?", lust has already taken a hold. If you know the rule and recognize that that question is trying to figure out a way to break the rule, run the other direction before sin is committed and some undesired consequences occur. Pray immediately and bring it to God. As we just read in this verse, to avoid fornication, get married. The marriage bed is undefiled (Heb 13:4). Don't try to think of any other way to have some sort of sexual relationship. We'll also see this idea expounded in the next few verses. Everything is fornication in regard to sexual activity outside of marriage, so just avoid it for the sake of your conscience and your testimony.

One thing to point out in the original language is that these are imperative verbs, that the man has his own wife and the wife has her own husband.

1 Corinthians 7:3
Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.

Marriage is a relationship ordained of God and esteemed highly when it is carried out according to God. No matter what the world or culture may say, here is God's definition:

Genesis 2:24 - Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh

They shall be one flesh. Man and woman united in marriage no longer live to the self, but to each other, and that before God. As we were just told, the marriage bed is undefiled, meaning sexual activity is only allowed to be enjoyed within the marriage relationship of one man and one woman. Here, we read a detail of the marriage covenant that is often forgotten or taken for granted. The husband should give what is owed to his wife and the wife should give what is owed to her husband. That begs the question, "What is owed?" The answer should be clear: It's their very selves. Remember, "they shall be one flesh." Marriage in God's eyes isn't this "give and take" relationship our culture may portray. It's just "give."

When we look at the original language, I think the idea of this verse becomes much clearer. The command (imperative verb) is present for the word apodidomi. That word has the meaning to give back, which is the literal interpretation of the two words that make it up (apo = away from, didomi = give). What are they giving back? The Greek word is opheile (off-eye-lay), which has the meaning of what is due, a duty, a debt. A more rough interpretation could be this:

Husband, give back what is due to your wife, and wife, do likewise to your husband.

If there is any question as to why I would suggest that what is owed is the entire self, let's take a look at the next verse.

1 Corinthians 7:4
The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.

Does this not further emphasize the complete, 100% giving of the husband to the wife, and the wife to the husband? The idea of power in this verse is authoritative, as it comes from the Greek exousiazo. The wife isn't the only one exercising authority over her own body, and likewise, the husband isn't the only one exercising authority over his own body. Who else could possibly have the authority? As we've seen, the wife has authority on the husband's body and the husband has authority on the wife's body. That pretty much covers the whole self, doesn't it? Again, we're just seeing the idea of the two becoming one flesh played out a bit.

Now this verse does not give husbands the liberty or license to dictate what their wife does, nor does it do the same for the wife to dictate everything their husband does. God's view is clear in this: that it is more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35). The mind should be esteeming the other higher than the self (Phil 2:3-4). If we're dictating what the other is doing, where is the focus? Is that not selfish? Some may think, "Well, what if my spouse withholds their self from me?" God will answer that question next.

1 Corinthians 7:5
Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.

The only time to refrain from sexual relations is during mutual consent, and that temporarily. Things will come up. Illness, grief of a lost relative, lack of privacy, aches, pains, and more can put a strain on the husband and wife relationship. All of these things should be brought before God in prayer, respecting your spouse for the time. When the opportunity is right, though, enjoy the freedom God provides in the marriage relationship. Here we have further exhortation from God that spouses should not withhold themselves too long, so that Satan doesn't tempt us due to the lusts of the flesh.

Lust of the flesh may be a difficult subject for many, but let's not be afraid of it. Rather, let's get God's perspective and be at ease about it. First, what do we know? We live in bodies that lust after each other because of the Fall in the Garden of Eden. Because of Adam, sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned (Rom 5:12). We all deal with it, and know the lusts of the flesh as they are told us in Galatians 5:19-21.

19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

That list is full of things our bodies want to do or gravitate to when apart from God. As it says in this list, those that are identified as one of those entities will not inherit the kingdom of God. That is because they have rejected God's free offer of life through faith in Christ's shed blood as their atoning sacrifice. Now, we looked at a list like this in chapter 6, so we know that saints were some of these things. Saints are no longer identified with the works and lusts of the flesh, because they are now born of the Spirit. We know our flesh will want to do these things even after the moment of faith in Christ and His atoning sacrifice, but since we have trusted in the shed blood of Christ on the cross, and the Holy Spirit of God lives in us (Eph 1:12-14), we no longer need to obey the flesh and its lusts. Both of those are rendered idle, though we sill live in the fleshly body (Rom 6:1-14).

Did you notice the first two entries on that list in Galatians 5:19-21? Adultery and fornication. According to what we've read in this chapter, how do we avoid fornication? By being married prior to sexual relations. How do we avoid adultery? By spouses not withholding themselves from each other for too long, or for selfish reasons, as God tells us in this verse. My friends, Satan knows the weakness of the flesh and will exploit it whenever possible. So my exhortation to you is to be aware of Satan's devices, and obey the Word of God. All lusts of the flesh may be avoided, as God will provide a way out (1 Cor 10:13).

1 Corinthians 7:6
But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

What is coming now is Paul's personal thoughts. The first five verses were doctrine direct from God, and now Paul is inspired to share a part of himself. These are part of the inspired and inerrant word of God (2 Tim 3:16), so we would do well to pay attention to this verse to understand its purpose, and not throw it away as "not inspired" as I've heard some say. Just because it is Paul speaking doesn't mean it's just man's opinion to be thrown away. This is part of scripture, and therefore inspired of God and profitable for us.

As much as some may elevate the apostle Paul, he was still just a man. He had a very important job to do, and he strove to complete his task with unwavering faith. Even so, he was still a man. Here, God is inspiring him to share his opinion on the subject matter.

The word "But" at the beginning of the verse is translated from the Greek "de." It could be rendered "But now" or just "Now" as it is more emphatic than the English word lets on. Also, the same word "kata" is translated first as "by" and then "of". We could render this verse this way as a more literal interpretation:

This now I speak according to permission, not according to commandment.

God gave Paul permission so speak his heart here, and did not issue this command to the church, which is His Body.

1 Corinthians 7:7
For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.

We get a little insight into Paul's life here in this verse. He only states that he wishes everyone were like him, but concedes that God graces each person as God sees fit. In the context, we can understand he's talking about the marriage relationship. We're going to find out definitively that he wasn't married as defined in the next verse, although we can even infer that from this verse.

Now, why would he wish that all mankind were single? We will see by the end of this chapter, but it has to do with focusing on God and heavenly things. It's easier to focus on God when one isn't looking after the affairs of a family. Paul knew that time was short even then. Jesus Christ told Paul that He would return to call the believing souls in the gospel of His grace home to Heaven with a shout, but didn't say anything was coming before that (1 Thess 4:13-17). Any moment, Christ can say, "Enough. Sound the trumpet," and all believers are with Him in Heaven in the twinkling of an eye (1 Cor 15:51-52). Now, with that kind of urgency, we can understand why the apostle would desire believers to remain single and preach the gospel of Christ Jesus before the age of grace comes to an end. It would do us all good to consider the urgency, despite the age of grace going on for nearly 2000 years (Eph 5:15-16).

Even with the sense of urgency, after Paul made his desire known, the apostle does concede that every man is given a special grace by God. Not all men will be like him, and he knows that. God is sovereign and knows what He is doing. I just want to be clear that there is absolutely no doctrine that men have to be celibate if preaching the word of God. It is Paul's desire, as a man, not an apostle with a message from God, that people would remain single for the purpose of making the gospel of God's grace known. There is at least one religion that would teach otherwise, but they do err in knowledge of what scripture is saying.

Also, I wanted to point out that the plural "men" here is the Greek anthropos, so it referencing all of mankind, and not just males. The single "man" is the Greek hekastos, which has the idea of "each one." There is no distinction of man or woman in this verse.

1 Corinthians 7:8
I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, It is good for them if they abide even as I.

Again, we have the assurance that marriage is not a necessity in this life. It is deemed "good" for those who are not married, or those who are widowed, to remain single, just like Paul. He just conceded that he wanted all to be like he was, single, but knew that God gave different ministries to each person. Because of that reason, he encourages those who are not married or who are now widowed to remain that way, that they may focus on God that much more.

If we look back to verse 1 we see a common theme. We can interpret verse 1 as being a command from God, that it is considered good for a man not to touch a woman. Some may think that God doesn't seem to care for more babies then, but that's not what this is saying as we continue in the context. We know that God's desire from the beginning was that there would be many people filling the earth (Gen 1:28). However, sin changed things. God still wants many people, but we can't forget He is a just God and can't abide with sin. He wants relationship with people, but people lost that through sin. God is not to blame. It was mankind's choice to sin as clearly portrayed in Genesis 2 and 3. God went to such a length that Christ died for the ungodly, and God was in Christ on the cross, reconciling the world to Himself (Rom 5:8, 2 Cor 5:19). He did all the work necessary to be both just and justifier of sinners that do one thing: Believe. The only way for that relationship to be restored is through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross as payment for sin.

Back to the subject at hand, the apostle is letting us know that it is his desire that the unmarried and widows would remain single for the purpose of focusing on God and heavenly things (1 Cor 7:32-33).

1 Corinthians 7:9
But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.

Paul is not ignorant of the weakness of the flesh. He also knows that God graces us with different things, one of which could be a spouse and children. So he allows that if a man and woman can't contain themselves, they should marry. Why? To avoid fornication, to allow a righteous outlet, and as he says, they will no longer "burn."

It may appear that the act of marriage is sinful. It's not. Sexual activity is fine as long as it is between husband and wife. But again, that's not the point of this verse. Paul is wanting all saints to live a godly life and have a good testimony for a world that desperately needs to understand the gospel of the grace of God. If a man and woman are having difficulty refraining themselves from sexual activity, and they are not married, why continue in temptation of fornication? Marry and remain godly. That is how it is "better." Remaining in obedience to God's word is a far better testimony than being saved and living in sin. We don't want our brother to stumble in faith because of our action, do we? Even if our salvation doesn't depend on our works, don't we share God's desire in that we want all saved and come to the accurate knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4)? Then let us act in accordance with God's word.

Some things that may not be apparent in the original language is the emphasis at the beginning of this verse and the imperative to marry. The first two words of the verse come from the Greek "ei de", which is to be understood as "now if what follows is fact." What follows? The Greek ouk (not) and egkrateuomai (to exercise self control). We could then render the first half of the verse this way:

Now if it's true they cannot control themselves, marry.

The second half of this verse is word for word with the Greek.

1 Corinthians 7:10
And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:

Paul clearly makes the transition of citing his opinion to letting us know that this next command is from Jesus Christ. Remember that Paul received his ministry directly from the risen and glorified Jesus Christ (Gal 1:11-12). This is just the beginning of the idea, the rest being in verse 11. Wives, God is telling you not to depart, or literally be separated, from your husband. For the reason why, we can go all the way back to Genesis 2:24. However, since I've been over that already, let's look at Jesus quote it during His earthly ministry:

Mark 10:2-9
2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife? tempting him.
3 And he answered and said unto them, What did Moses command you?
4 And they said, Moses suffered to write a bill of divorcement, and to put her away.
5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.
6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.
7 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife;
8 And they twain shall be one flesh: so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.
9 What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

Now, I put that emphasis on Mark 10:9, but we would do well to note that our marriage is allowed to happen because God brought it to be. Who are we to separate what God joined together? Is that act not rebellious? Remember, testimony is a big deal to God, so let us walk according to the Spirit and not tarnish both our testimony and the word of God.

The Greek has the word "de" translated as "and" at the beginning of this verse, so the original is more emphatic than the English lets on. Also, the last part of this verse literally translated is, "Wife, from of the husband not to be separated."

1 Corinthians 7:11
But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.

God knows that the sad state of separation will happen to spouses because of the infirmity of the flesh. It would do the bible student well to read Mark 10:5 once again.

Mark 10:5 And Jesus answered and said unto them, For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept.

It's God's desire that divorce never happens, but we do live in sin-cursed bodies and are prone to sin. So what do we do when he hardness of our heart takes over? We learn that God does give just one situation where He allows for divorce in Matthew 5:31-32.

31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Those that understood the Law and understood the character of God knew this. No one was to divorce their spouse or they would cause others to partake in adultery in the eyes of God. However, fornication would be the exception. Take Joseph, the husband of Mary for instance:

Matthew 1;18-19
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.

Joseph though there was fornication going on with Mary as she was with child before he had been with her. God made sure he understood that she was with child from the Holy Ghost in Matthew 5:20-21.  We see Joseph stay with Mary (vs 24), now that he knew this was an act of God and not fornication.

Fornication is one sin that is mentioned as one to "flee from". We read about that in 1 Cor 6:18. Some other verses that talk of fornication are Acts 15:20, 1 Cor 10:8, Gal 5:19, Eph 5:3, Col 3:5, 1 Thess 4:3. In every one of those verse, it should become obvious that fornication is an abhorrent thing of the flesh. As believers, we should walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh (Rom 8:4, Gal 5:16-25), meaning live each day in God's ways and not man's ways.Therefore, He gives us His command that should a wife be separated, she should either stay unmarried or go back to her husband.

Husbands don't get a free pass either. God is no respecter of persons, so He ends His command by reminding the husbands they are held to the same accountability.

1 Corinthians 7:12
But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.

Once more we transition from direct command of God to Paul being inspired to share his thoughts. When I look at how this verse begins, I asked what "rest" is he speaking of? I would think within the context it must be the rest of the questions referred to in verse 1 that concern marriage that the Corinthian saints wrote to him. He's not writing about a different topic yet, nor was he writing to a specific group prior to this verse (married, unmarried, husbands, wives). Rather, he is covering the topic of the marriage relationship broadly and continues with that in this verse and, I believe, through verse 39.

Now, to maintain peace, a believing husband should not divorce his unbelieving wife if she is content to remain with him. We will see the flip side of this in the next verse. I'm sure Paul is sharing this based on what he was shown by Christ Himself. He writes in Romans 12:18

If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

The word "men" in that verse refers to all mankind and not just males. Does divorce exude peace? Of course not. Then if it's possible to remain peaceful, the believing husband should not divorce his unbelieving wife. We will get the reasoning why in verse 14.

1 Corinthians 7:13
And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.

Again, we know that God is no respecter of persons, so if the believing husband should not leave his unbelieving wife, the believing wife should not leave her unbelieving husband if the unbeliever is willing to remain with the believer. All of this is to maintain peace within the family, and because of the testimony involved.

1 Corinthians 7:14
For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.

So here is the reasoning for the spouse that was once an unbeliever but now is a believer should stay with the still unbelieving spouse, and that is for the sake of the children. This shouldn't take much of a stretch of the imagination, as we see it all too often in today's culture. Divorce kills families and leaves scars. It causes strife and division. Even if the husband and wife leave on "decent" terms, think about the impact to the children. Now they have to split time between mom and dad, most likely seeing only one at a time. What is that teaching them? The unity and peace that is characteristic of God? No, it generates division, which was something these Corinthians were chastised about in chapter 1 of this epistle.

We need to remember that our actions have consequences and bear in mind the question, "What legacy am I leaving?" God puts a lot of emphasis on a good testimony throughout scripture, but note well that in each of those cases it concerns whether that person is walking with the Lord God or not. God is constant in asking mankind to maintain good works, which is profitable to all (Titus 3:8). Whether we realize it or not, we have quite the impact in the present world and potentially in generations to come.

Children may not appear to be listening all the time, but they do pick up on the important things. If mom and dad show them it's okay to leave a loved one, they pick up on that and would be more likely to do the same. Contrarily, if mom and dad determine no matter what to stay together despite their differences and work out their problems, children pick up on that and are more likely to do the same. The actions of mom and dad have a profound impact on their children, something this author is experiencing day by day. Since we are all born into sinful flesh, we would be wise to look to the author of our salvation for wisdom and guidance on a daily basis how to conduct ourselves, so that we might walk worthy the Lord unto all pleasing (Col 1:9-12). Note in those verses how Paul's prayer is focused on God, God's work, and the results God works out in believers. All glory always to God.

1 Corinthians 7:15
But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.

Naturally, the question "What if they do divorce?" would arise. God is never surprised, so He answers that through Paul here. Remember the grounds of divorce that God gave before in Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:31-32

31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.

Most would think that fornication would be physical only, as that is what our physical minds closely associate with. But remember the author and that these words were divinely inspired. What would God consider to be fornication? Would He limit it to the physical only? Would He not also include spiritual fornication? I am convinced of this and have plenty of scripture to back that up. I will cite just two passages, but challenge every believer to search the scriptures where God considers idolatry a form of fornication.

Jeremiah 3:1-9
1 They say, If a man put away his wife, and she go from him, and become another man's, shall he return unto her again? shall not that land be greatly polluted? but thou hast played the harlot with many lovers; yet return again to me, saith the LORD.
2 Lift up thine eyes unto the high places, and see where thou hast not been lien with. In the ways hast thou sat for them, as the Arabian in the wilderness; and thou hast polluted the land with thy whoredoms and with thy wickedness.
3 Therefore the showers have been withholden, and there hath been no latter rain; and thou hadst a whore's forehead, thou refusedst to be ashamed.
4 Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My father, thou art the guide of my youth?
5 Will he reserve his anger for ever? will he keep it to the end? Behold, thou hast spoken and done evil things as thou couldest.
6 The LORD said also unto me in the days of Josiah the king, Hast thou seen that which backsliding Israel hath done? she is gone up upon every high mountain and under every green tree, and there hath played the harlot.
7 And I said after she had done all these things, Turn thou unto me. But she returned not. And her treacherous sister Judah saw it.
8 And I saw, when for all the causes whereby backsliding Israel committed adultery I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah feared not, but went and played the harlot also.
9 And it came to pass through the lightness of her whoredom, that she defiled the land, and committed adultery with stones and with stocks.

The context here is God's judgment against Israel (See Jeremiah 2:1-37) concerning chasing after other gods. See in the language how this harlotry "defiled the land" and how they "committed adultery with stones and with stocks." This is defining idolatry. God measured every king of Israel and Judah on whether they served the one true God or the gods of the nations around them, which He told His chosen nation not to do. Note also how because of this fornication, verse 8 speaks of God divorcing them, and the prophets and history go on to describe how Israel and Judah went into captivity to Assyria and Bablyon. To go along with this, see this witness of God against Israel:

2 Kings 17:6-18
6 In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.
7 For so it was, that the children of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, which had brought them up out of the land of Egypt, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and had feared other gods,
8 And walked in the statutes of the heathen, whom the LORD cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel, which they had made.
9 And the children of Israel did secretly those things that were not right against the LORD their God, and they built them high places in all their cities, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.
10 And they set them up images and groves in every high hill, and under every green tree:
11 And there they burnt incense in all the high places, as did the heathen whom the LORD carried away before them; and wrought wicked things to provoke the LORD to anger:
12 For they served idols, whereof the LORD had said unto them, Ye shall not do this thing.
13 Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my commandments and my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I sent to you by my servants the prophets.
14 Notwithstanding they would not hear, but hardened their necks, like to the neck of their fathers, that did not believe in the LORD their God.
15 And they rejected his statutes, and his covenant that he made with their fathers, and his testimonies which he testified against them; and they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them, concerning whom the LORD had charged them, that they should not do like them.
16 And they left all the commandments of the LORD their God, and made them molten images, even two calves, and made a grove, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal.
17 And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.
18 Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them out of his sight: there was none left but the tribe of Judah only.

God's definition of fornication includes playing the whore spiritually and chasing after other gods. So then, in the case of an unbeliever forsaking their believing spouse, the believer "is not under bondage in such cases." Now, this is backed up immediately with the reminder that God has called us to peace. We should live peaceably with all people as much as is possible and allow God to administer justice, even if the people close to us choose to reject God's grace through Jesus Christ and live according to what is right in their own eyes (Judges 21:25, Romans 1:18-32, 12:19).

This is the spiritual battle we are in: to trust in God or to trust in something else. To walk in the Spirit or in the flesh. Concerning those that trust in something else, believers are told to share the sound doctrine God has given us in His inspired word in love, which is primarily the gospel of the grace of God through Jesus Christ, that the shed blood of Christ is the atonement for sin (Rom 4:5, 5:6-11, 2 Cor 5:17-20, Eph 2:8-9, 4:15, 2 Tim 3:16-17), and we are to do this with the scriptures rightly divided (2 Tim 2:15). The spoken word of God is our weapon in this age we live (Eph 6:17 - Greek rhema), so to wield it best and be most effective, we ought to study it and meditate on it constantly, so each saint in their own ministry can "preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine" (2 Tim 2:24-26, 4:2).

1 Corinthians 7:16
For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?

Paul emphasizes his point through a question for us to consider. We already know that we can't know for certain the spirit of another person because of what God told us in 1 Cor 2:11. Only God knows the hearts of all mankind, so we ought to trust God and live out a good testimony. The unbelieving spouse may realize their need for the truth of God and life in Christ and choose to be saved in the gospel of the grace of God. Sadly, they could also not, and endure the heaps of burning coals on their head by the testimony of the believing spouse (Rom 12:20).

If you're reading this and finding yourself in a situation where your spouse doesn't believe, I encourage you to stay strong. Stand strong in the Lord and the power of His might (Eph 6:10). God knows you are His (2 Tim 2:19) and His Spirit is in you (Eph 1:12-14). May the Lord free your spouse from the snare of sin and death.

1 Corinthians 7:17
But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.

We all have a ministry before God. God has given us certain gifts and abilities for the purpose of bringing glory to Him. Paul is building off of what he just said concerning marriage, but is also setting up his reasoning for saying it. He is going to repeat this verse more concisely in verse 20 and continue the point through verse 22.

God is sovereign. A simple statement, but something we must continuously remind ourselves of. The same God who breathed out the known universe in 6 24-hour periods (Genesis 1) also has the desire to have every person saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4). We should trust Him that He knows what He's doing and is coordinating each person around the world in order to bring the most people to salvation and truth as possible, or so they will choose. Therefore, whatever God has given to us individually, we ought to walk in that. When we read through Paul's epistles, he does indeed exalt God's love, grace, fidelity, power, and wisdom and that all mankind should be obedient to God in all things with joy (Phil 3:1, 4:4).

1 Corinthians 7:18
Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.

These next three verses potentially say far more than just the physical. How can I say that? Well, consider the first part of this verse and try an answer how many men that were circumcised have become uncircumcised in the physical sense. The flesh that was cut off in the ritual isn't attached by Velcro and simple to replace. While I'm being facetious, consider the depth of this verse as a dispensational and doctrinal statement. But that would require a good grasp of scripture and doctrine to comprehend the depth.

With that in mind, remember that the Corinthians were carnal Christians. They were definitely saints as witnessed by God in 1 Cor 1:2, but Paul could only feed them milk and not meat (1 Cor 3:1-2). Would he then use a statement like this that could potentially carry deep dispensational and doctrinal meaning? Or is he just using a simple example of Jew compared with Gentile? Remember the culture of Paul's day and how there were essentially two kinds of people: Jew and Gentile, which can be interpreted as Circumcision and Uncircumcision (Gal 2:7, Eph 2:11-12). Under the dispensation of Law, only the Circumcision could attain righteousness, as salvation was reliant upon faith in God plus keeping the Law in its entirety, circumcision being a part of it. Either one was born Jewish or proselytized to be Jewish.

Under the dispensation of grace, there are two kinds of people again, but the terms are different. There are the saved and the unsaved. The saved are those baptized in the Holy Spirit to the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13), and is made up of all who believe in the shed blood of Christ as the atoning sacrifice (Gal 3:26-28, Rom 3:22-26). The unsaved are those that reject the truth of that good news of Christ's atoning work, and hold that truth in unrighteousness (Rom 1:18).

Now, those in Corinth were not able to understand the deeper truths of scripture, so it is my opinion that although we could look at this verse as a dispensational and doctrinal statement, I would think the original meaning would be: if you're a Jew, don't try to be like a Gentile and forsake being a Jew. If you're a Gentile, don't try to be like a Jew. This is based off of the previous verse where Paul says that everyone should walk in what God has provided them and considering the next two verses as well. Another verse to bear in mind is Galatians 3:28

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

Still, we can consider that point that Paul did reason with them for a year and a half, including several sabbath days in a synagogue until he perceived they weren't going to accept the gospel he preached (Acts 18:1-17). These saints at Corinth may have understood that there was the gospel of the Cirumcision preached by Peter to the Jews and the gospel of the Uncircumcision preached by Paul to the Gentiles (Gal 2:6-9). Even at its basic level, they could perceive that if one was a believer before the gospel of Paul was revealed, to stay in that Circumcision program with its earthly hope of the coming kingdom and not try to mix grace doctrine into Law. Alternatively if one was a believer of Paul's gospel, they should not mix Law into the grace doctrine. That concept could be spoken of here as well, so I encourage the bible student to pray and ponder these things, but ultimately remembering the point is from verse 17 to stay in what God has given you. Additionally, Paul will make known in the next verse that believers of any dispensation should focus on obeying God, because we all serve the true and living God, and God knows those that are His (2 Tim 2:19).

1 Corinthians 7:19
Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.

Again, coming off of the last verse with the idea to walk wherein they were called, God gives us this assurance. It doesn't matter where you come from, nor what was done in the past. What matters is the keeping of the commandments of God and be saved by His grace. That's His commandment to us today: Place your faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary as your atonement from sin and death. I cited Galatians 3:28 previously, but also look at Col 3:9b-11

9b seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;
10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:
11 Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.

It doesn't matter who or what anyone is, what really matters is what each person chooses concerning the salvation work wrought by God through Jesus Christ. Either accept the free gift of salvation or reject it.

Think again of the Corinthian church. Corinth was strategically located on an isthmus in Greece where it would have a seaport both on the East and West. It was a bustling trade town and would have had all sorts of cultures coming in and out of it. So when Paul addresses the saints which are at Corinth (1 Cor 1:2), it should be easy to understand that the church of saints in Corinth consisted both of Jews and Gentiles. Thus, Paul's point in the last few verses here is not go out of your way to change the outward appearance, but be rather concerned with obeying God and bearing a good testimony. That's also why Paul "determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified."

It may be interesting to note that the word "keeping" in the Greek has the idea of imprisonment.

1 Corinthians 7:20
Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.

Have we gotten the point yet? It's okay if we don't, because God is going to give us another examle in the next few verses (Phil 3:1). This is a reiteration of verse 17 after giving us the point of focusing on obeying God. Whatever state we were called into the Body of Christ, remain there, because God has His plans for it. One person shouldn't be envious of what someone else has, because God is working all things out for the good of each saint (Rom 8:28). We may not like the circumstance, but rest assured that God can bear fruit in our weakness if we allow Him (2 Cor 12:10).

1 Corinthians 7:21
Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.

In this example, Paul makes a point concerning the bond-servant. The Greek for "servant" here is the word doulos and so describes someone completely indebted to another. If there are saints that find themselves in that situation, where they owe everything to their master, God tells them not to let that bother them. It is in the imperative, meaning God is commanding, "Don't let that be a care for you." Also, if the opportunity presents itself to be free of the "doulos" status, then take advantage of that. God will give His reason in the next verse.

1 Corinthians 7:22
For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.

I hope it is clear that God wants us to understand from these last few verses that the only thing that matters is our position in Christ. In verse 21, we see God commanding us not to let it bother us if we find ourselves as a bond-servant to another. Here, He gives us the concept that although saints in that situation owe another man, they are free in the Lord. Similarly, if a man is free and becomes a saint, they are a bond-servant to Christ. What is Paul talking about? He is still emphasizing the point that earthly status is nothing compared to spiritual.

Jesus Christ came to shed His blood for the sins of the world, no one excluded. From the lowliest of low to the highest of high by earthly standards, we all share the same need of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ to purchase our way back to God's presence. No matter what situation a saint my find himself in, use the circumstance to draw closer to God and watch what God will do. In light of this, I think it is worth citing Col 3:1-4

1 If (since - Greek ei) ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

Remember, the moment you place your faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ as the atonement for your sin, your status becomes "in Christ." You are no longer a citizen of earth, but of Heaven (Phil 3:20). You are no longer considered a "sinner" but a "saint" in God's eyes, because He took your sin and gave you His righteousness in that moment of faith (Rom 1:7, 1 Cor 1:2, Phil 1:1, 2 Cor 5:21). You are no longer dead in trespasses and sins, but alive in Christ (Eph 2:1-5). You now inherit all the spiritual blessings in the heavenly places because you are "in Christ (Eph 1:3). I could go on, but considering even this much, why should we be so concerned with the earthly when we have all the heavenly promises coming to us in the expectation of our blessed hope: the snatching away of the Body of Christ (1 Thess 4:13-18, Titus 2:13)?

1 Corinthians 7:23
Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.

This is so fitting coming off the last two verses concerning bond-servants. God bought us back from the consequences of our sin through His grace in Christ Jesus. That was quite the price to pay! God loved us so much that He "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Phil 2:7-8). Also, "when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly" (Rom 5:6). And "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom 5:8). This leaves little to wonder why God would have us focused on the eternal instead of the temporal and earthly. It's in this sense that we should not be the servants (Greek doulos) of mankind.

1 Corinthians7:24
Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.

When God repeats Himself, we really should be paying attention. Look back at verses 17 and 20 and then read this one again. Three times God tells us to stay where God has us. My friends, God is asking for obedience. He desires all mankind to be saved and to accurately know the truth (1 Tim 2:4), so let's ask ourselves the obvious question: Should we rely on our own reasoning on the day to day activity, or let God direct us and we obey Him with thanksgiving? It's mind numbing to think of all the intricacies God has sorted out in each person's life to give everyone abundant chances to acknowledge the truth and trust in His saving grace. Let's obey Him. Let's trust Him. Let's allow God to work mightily in us where we are at.

1 Corinthians 7:25
Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.

At this time, God did not reveal to Paul a specific command in answer to this question of the church at Corinth concerning virgins (male or female). However, Paul once more asserts his authority as an apostle by God's will (1 Cor 1:1) that they (and we) should still take heed to what he is about to say. The theme of this chapter is to focus on God and what He is doing, regardless of what position we are in. No matter the circumstance, no matter our background, no matter of our marital status, all that truly matters is keeping the commandments of God (vs 19) and abiding with God here He has us (vs 17, 20, 23).

Please don't read into my words something that isn't there. I'm not saying that works are required for salvation. What are the commandments of God? First and foremost it is "believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved" (Acts 16:31). We need to understand that we are saved from sin and death by faith apart from works (Rom 1:16, 3:21-26, 4:5, Eph 2:8-9, etc.). However, we have many commands from God through the apostle Paul. I will just sum them up with this in Titus 3:8

8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Note the conditional statement. It is imperative that one first believes in God, but then it's subjunctive that those believers "might be careful to maintain good works." Believers are given many commands so that we may have a solid testimony and be rewarded at the Bema Seat of Christ after we're in the air with our Lord and Savior (1 Thess 4:16-17, 1 Cor 3:10-15, 2 Cor 5:9-10, Rom 14:10). however, our salvation from sin and death does not hinge upon our works, it is by faith alone in the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross (Rom 5:8-11). Still, the grace of God should be the best motivator to become zealous for the good work of serving our God (Titus 2:14).

1 Corinthians 7:26
I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.

Paul's opinion is that if one is a virgin, it would be good to remain a virgin. He will say why in the coming verses, but not what he says in this verse. He describes the "present distress." The English word "distress" in this verse comes from the Greek anagke, which has the idea of a compelling need. Remember, Paul was convinced that it was possible he would be caught up to heaven with the believers of his gospel in his lifetime (1 Thess 4:13-18, note the use of "we"). To him, and it should be the same for all believers, there is a pressing need to share the gospel of the grace of God, because Jesus could sound that trumpet at any moment. It's due to this imminence that Paul thinks it good for those who have not been married to remain that way and focus on preaching the word of truth.

1 Corinthians 7:27
Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.

This theme of remaining where you are just keeps coming back in this chapter. If a man is married, stay married. If a man is not married, stay unmarried. Pretty straightforward. No matter where we find ourselves, we should be setting our minds on things above and living accordingly (Col 3:1-3).

1 Corinthians 7:28
But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.

Paul is going to continue sharing his opinion about marriage for the rest of this chapter, and ultimately we will see his desire is always to bring the believers back to focus on the imminence of Christ's return and to carry out their lives accordingly. Perhaps there was a question in the letter of the Corinthians to the apostle regarding young people getting married, but whatever the case, he shares that it isn't a sin to get married in this day and age. Paul is going to point out that for those that get married, there will be some "trouble in the flesh." That's something every parent can agree on.

I would caution not to put words into the apostle's mouth or pen that aren't there. God ordained marriage as the only lawful way people should have children, so some may look at this verse and think God or Paul doesn't want any more children born into the world. As we continue reading this chapter, it becomes clear that Paul's mind is set on being a part of the Rapture event in 1 Thess 4:13-18, and making sure people know what the truth of the gospel of God's grace is, that he didn't want anything to distract from sharing this message across the world. Think for a minute if all believers dropped everything for even two week's time and did nothing but go out and share the gospel with whoever they encountered. We could play the "what-if" game and think if we shared the gospel everywhere that maybe God would call the Body of Christ to the air with him. It's this idea of imminence that Paul is emphasizing, that we shouldn't worry about where we are at circumstantially, but focus on things above and preach the gospel of God's grace at every opportunity (Eph 5:17).

1 Corinthians 7:29
But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;

Considering the previous verse, Paul tells the saints that the "time is short," which is why he would spare the trouble in the flesh for the saints. Also, continuing the thought that we should remain where we are at circumstantially, Paul is going to give us the details. In this verse, the married should behave as if they are not. Why? Because the "time is short." Jesus Christ could return at any moment and call the Church, the Body of Christ, up to the air to be with Him forevermore. Paul preached of this event constantly: 1 Cor 1:7-8. 15:51-52, 1 Thess 3:13, 4:13-18, 2 Thess 2:1-3, 3:4-5, Titus 2:13, etc. Therefore, even though our Lord Jesus Christ has shown supernatural patience for the last 2,000 years, we still ought to live like He could call us home at any moment. We still should be motivated to share the love of God through Jesus Christ to those who don't know Him (2 Cor 5:14-15).

1 Corinthians 7:30
And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;

This list is another one of those passages why I wonder who decided where to put the verse breaks. This whole thought goes together, yet it takes 3 verses to cover. In any case, Paul continues with the thought to put the imminence of Christ's return at the forefront of our minds, that we should just remain where we are at, not worry of the temporary, and focus on the eternal. Time was short then, and time is still short now. It is a testimony to the love of God that He has endured sinful man for this long in the age of grace, that whoever believes in the shed blood of Christ is saved from sin and death and translated into the kingdom of God's dear Son (Col 1:13-14).

In that regard, grief, joy, and materials should not move the saints of Christ all that much. We should remain focused on the gospel of the grace of God and sharing the message of reconciliation with every breath we breathe (2 Cor 5:17-6:2, Eph 5:15-16).

1 Corinthians 7:31
And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.

Here is the conclusion of the list in verses 29-31. Perhaps some would ask, what does it mean for those that "use this world?" The Greek word for "use" in this verse is the root chraomai, which has the idea of using or taking advantage of according to Strong's definition. Thayer adds this as his primary definition:

"properly, to receive a loan; to borrow."

We would do well to remind ourselves of the following verses: Deut 10:14, Psalm 24:1, 146:5-6, Acts 17:24, Col 1:16-20, and Rev 10:5-6.

Deuteronomy 10:14
Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is.

Psalm 24:1
The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

Psalm 146:5-6
5 Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the LORD his God:
6 Which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein is: which keepeth truth for ever

Acts 17:24
God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands

Colossians 1:16-20
16 For by him (Jesus Christ) were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
19 For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
20 And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Revelation 10:5-6
5 And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,
6 And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever, who created heaven, and the things that therein are, and the earth, and the things that therein are, and the sea, and the things which are therein, that there should be time no longer

I hope it's abundantly clear that all things belong to God and none to mankind or anything else on this earth. As such, it should be an easy transition for us to echo the words of Job in Job 1:21, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither." The apostle Paul says something similar in 1 Tim 6:7.

1 Tim 6:7
For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

In this sense, from the word of God, we can understand that any possessions we have in this world are borrowed from the Lord God. Thus, "they that use this world" are those still alive in the present earth. Paul is still addressing saints, or those that have placed their faith in the shed blood of Christ as their atonement of sin, so he is addressing believers before their body stops working or Christ calls His Church home to Heaven (1 Thess 4:16-17).

We that are still here should not "abuse" the world. The word "abuse" has the same root as "use", but with the prefix "kata" added to it. With the prefix, the word has the meaning to use too much or excessively to the point of ill use, so "abuse" is a good translation. Again and again, the apostle is reminding us of the temporary nature of this sin-cursed world, marred by man's choice (Gen 3:1-7). Let's not forget that God created everything as "very good" (Gen 1:31). Every evil in this world was brought in by mankind, and God would be just in separating us from Him forever. But this thought was so atrocious to our heavenly Father, that He couldn't even finish His thought in Genesis 3:22-23.

And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever: therefore...

God so loved His precious creation and its crown, mankind, that despite mankind breaking it, He provided a way and a promise of restoration through the Messiah or Christ (Gen 3:15). Ever since then, He revealed more and more of this plan, giving the world His Law through the nation Israel. During that time, to be saved from sin and death, mankind had to have faith in God and keep the entire Law. Sadly, they rejected their Savior as a nation, despite the many infallible proofs of His resurrection (Acts 1:3) and His working through His apostles in the power of His Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). So the Lord concluded them in unbelief and ushered in this age of grace through the apostle Paul (Acts 13:2, 38-39, Rom 16:25, Eph 3:1-9, etc). God has made it as easy as possible now to be saved from sin and death because God did all the work through Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. With all this in perspective, it shouldn't be much of a stretch to use the things of this world, but not put much stock into them (abuse), "for the fashion of this world passeth away." Also, we have the surety that there awaits a far more exceeding glory for those that believe in Jesus Christ as their Savior by the cross (Rom 8:18).

1 Corinthians 7:32
But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:

Once more, we see the desire of the apostle for saints. These inspired words of God may be difficult for some of us to understand in the flesh, so He explains further in the next three verses. First, the definition of "carefulness" has the idea of anxiety. God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor 14:33), and would not want us to be overly stressed in this life. Bring everything before Him in prayer and know that His grace is sufficient through all things (2 Cor 12:9, Phil 4:6-7).

The example in this verse that the apostle gives for desiring us to be without stress is that the unmarried believer is focused entirely upon God. This is why he said in verse 1 of this chapter that it is "good for a man not to touch a woman." It also backs up what he said in verses 6-8 that he would desire all were like himself and that for the unmarried and widows "it is good for them if they abide even as I." God does care for marriage and for relationships between men and women, but due to the "fullness of the times" (Eph 1:10), Paul wants us focused on God because Jesus Christ could call us home to Heaven at any moment.

1 Corinthians 7:33
But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.

In contrast to the unmarried, a married man will care for the things of this world, because he desires to care for and please his wife. The idea of the word translated "please" here is to serve, satisfy, or make good (Greek aresko). A married man really ought to be concerned with the well-being of his wife and show his love for her by doing his best to provide for her needs. That in itself isn't evil (verse 28). Again, what Paul is reminding us is how temporary the things of this world are now that we have reached the fullness of times with the gospel committed to Paul. Jesus Christ's return to call all who believe in Paul's gospel home to Heaven can happen at any moment, so he would rather have us focus on that and sharing the message of reconciliation.

1 Corinthians 7:34
There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.

Women are no different than men concerning their focus when married or unmarried as Paul just addressed in verse 33. The unmarried woman will focus more on God. The married woman will be concerned with earthly things in order to provide for or serve her husband. Paul desires that the saint focus on the gospel of God's grace and share the message of reconciliation with the world while maintaining a testimony that "becometh saints." (2 Cor 5:17-21, Eph 4:1-3, 5:1-7).

1 Corinthians 7:35
And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.

There's no way I could come up with a better summation of the topic Paul was just addressing than this verse right here. Not that we should be surprised, because this is the inspired and inerrant word of God. Paul just shared all of this on the marriage relationship and letting us know it's "better" to remain single because then we better focus on the eternal and heavenly rather than the earthly.

Paul even let's us know in plain terms that he didn't want to be a snare or restraint upon the saints by thinking about this subject, but rather to understand that he desires the saints to "attend upon the Lord without distraction." We would do well to keep in mind that Paul was given his apostolic authority from Jesus Christ Himself (Gal 1:11-12).

1 Corinthians 7:36
But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.

To put to rest any thoughts that God is against marriage, we are reminded that marriage in the age of the grace of God is not sin. The idea of being passed "the flower of her age" in this verse is that the woman is no longer a little girl. She is mature enough to marry, so if her father desires, he can let his daughter and the man courting her marry. God is not giving us commands in this age to remain single, and it should be abundantly clear in these closing verses of chapter 7.

1 Corinthians 7:37
Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.

Once more, we're told that remaining unmarried is also a good thing, because it allows us to "careth for the things of the Lord" that much easier. Some people may not feel the need to marry nor "burn" as the apostle put it in verse 9. They are perfectly at liberty to remain unmarried and are said to "do well."

1 Corinthians 7:38
So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.

God now gives us a summation of the marriage relationship in the age of grace that we live in today. Marriage is a good thing, but being unmarried is "better" because then the person may focus more intently upon the things of God. All of this was in answer to whatever questions were posed to Paul by the church at Corinth regarding marriage (verse 1). Looking back over the chapter, we should take note that while God answers the questions of the Corinthian church, the focus is very much on the imminence of Christ's return.

Over and over again, we're told not to care about what circumstances we're in, because eternity future is on the horizon. This applies even to marriage, one of the most revered covenants despite the cultural shift in recent history. Whenever a lengthy marriage is announced, what is the response? Is it not applause and commendation? Despite the attacks on marriage, even the unbeliever knows it is something special and not just some "social construct." They may not treat it as such, but God's truth will stand (Rom 1:18-20).

Still, those who believe in Christ would do well to understand that the most important thing for us to consider in this age of grace we live is knowing who we are in Christ by studying what God tells us (2 Tim 2:15), and sharing the message of reconciliation with the lost (2 Cor 5:17-6:2...can we change this chapter break? It's another that is in a very unfortunate spot).

1 Corinthians 7:39
The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

As Paul shares his closing thought on the matter, he reminds us of the law of marriage, which has it's origin in Genesis 2:24. When a husband and wife enter into the marriage covenant, it is for life (Mark 10:2-9). Since we live in a sin-cursed world, death happens (Rom 5:12). The law of marriage does not apply to a woman if her husband were to die. She is only bound to him while he's alive. If her husband were to unfortunately die, she is no longer bound to him and is free to remarry or remain single. As God says, she is at liberty to marry whomever she desires, but with one condition from God: that this is "in the Lord."

So many problems would be avoided if Christians who were strong in their faith married those who were also were strong in their faith. Husband and wife relying on God's word as their authority is a powerful thing, but sadly also rare. If we want marriages to succeed, our first thought is to ask the author of marriage how to do so, which is God. Several times, believers are told to live with unbelievers, share the truth with them, and live out a testimony of a saint, but keeping that relationship to a minimum so as not to be influenced in ungodly things (1 Cor 5:9-13, 1 Cor 6:1-6, 2 Cor 6:14-18, 1 Tim 1:18-20). The spiritual battle we are in is intense, and not something to be taken lightly. Let us all stay strong in the Lord and the power of His might (Eph 6:10).

1 Corinthians 7:40
But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.

Finally, Paul reiterates his desire that if a wife goes through the unfortunate occurrence of her husband dying, she is better to remain a widow than to remarry. Even if it is his opinion, he reminds us he is a saint and the Spirit of God dwells within him (1 Cor 2:12-16). He also was an apostle ordained by God, even though he considered himself unfit for the position due to his background (1 Cor 15:9-10, Gal 1:11-12). Some may argue that these words aren't inspired by God because Paul is sharing his opinion. But why would they not be inspired by God? Why would God not want us to see that Paul is human and has his own opinion? This verse closes with the reminder that saints have the Holy Spirit of God in them and can therefore discern spiritual things. Would we not do well to consider the apostle's opinion in this light?

Verses 6-9 and 25-39 share Paul's opinion regarding remaining single, and we can understand easily where he is coming from. He desires all mankind to focus on the things of God, to know God's word, and to obey God, living a godly life rich in good works (Titus 3:8). Marriage is an honorable thing, but remaining unmarried is easier to focus on the eternal instead of on the earthly. Paul was convinced time was short and that Christ was about to call the Body of Christ to Heaven (1 Thess 4:16-17). In the epistle to the Ephesians, we have this command:

15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise,
16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.
17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.

It is so important that we have Christ and our heavenly inheritance on our mind, because we aren't guaranteed a tomorrow. These bodies we live in are so fragile, and we would be wise to consider our mortality. God wants to give us praise over obedient works at the Bema Seat (1 Cor 3:10-15, 4:1-5, 2 Cor 5:10), so my challenge is: Where are we at in our personal walk? Are we walking in the Spirit or the flesh? Is our heart for pleasing God, fixated on things above an not the earth beneath? Are we doing those things that God preordained for us (Eph 2:10?) If not, what is stopping us? What better way to show our gratitude and love for God than to seek to obey and please Him in all things while we are still here on this earth?

1 Corinthians - Verse by Verse Study - Chapter 6

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

What a challenge! Paul addresses the next problem within the Corinthian church with powerful words. The saints at Corinth apparently were so focused on themselves, that they would take their brothers and sisters of faith to court to settle their issues. More than that, they wouldn't even bring them before believing witnesses, but settled on an unbelieving judge or judges to perform the action. Why is this so bad? God is going to bring in a perspective in this chapter that many may not think about, and clearly those saints in Corinth were not thinking about at the time this epistle was written.

We can understand that worldview makes a huge difference in how judgment will be enacted. If a judge doesn't believe in God, but believes in millions of years of evolution to get where we are today, that judge will see things differently than one who believes in God and that God says the earth is only about 6000 years old. The value placed on life will be far different between those worldviews, let alone other things. However, the point that God is about to make through Paul goes beyond just that.

If we examine the scriptures, everything points to God's salvation given through Jesus Christ to the world and the testimony that goes along with it. We see the character of God and how He interacts with mankind, giving different commands at different times (what God refers to as dispensations, e.g. Ephesians 3:1), but all of that points to how God would be both just and the justifier of them that believe (Rom 3:26). He is the ultimate judge. He is the ultimate authority. Now with that said, what kind of testimony is it for the believer in the finished work of Christ to be worked up with a matter from another believer, that the matter must be taken to an unbeliever? Does that not show hypocrisy? Does that not tarnish the testimony of the greatest gift given in Christ, that one should get worked up in a temporal thing to seek a temporal recompense? This is what God is going to address in the next few verses.

Something to mention in the Greek is that the word "before" both times in this verse is "epi," which typically has the idea of "upon." I see the point being made of taking a matter and laying it upon the unjust rather than upon the just (saints) for discernment. In contrast to this action, we have these words in Galatians 6:1-2

1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

Also in Romans 12:17-21

17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

These things should be done for those who believe that the shed blood of Christ is the only atonement for sin, because this is the "agape" love of God worked out. If we truly love God, we ought to do these things and imitate Christ as our example. I always have to point out that as far as salvation is concerned, these works are not required (Romans 4:5, Ephesians 2:8-9). Even so, I always have to ask the question, why would any true believer not desire to do these good works, to show their love for God, who gave us so simple a salvation through Jesus Christ shedding His blood for us?

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?

Now I've heard plenty of controversy about this verse, particularly the first half, along with verse 3 of this chapter. Some take these out of context and believe it is giving us Christians greater authority, or that in the life to come we will have great authority. That's not what it's saying. Keeping it in the context, this verse is talking about the judgment or a just action to be taken because of a matter. In verse 1 we were reminded that a saint shouldn't take another saint before an unjust (unsaved) judge and we get the first glimpse why in verse 2 here. There is a future judgment to take place, and we see here that "the saints shall judge the world." Yes, the Greek does have the future tense there, so we should ask ourselves if God speaks more on this future event. Of course He does. Look at Romans 2:12, 16 (not considering the parenthetical in between those verses).

12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law
16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

Paul says there will be a judgment call one day, and that standard of judgment is his gospel. God will look at the hearts of mankind and determine where their faith was at. For each heart, the question is, "Was faith in God and His promises, that He would send the Christ child and fix mankind's sin problem (Gen 3:15)?" Specifically speaking of Paul's gospel, the question is, "Who put their faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary as the atonement for sin and death?" And  then the contrast is "Who put their faith in anything else?" Only God can see the heart of every man and "judge the secrets."

We read about how the spirit of man is the only one that knows the things of that man back in chapter 2, so each man and woman knows where he or she is at in their faith. God knows the secret things of man, because He is God and is sovereign over all things. So it logically follows that after God searches the secrets of mankind that God can be both just and the justifier of who? Of them that believe (Rom 3:26). Believe what? In Jesus. More specifically, in Paul's gospel, which we read in Romans 2:16, and also which is clearly stated in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 with some of my emphasis here:

1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures

Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead for our justification, so that God's free gift of salvation is unto all, as He was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ (Rom 3:22a, 4:24-25, 2 Cor 5:19). But God's salvation and justification of being freed from sin and death is only upon all that believe (Rom 3:22b).

So then, saints will judge the world because of the righteousness they have in Christ. The unbelievers should see their guilt in the saints, because Christ is in the saints (Col 1:27). God's righteous standard is within every saint (2 Cor 5:21). Does that not put more emphasis on the times where God calls us to walk worthy of the vocation wherewith we are called (Eph 4:1)?

Being a saint, we are identified as "called," which is an adjective, not a verb (Rom 1:7, 1 Cor 1:2, etc.). It's describing the life we now have in Christ, or more specifically, the life we ought to be living. We have a high calling, and ought to live up to it, but our salvation from sin and death doesn't depend on that in today's dispensation. It depends entirely on faith in what Christ did on the cross of Calvary (Eph 2:8-9).

Now that we understand that, is it so hard to imagine why saints should not go to law with another saint and lay it upon an unbeliever? Knowing that the righteousness of God lives in us through faith in Christ's shed blood, and that righteousness will judge the world, it should be easy to see that we saints should take care of temporal things among ourselves. Even so, God will give us more detail in this chapter to establish our reasoning on the matter.

I always check the word "know" or "knowledge" when I come across it in the Greek since there are two words for it. The word here for "know" is the root "eido," which is intuitive knowledge. Also, the word "if" is "ei" which could be rendered "since" in English. Finally, the verb for judge first occurs in the future tense, but the second time is in the present tense. The third time we see it in the English is supplied by ellipsis, meaning that it isn't there in the original. A literal interpretation of the verse is like this:

"Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And since the world is being judged in you, are you unworthy of the smallest cases?"

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

Wow, now this is an amazing concept! Again, I've heard this verse ripped out of its context and some would think that saints are going to be in charge of angels in the next life, that we would have authority over them. That's not what this is saying. As saints, we are proving to the angelic host what is the manifold wisdom of God. Read through Ephesians 3:1-11 carefully to see this, and I'll emphasize a few things

1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
2 If ye have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which is given me to you-ward:
3 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words,
4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ)
5 Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit;
6 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
7 Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power.
8 Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;
9 And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ:
10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,
11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord

I had to include the context for this to fully be understood. God revealed the full revelation of His purpose on keeping Adam and Eve alive to the apostle Paul, though Adam and Eve could have physically died when they transgressed against God, and God would have been just in putting them to death. The good news of the Christ child was made that much better when God gave this ministry to the apostle Paul. No one knew that God would be in Christ reconciling the world to Himself through the shed blood on the cross until this "mystery" was given to the apostle Paul. Not even the angels knew about this. How can I say that? From all the scriptural reference including the one above. In that I highlighted Ephesians 3:10, but look at this reference:

Matthew 16:21-23
21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
23 But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

Who did Jesus address there in verse 23? Not Peter, but Satan. A careful look at this verse reveals that Satan didn't know what God was doing through Jesus Christ. The word "savourest" is the Greek phroneó, which has the idea of thinking or holding a personal opinion fleshing itself out in action [1]. Satan didn't understand what God was doing because he was focused on the things "that be of men."

Satan didn't understand the things of God, and he is said to be the prince, the power of the air (Eph 2:2). It logically follows that the princes or rulers of this world didn't know what was going on, as we read back in 1 Corinthians 2:8. This is because they were the children of disobedience, following after the prince, the power of the air, who was internalizing the things of men and not of God according to the Holy Spirit in Matthew 16:23. Ignorance of what would come was the reason the princes of this world killed Jesus according to 1 Corinthians 2:8, and Satan must have been ecstatic during the crucifixion, thinking that they were destroying the seed of the woman promised by God in Genesis 3:15. How little they knew! Now the glorious gospel of the grace of God is revealed so that the saints not only judge the world because of the righteousness of God in them, but also bring judgment against the angels, namely Satan and those that followed him (Matt 25:41, Rev 12:4,9).

If that is the impact the believer has on this world and the angelic host, do you think we should be able to take care of temporal things? Something that may be of interest is that the Geek for "know" again is from "eido."  But then there is just one Greek word for "the things pertaining to this life." It is biotika, clearly where we get our suffix -biotic (probiotic, e.g.) or biology from.

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.

God has reminded the Corinthian church of their place according to spiritual matters. With that in mind, how could they not talk about temporal things even with the most despised in the church? Because of the righteousness of God in them, they bring judgment upon the world and upon the angels, so then the temporal things should be of far less value and easily taken care of in this life and that among believers. The "least esteemed" or "most despised" in the church are better to take care of these things than going before an unbeliever.

Again, the verb judging is supplied by ellipsis in this verse. It's actually confusing to put down as a literal interpretation in English because of the word order, yet I think there is benefit to further understand the verse. To me, word order in the Greek puts emphasis on certain words in a thought. Besides, for those that like Star Wars, it sounds like Yoda speaking, so here it is:

"The things of this life indeed, therefore, judgment if you have, those being most despised in the church, those you sit down."

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?

I can just imagine the apostle Paul shaking his head at these beloved saints for their behavior as a father chastising his children. These words should give us all pause to think about what we're doing and if that behavior is becoming of a saint. In the matter of taking someone to court, we see clearly that we shouldn't burden ourselves that much with temporal earthly things, but if there is something to be addressed, to bring those before believers, even if they are the most despised in the church.

The apostle asks the piercing question if there isn't any wise men within the church, as if not one of them would suffice to settle a dispute. Couldn't there be at least one? We know that the answer is yes, of course, because the apostle established elders in every church he planted, for the purpose of leading the local assembly in the doctrine of the grace of God during his absence. Sadly, there were some that were in error and needed this correction, which the apostle is not shy to say he speaks this to their shame.

Paul, through the inspiration of God, is saying this to these saints out of love. He loves them and so is chastising them to bring them to right standing and encourage them to discipline themselves to walk worthy of being saints. For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth (Heb 12:6a). We get to see further into Paul's compassion and fatherly love for them in 2 Corinthians in chapter 7

8 For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though it were but for a season.
9 Now I rejoice, not that ye were made sorry, but that ye sorrowed to repentance: for ye were made sorry after a godly manner, that ye might receive damage by us in nothing.
10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death

All of this was to work out the greater good, which was correcting behavior in the wayward saints. Praise the Lord that we get that report in 2 Corinthians that the saints at Corinth chose to discipline themselves and change their behavior.

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

In this verse and the next, we're going to see the blunt account of God's observation on this matter. Now that the truth was exposed in the first 5 verses, we see that instead of bearing all that in mind, one saint goes to law with another saint, and they're doing it before an unbeliever. This is fault #1 from God's observation, but there is another level that we see in the next verse.

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?

Going to law before an unbeliever is one thing, but God tells them here that they're wrong to go to law period. Now, as I read through commentaries, I mostly see the interpretation here being that the believer shouldn't go to law, but rather just "take it." While to some extent, I can see that, but again the greater context of this letter is the improper behavior of the saint. What I see in these next verses are the point that there should be no wrong done between saints to begin with. There should be no grounds of going to law at all from saint to saint. We are one body, and should edify one another. We should fulfill the law of Christ by loving our neighbor as yourself (Rom 13:9-10). If we're obeying that, there will never be grounds for lawsuits.

Unfortunately, the Corinthians were doing that between themselves and getting unbelievers involved. Think of the hit to their testimony this was causing. These Christians couldn't work things out among themselves so they came out to a pagan to get their opinion. Not good. As with this example of poor behavior, it would do us all good to take a moment to reflect inwardly at our own behavior. Ask ourselves if we are portraying Christ in us in every word, thought, and deed. Are we loving our neighbor as yourself? Are we endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph 4:3)? Are we walking worthy of being called saints (Eph 4:1)?

In these questions, I see accusations against the carnally minded Christian. "Why are you acting unjustly at all? Why are you defrauding at all?" These things should have no place in the saint, as they know full well what is just and right because saints have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16). We know that God's Holy Spirit lives in each saint (Eph 1:13-14). Besides, the Greek is quite emphatic in the first part of the verse as the English indicates. But the questions are literally this with the English on top and the Greek beneath for those Greek scholars out there:

On that account, why not at all act more unjustly?
dia ti ouchi mallon adikeisthe

On that account, why not at all more defraud?
dia ti ouchi mallon apostereisthe

We should ask ourselves constantly if our behavior is in accord with what God expects of saints. If it isn't, then we ought to change our ways rather than to make God's character take the hit of poor representation by His ambassadors.

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

Clearly, the Corinthian saints were in the wrong. Still, God loved them so much to chastise them and encouraged them emphatically to change their ways. To His glory, they did. To live carnally will do nothing but bring down fellow saints and our testimony. How dare any of us live in such a way, to defame the name of God our Savior who gave us such a glorious gospel? How much more does this emphasize verses like Romans 14:19, 15:1-2, 1 Cor 14:26, and especially Eph 4:29? We should focus on building up and not tearing down, on unification in the faith, and not division.

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,

Now we get to another series of verses that are grossly misinterpreted. Some look at this list and see that they have performed some part of it after they believed in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and think they lose their salvation because of their action. We need not read far to find a refutation of this thought, noting what it says down in verse 11: and such were some of you. Note the tense well. These verses don't speak about salvation or losing salvation, but rather talk of identification.

Before we get into this, note that God talks of only two different ways of identification for mankind. By name these are "In Adam", or "in Christ."

1 Cor 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive

I could also reference Romans 5:12-21 to see the distinction, but God does keep it that simple. Either one believes in God, obeys His word, and is in Christ, or one doesn't do any of that and is in Adam. What did God say would happen if Adam ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil? He would surely die (Gen 2:16-17). What did Adam do? Eat from the tree (Gen 3:6). Hence, as in Adam, all die. However, God wanted to show His love to the world, so He kept Adam and Eve alive despite their unbelief and rebellion against Him, and gave them hope in the Christ child in Genesis 3:15. Hence, as in Christ, all shall be made alive. So we have two positions throughout history regardless of dispensation.

It should be intuitive to us that any unrighteous person, or one who is in Adam, will not be able to go into the presence of God. It is no surprise we see the Greek word "eido" to signify intuitive knowledge. According to the character of the God of the bible, no sin can be in His presence. So just like God told us of two ways of identification, God also tells us of two destinations of mankind. Let's look at Romans 2:6-11

6 Who [God] will render to every man according to his deeds:
7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
11 For there is no respect of persons with God.

Verse 6 shows God will be the judge of who will go to the place of His presence (Heaven) and who will not (The Lake of the Fire). In verse 7, we see that those of genuine faith will be in Heaven. God has worked in different dispensations throughout history, but ultimately, those of genuine faith would continue in well doing and seek glory, honor, and immortality. What would faith do? Obey what God says to do for whichever dispensation a person lived in. Under the Law, people were to have faith in God and keep the Law. Under today's dispensation of grace, people are to have faith that Christ did the pertinent work for all, and so no one needs to do works to be saved from sin and death. In order to be "in Christ" today, one only need to believe in the shed blood of Christ as their only atonement (1 Cor 12:13, 15:1-4). In verses 8 and 9 we see the unbeliever's fate, which describes what most would call Hell. Jesus describes it further in Mark 9:43-48 as a fire that isn't quenched and the worm doesn't die. I will often refer to that place as the Lake of the Fire, because that is the term in Revelation 19 and 20, and yes, there is always a definite article there for the fire in the Greek.

So we understand that those in Adam will have an eternal destination of The Lake of the Fire and those in Christ will have an eternal destination of Heaven. What is different about this dispensation of the grace of God, is that in the very moment of belief, the believer is sealed with God's Holy Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing their place in Heaven (Rom 5:5, 2 Cor 5:1:22, 5:5, Eph 1:13-14, etc). Once you're in, you can't get out, even if you tried (Rom 8:38-39 - not that I can imagine why anyone would try). What this means is that once someone has placed their faith in the shed blood of Christ on the cross, thy will go to Heaven even if they conduct themselves in evil. I already went over that in chapter 3 of my notes that they which partake in evil thought they be in Christ will suffer loss and regret their wasted time in this life (1 Cor 3:10-15). So instead of that, let all of us who believe walk worthy of our vocation (Eph 4:1).

Back in the context, believers were bringing fellow believers upon the unbeliever for justification in some lawsuit. God is reminding them that these unbelievers are rejecting the truth of God, or at best don't know of it. God will tell them that, as saints, they are different, and shouldn't be participating in any of these kinds of behaviors, and there should be no cause for lawsuits among them (verse 7-8).

Now let's take a brief look at this list. Fornicators is the first item, followed by idoloters and adulterers. What are the main ungodly behaviors taking place yet today? Fornication, idolatry, and adultery.  It is an atrocity what people are doing with their bodies today, giving in to sensual desires and blaspheming the name of God. The marriage covenant has been under attack for some time and people are doing what is right in their own eyes regarding sexual relationships, ultimately making themselves or another human body as their idol. As saints, we should know how to possess and handle the body we were given by God (1 Thess 4:3-8). We should act differently and stand apart from and against that kind of behavior.

The next one has been a bit confusing to me. Effeminate comes from the Greek malakos, which means soft or effeminate. The only other place it is used is in Matthew 11:8 and the parallel in Luke 7:25. I don't think we're talking about someone who feels soft to the touch here like silk clothing would, but rather who is living in delicacy and luxury. Think of the guy Jesus talks about who wants bigger barns for all of his stuff (Luke 12:13-21). He ends that parable with the point that it's just like that for the one who makes treasure for themselves and isn't rich toward God. Some may say this refers to a man acting in homosexuality or giving into that sort of thing and acting effeminate. I don't think it makes sense to associate malakos with homosexuality, as that identification is next on the list, and it doesn't make sense to me that God would list the same sin twice in a row with different words. That's right, the King James has "abusers of themselves with mankind" as the translation from the Greek arsenokoites, which means homosexual. Literally it is man-bed (arsenokoítēs (from 730 /árrhēn, "a male" and 2845 /koítē, "a mat, bed") – properly, a man in bed with another man; a homosexual [2].

This is just the beginning of the list of those identified in sin and committing sinful behavior. The list is describing those positionally "in Adam." What is strange to me is the way the verses are broken up here. Why split up the list? Why not put the verse break after the question, start the new verse with "Be not deceived" and continue with the full list? Since the verse and chapter numbers are not inspired of God, let's not dwell on that. What we should understand is that while we look at those "in Adam" here, we will see the contrast in verse 11 for those that are "in Christ."

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

Continuing the list now, we have thieves and covetous persons. These should be easy to understand that they won't "inherit the kingdom of God" because they directly break two of the Ten Commandments (Ex 20:15,17). The next three are interesting. We see a contrast for the drunkard in this verse with Eph 5:18. Instead of being intoxicated with strong drink and out of our right mind, saints should be filled with the Spirit instead. Those that are indulging in strong drink would then be quenching the Holy Spirit (1 Thess 5:19).

Revilers in this list are those that cast down another and are abusive verbally. The Greek word is loidoros. Lastly, the extortioners are the ones who suddenly take something with force. I get the picture that the action could be seen plainly or it is in secret. The Greek word is only used 5 times in scripture: Matt 7:15 (ravenous), Luke 18:11 (extortioner), 1 Cor 5:10, 11, 6:10 (extortioner). It is also of note that the Greek word is harpax, a noun. The verb form of that word is the root harpazo, which is the word used for Jesus Christ snatching away the body of Christ in 1 Thess 4:17.

Before we leave this verse, let's do a quick comparison to 1 Cor 5:9-11 with 1 Cor 6:9-10:
1 Cor 5:9-11
9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:
10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called (given the name, Gr. onomazó) a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer (loidoros = reviler), or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

1 Cor 6:9-10
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,
10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

We have 6 categories of people mentioned in chapter 5 and the same list plus 4 more categories in chapter 6. Believers were told not to keep company with those who claimed to be believers and acted improperly in chapter 5. Now in Chapter 6 we have further reasoning, that it's that kind of behavior that the wrath of God is coming upon the children of disobedience (Eph 2:1-2). These kind of people who revel in this behavior and reject God's gift of salvation will be forever in The Lake of the Fire, so a Heavenly person shouldn't act or associate with that. Pretty straightforward, right?

I can't emphasize this enough. In this list, God is talking about the difference between the unbeliever and the believer. He is not saying that any who practice this will for sure go to The Lake of the Fire after they accept the free gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ. Those "in Adam" practice these things because they can't help themselves. Those "in Christ" should know better and not do these things, because, as we looked at in this chapter, those "in Christ" will judge the world because of the righteousness of God that is in them (2 Cor 5:21). With that in mind, what kind of testimony are we portraying?

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.

Verb tense is so very important in this verse. And such were some of you. Remember that list of awful behaviors we just covered? Some saints used to be identified as one or more of those. But that is now in the past. How? Because the saint is washed, sanctified, and justified in the name (authority) of the Lord Jesus and God's Holy Spirit.

Identity is so important for us to understand. As I've said before, there really are only two ways God identifies mankind: In Adam or in Christ. In Adam, we have labels like we read in the last couple of verses, designating the unjust in deplorable actions (cf Rom 1:18-32). Note the contrast here for the one who is "in Christ." They are washed, sanctified, and justified. Saints used to be sinners, but no longer. In God's eyes, all of that is done away in the moment of belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Paul will expound more on this in chapter 12:

1 Corinthians 12:12-13
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

That is the work of the Holy Spirit, translating us from the kingdom of sin and death to the kingdom of God's dear Son, baptizing us to the one body, the Body of Christ (Col 1:13). Jesus Christ made this possible by taking away the handwriting of ordinances that was against us and nailing them to the cross of Calvary, and forgiving the believer all sins (Col 2:13-14). What an amazing gospel we have today! To think, this was God's plan from before the foundation of the world (Rom 16:25-26, Eph 1:4-8, 3:1-11, Titus 1:2-3, etc). Can you imagine the joy of God when He was able to reveal this good news to the world, that is, when His determinate counsel deemed it the right time?

Everyone, everywhere can change their identification from any of the abysmal list above and be counted as "in Christ" simply by faith in what God did through Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. In that moment of belief according to this verse, the believer is washed. Washed of what? Of the filthiness of sin. The believer is sanctified. What does that mean? They are now a holy one. They are now a set apart one, set apart as a child of God (Rom 8:15). Finally, the believer is justified. How? Justified of what? Let's have God answer that in Romans chapter 3

Romans 3:19-26
19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

I have to point out the important little words in verse 22. God's way of salvation is unto all (Greek eis). Salvation is available for all, but it is only given upon all them that believe. The original language doesn't even contain the "and upon all" phrase. It simply says that the righteousness of God which is through faith of Jesus Christ is to all them that do what? Behave? No, not behave, but believe! Far too many think that there is some sort of behavioral requirement to salvation from sin and death, but that is simply not what God says. Should we, that is, should saints behave properly? Absolutely! We should be careful to maintain good works (Titus 3:8). However, salvation is not dependent on it. But if we understand the love of our God toward us, all saints should have a zeal to do those good works (Titus 2:14).

Back to our subject verse, our deliverance is justified, being lawful according to God, because Jesus Christ shed His blood and paid for our sins. He didn't have to die, since He didn't have any sin in Him (2 Cor 5:21), but chose to lay His own life down as commanded by God the Father (John 10:18). In that act, death had no claim on him, because death came into this world because of sin (Rom 5:12). Those that sin will incur death. The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23a), but since Christ had no sin, death could not contain Him. This whole act was just, and those that believe that God did that for them are now justified in their new identity (1 Cor 15:1-4). Praise the Lord!

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.

As saints, we have tremendous freedom. Christ set us free from the bondage of sin and death. We no longer have to obey the lusts of the flesh, though we be tempted. God always does give us a way out (1 Cor 10:13), but the choice is still up to us.

Because Christ has set us free, and by His own judgment, made us eternally secure, all things are possible for us to do. We can choose to either walk in the flesh or in the Spirit. We can choose to sin or choose not to. All things are possible for us to do, but it should be obvious that all things are not expedient.

To commit sin after being saved by the grace of God in faith of Jesus Christ and His shed blood is an atrocity. It is anything but profitable for the saint or for those who witness the act, whatever it may be. I need to take this a step further though. For a saint to not stand against sin is also an atrocity, because it allows that person committing the sin to think it's okay to act that way. Worse yet, they may think God says it's okay to act that way. If there are saints that are accepting of sinful behavior in the church without saying something in love, it's pretty much the same as partaking in it.

I'm thinking some have jumped to the thought of practicing homosexuals within the church ranks. While that is part of it, let's not leave it with just that sinful behavior. The same is true for adulterous relationships, spreading lies, speaking gossip, or even women teaching and usurping authority over the men (1 Cor 11:1-16). God made certain roles for men and women and that we should fulfill those. Men aren't better than women, nor are women better than men. Both are equal in Christ (Gal 3:28, Col 3:11), yet have different roles to work out in this life. That's a whole other discussion I'll get to in chapter 11. What we're seeing here in the first half of this verse is that all things are available for the believer to do, but all things do not edify, but could tear down instead.

The second part of the verse again makes the statement that all things are available to the believer, but now the point is that the believer is not brought under the power of anything. First, let's understand that word "power" in the original language. It is the Greek exousiazó, which has the idea of authority or exercising authority [1]. Believers can't be under the authority of any certain thing. Why? Because of what God says in chapter 3 of this epistle:

21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;
22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

You belong to Christ in the moment of belief in Christ and His shed blood on the cross as atonement for your sin. He bought you with the price of His blood as we'll see in verse 20 of this chapter. He is your ultimate authority and you are sealed with God's Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13-14). Nothing can take you away from Him (Rom 8:38-39). So it should be clear that we would be wise to not put ourselves under the authority of any certain thing. Galatians 5:1-6 comes to mind:

1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.

Christ set us free from the Law, so we need not work it out anymore in terms of our salvation from sin and death. It would be foolish to put ourselves under the Law once more, which would be the same as not believing Christ shed His blood has redeemed us from the Law (Gal 3:13-14). The exhortation that comes later in Galatians 5:13 sums it up well.

13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

This concept is going to lead the apostle to drive home the point of the freedom we have in Christ through the end of this chapter, and to help us examine our day to day conduct. Yes, we are free in Christ to do anything we want, but let's consider what it means to be in Christ, which will cause us to think about what we're doing in this body of flesh, this tabernacle that will soon be made new by Christ when He brings us into His presence (1 Cor 15:51-53, 2 Cor 5:1-10, Phil 3:20-21).

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.

Paul will now bring forth a powerful illustration for us to prove his point that we ought not to do anything that would tarnish our position as a saint. First, we are given the physical example that we can understand, which he will then make a spiritual application for. Meats for the belly and the belly for meats. That may look like a strange statement at first, but don't think too hard here. Where is food designed to go? Into the stomach, or the belly as the KJV has it. What is the stomach's job? To digest food. These things were made to work together. The stomach desires to have food in it. Food is meant to be in the stomach. Then we have the phrase that God shall destroy both the stomach and food. What does he mean there?

It shouldn't take us much thought to think that we are mortal and will die one day. In this life we need to continuously replenish our bodies with food, but one day God is going to render this body idle as it is. Whether by physical death or the event that Jesus Christ calls the Body of Christ home, this earthly tabernacle of a body will be changed forever. The word "destroy" here is the Greek "katargeo" which means to render idle. No one can be certain what life will be like once God makes all things new until we get there and witness it ourselves, but we can be certain that this flesh isn't going to be the body we have in Heaven (1 Corinthians 15:35-53). It will be made like unto Jesus' body (Phil 3:21), and that life will be far better than anything we know in this present life (Rom 8:18-23).

So now that we have that physical relationship established for food and the stomach, it's time to bring in the spiritual application. The body is not made for fornication. It is made for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. At large, God is talking of the body of Christ here. The Body of Christ is for the Lord and the Lord for the Body of Christ. That much should be clear, especially with a reference like Eph 5:22-33, with emphasis on verse 32. However, every individual saint is a member of the Body of Christ. And we're going to see in the next few verses how that knowledge should affect our conduct.

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

Now that we have been told that the body is for the Lord and the Lord for the body, we get the truth of what happens with this fleshly body. Every individual believer in the gospel of the grace of God is a member of the Body of Christ as we'll see in the next verse and also in 1 Cor 12:13. We know that Jesus Christ was dead, buried, and rose again from the dead (1 Cor 15:3-4). We have the assurance that Christ was witnessed as resurrected by many infallible proofs (Acts 1:3, 1 Cor 15:3-8). Knowing this, we get the truth that since God raised up the Lord, He will also raise up the Body. That means that every believer in the gospel of the grace of God has the assurance that their own body will be raised up just like Jesus' body (Phil 3:20-21). This is in contrast to the "belly" and "meats" that are to be rendered idle.

Our resurrection to be with God is the blessed hope we have to look forward to (Titus 2:13). One glorious day, Jesus Christ Himself will call us home to Heaven (1 Thess 4:16-17). Whether we are alive and in Christ, or this body stops working and we're in Christ, we have the assurance that we will have a brand new body that is free of corruption, and we will be in the presence of Almighty God (2 Cor 5:8).

We can note that the word "power" here is of the root dunamis (potential/ability) and not exousia (authority).

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.

As I've been alluding to, all saints are members of the Body of Christ. We should understand this, as the Greek work for "know" is "eido". God just told us in the last two verses that the body is for the Lord and the Lord for the body. Then He told us that the body will be raised up just like Jesus Christ was raised up from the dead. Now that we know that saints are members of the body of Christ, how should we handle these bodies we are given? Should the very members of Christ, which were raised up in Christ, be made the members of a harlot or prostitute? The answer should be obvious, and I can only imagine God intending all capital letters for GOD FORBID! Literally in the Greek, it is "May it never be!" He'll give us a further illustration of why in the next verse.

Some may wonder why Paul uses the word "I" here. Does Paul take the members of Christ and make the member of a harlot? As the apostle to the Gentiles (Rom 11:13), Paul had authority given to him from Jesus Christ (Acts 13:2, Gal 1:11-12). He had a dispensation committed to him to make known the mystery, which is salvation from sin and death through faith in the finished work of Christ (Eph 3:1-11). No works are required under this dispensation. The difference is that works were required both before this dispensation of grace, and they will be after (Matthew 19:16-22, 25:31-46, cf Rev 7:9-17). So then, with the authority given to him of Christ, is his ministry to make saints members of a harlot? Let us all resound with God: May it never be!

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.

This is important doctrine for each Christian to know. When two become one flesh, as in the act of marriage, they are one body according to God's word. That is why God says the marriage bed is undefiled, but fornicators (KJV whoremongers) and adulterers God will judge (Heb 13:4). God established this from the very beginning in Genesis 2:24, which is where this quote is coming from.

All of this is to illustrate the point that the believer shouldn't be seeking to be joined to an unbeliever in matters of law. Remember the context we're coming from. The Corinthians were in the wrong because a believer was taking another believer to law and laying it upon an unbeliever to judge between them. It was wrong of them to wrong each other, and it was even worse that they lay the burdens before an unbeliever rather than even going to the least esteemed believer. What they, and we, need to understand is that we are to be separate from the unbelievers in conduct. Saints are supposed to stand out so people see the difference in us, that God might open that door of opportunity for us to share the word of God, and the sinner choose faith in Christ to be made into a fellow saint. if it doesn't make sense for the members of the body of Christ to be joined to a harlot, it doesn't make sense for the saints which make up the members of Christ be joined up with unbelievers, which are constantly referred to as "playing the whore" in scripture when they go after other gods in idolatry.

Since we're on the subject, I can't help but point out the travesty of some churches who claim to follow Christ and, whether they know it or not, they encourage adulterous behavior in their membership. Some local churches have people filling the pulpit which are openly homosexual. Others that say they are Christian have family members that are practicing Muslims, but they say that is okay by claiming the God of the bible and Allah are one and the same. These are just two examples, but both of them are doing what verses 15 and 16 of this chapter are saying is outright wrong according to the bible, which is God's inerrant word (2 Tim 3:16-17). I won't get much into it here, but Allah fits the description of Satan in the bible when Allah's characteristics are studied between the Quran and the bible. They are most definitely not one and the same.

As Christians, we should all strive to know the God that purchased our redemption on the cross of Calvary, especially since He gave us the full revelation of what we need in this life through the ministry of the apostle Paul (Col 1:25). God makes it so plain that adulterous relationships, whether physical or spiritual, are absolutely wrong.

One thing in the Greek I want to point out is that it has a stronger word that is translated "saith he." It is the Greek phemi, which has the idea of declaring or bringing to light. We should be seeing the light of what God said back in Gen 2:24 as we study these verses.

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

For further evidence that Christians are wrong to take part in sinful practice, we are reminded that the Christian is "joined unto the Lord." In that moment where someone puts their faith and trust in Jesus Christ and His atoning work on the cross, the believer becomes one with God's Son through God's Spirit (1 Cor 6:15, 12:13). The two shall become one, as written in Gen 2:24 and Eph 5:22-33, is fulfilled in the moment of belief. To chase after anything else, to live in the flesh, is to play the whore against God. If we understand harlotry to be wrong in the physical, how much worse is it in the spiritual?

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.

Changing gears slightly in regard to idolatry and spiritual harlotry, now let's understand what happens in the physical. We are to flee fornication. Note that that is a command from God. in the Greek there is also a definite article there, so we could literally say "Flee the fornication." Why? Because God says that every sin save fornication is done outside of the body, but fornication is like a double whammy. Yes it is a sin against God, but it is also sinning against the body of the one fornicating. What's worse about that is what we will read in the next couple of verses.

Fornication is a big deal and something the church has no reason to be silent about. Is someone you know living in fornication? Do the loving thing and let them know it is wrong according to God who gave Jesus Christ for them. No one should be swinging their bible and bludgeoning someone caught up in sin with scripture. God tells us in Galatians 6:1-2

1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

That's how to do it, regardless of what the sin is. The loving thing is to present the problem in the spirit of meekness. To remain silent is far more damaging, allowing the one practicing wrong to think it is okay behavior.

As we look at the Greek here, it is structured a bit differently. Where the KJV has "Every sin that a man doeth is without the body," The Greek reads literally this way:

Every sin, which if a man might do, outside the body is.

The word "ean" is used, which is an if statement indicating possibility, and the subjunctive of "make" or "do" is used (poieo). I would like to note something here as well, that there is the clear indication of free will in the heart of man. A man (or woman) might sin and the might not. Scripture is riddled with this concept beginning back in Genesis, but there are those that promote the heresy that free will is not a real thing, and that God ordained some to eternal life and some to eternal condemnation regardless of man's will. The truth of scripture states that God clearly communicates the choice of life versus death and allows each individual to choose which to have.

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

It really is that simple. Man is born in sin and earns death naturally because of Adam's choice to sin in the Garden of Eden. God made the world save-able through faith in Jesus Christ and His shed blood on the cross. It is a gift given when one believes, and the choice is up to every individual.

So we see the possibility of sin that any certain individual may do is done without or outside the body. Then there is a contrast. The Greek uses the stronger word "de" here to indicate the importance of what is being said. The English is word for word with the Greek except for the word "against." That is translated from the word "eis" which has the idea of "to the point of" or simply "to." A definition is as follows: motion into which" implying penetration ("unto," "union") to a particular purpose or result [2]. I see the idea being given here that the fornicator brings sin to his own body. It is a sin directly affecting the 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?

Now these last two verses really drive the point home. Because the saint believes in the good news that Jesus Christ's shed blood atones for their sin, they become part of the Body of Christ. In that moment, the Holy Spirit takes up residence inside our earthly body, sealing our soul and spirit unto the day of redemption (2 Cor 1:21-22, 5:1-8, Eph 1:13-14, etc.). That is when we will have a body like unto Jesus' Body, the day the Body of Christ is called home to Heaven (Phil 3:20-21, 1 Thess 4:16-17).

Because our bodies are the dwelling place of God's Holy Spirit, what business to we have to use this body for anything except that which pleases God? He first loved us to show us what true love is, and He displayed it on the cross of Calvary. Why would we want to do anything but please God? Every saint should fit the definition of Titus 2:14 that they are zealous for good works.

At the end of the verse, the question God asks of our understanding should make us think about it. Mankind was responsible for separating himself from God as we know from the account of Adam in the Garden of Eden. By God being in Christ on the cross and reconciling the world to Himself, He paid our bill, our debt of sin. That's how we can come to Him by faith and receive the gift of grace, because He is the one that paid for us. As saints, we aren't ever alone. We were already told back in chapter of this epistle that all things belong to us, and that we are Christ's, and Christ is God's. Now we're being reminded that we didn't do the redemptive work, but He who did, God, now has a claim on us.

Our earthly minds may think that we were purchased like a slave is purchased, and now we have to do good works because God says so. Anyone who makes that claim doesn't really know who God is. What God did is purchase our freedom. He purchased true life, and like a loving father to his child, wrapped it up in a gift and says it is ours for the taking. We are now free from the yoke of bondage and may stand in liberty (Gal 5:1). What amazing love!

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.

When we come to understand the depth of the love of God for us, we can only come to one conclusion. We have the privilege of glorifying God in our body. He bought us freedom with a price. What price was that? His shed blood on the cross of Calvary. Don't forget that even to do that, Jesus Christ's body was marred more than any man (Isa 52:14). The beating and mocking he endured was atrocious, yet He did it willingly (Phil 2:5-8). He allowed all of that to happen to His dear Son for the joy that it would bring Him, to purchase His creation back to Himself in a just way (Heb 12:2).

After we read through this chapter and really contemplate what God is telling us, it's my desire that we all have a further zeal to glorify God in our body. We have no reason whatsoever to take part in any sin or any activity that would displease God. Our only logical conclusion is to present ourselves a living sacrifice, a pleasing aroma to the Lord (Rom 12:1). May all of the saints do so to the glory and praise of God!

References
Thayer's Greek Lexicon [1]
HELPS Word-studies [2]

1 Corinthians - Verse by Verse Study - Chapter 5

1 Corinthians 5:1
It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

The apostle Paul doesn't waste any time getting to the next matter. After bringing the ultimatum on the Corinthians that he's either coming in the "spirit of meekness" or "with a rod," he brings up the indictment of fornication against them. This verse is a sad reality, because we need to remember that this is referring to lifestyle choices of God's saints (see 1:2). Not only is this fornication made known publicly, but it is "reported commonly." It's the talk of the town! No wonder, because even the Gentiles that don't have the Law, when they do by nature the things contained in the Law, they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another (Rom 2:14-15). In other words, the secular population knew that this action was wrong and had no qualm in proclaiming it, especially because a Christian was doing it.

Do we see that sort of thing today? With deep sadness, I say yes. There are many who profess Christianity that act in ways are not "worthy of the vocation" they are called to (Eph 4:1). There are many who profess Christianity that aren't bothering to get to know their Lord and Savior at all, but rather are still living their lives the way they want to, according to the ways of the world, which at the base is according to Satan (Eph 2:2). We all start there as we all are born in Adam positionally (Rom 3:10, 23, 5:12, Eph 2:3, 1 Cor 15:22). But at the exact moment when one puts their faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary for their sin, and that is the only thing that can atone for their sin, that person is no longer in Adam, they are now in Christ. The believer is translated in the kingdom of God's dear Son (Col 1:12-14) and is now partaker of all spiritual blessings in the heavenlies in Christ (Eph 1:3). If only believers would realize the love of God through Christ Jesus, they would all desire to live in a way that would please God (Titus 2:11-14).

Another thing to consider is that people have the conscientious thought that this sort of fornication is absolutely wrong. Why? Because God is real and there is a moral standard. God made His standard of righteousness known to the entire world through creation and later the Law (Rom 1:18-20, Gal 3:15-19). So even though people may choose to reject God, God is still real and there is still a moral standard. Why then should any Christian want to live in the ways of the world, knowing that living according to the flesh produces death, both in the Christian, and the unbelievers that observe that behavior (Rom 6, really the whole chapter but focus on verses 20-23). We should not behave in such a way to discourage others from the faith, especially those that believe (Rom 14). This is especially because we know the dichotomy God presents as to where all people will be resurrected: Heaven or Hell. Believers go to Heaven. Unbelievers go to Hell. It's that simple. Knowing God's love for us, shouldn't we desire all mankind to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4)? Let us count ourselves dead to sin and no longer walk in the flesh, but in the Spirit (Gal 5:16-26). Let us walk worthy of the calling of saints in Christ.

Something to point out in the Greek is that the word "fornication" is translated from porneia. I shouldn't have to tell anyone what word in the English we get from that. Another reason to stay away from all of that sort of thing entirely for any believer. If anyone is struggling with it though, especially coming out of unbelief and into sainthood through faith in Jesus Christ and His shed blood, ask for help. First ask of God, because He is the one who is able, then find other true believers that will bear the burden with you (Gal 6:1-2). Upon accepting faith in the shed blood of Christ, the "old man" is dead, and you are free from any behavior that doesn't honor God, yet we still will struggle against it until God completely frees us from the body of this death (Rom 7). Through God and His grace, we can bring even these bodies of death unto subjection to Christ.

1 Corinthians 5:2
And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

If verse 1 wasn't bad enough, this should really make us all cringe. Not only was someone committing fornication with his mother or step-mother, but other believers thought it was good. At best they chose not to stand against this act, but in reality, not standing against something known to be bad is also accepting that same thing. The one committing the act is still within the church at Corinth and apparently not chastised for the deed.

Instead of accepting this individual and blowing off what he had done as nothing bad, or worse as the language indicates, that the church embraced this individual along with his action, the saints in Corinth needed to confront him that he was not walking according to the Spirit. They should have been "mourning" instead of being puffed up. They should have lovingly came to this individual and asked him his reasoning for his action, then backed up what conduct a saint should have according to God (Eph 5:1-7, Rom 16:1-2). We're going to see in a few verses what ought to have been done, though I could reference several passages on what a Christian's conduct ought to be.

It may be hard to spot in today's English, so I wanted to point out the subjunctive verb in this verse. The one that "hath done this deed might be taken away from among you." It is indicating the choice or possibility, and the context certainly indicates that it would be the right thing to do. Does that mean to cast out forever? Of course not. Other places in scripture we read of people who are misbehaving and won't listen to reason. Paul says he delivered them over to Satan so that they would learn not to blaspheme (1 Tim 1:20). Sometimes people need a hard lesson to learn what is right. I wish we could all listen to words and reason, but we all need some "tough love" from time to time to keep us on the path of true Christian living. True believers in Christ will sorrow to repentance after a godly manner (2 Cor 7:8-9), and at that time they should be welcomed back with open arms.

1 Corinthians 5:3
For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,

In these next three verses we're going to see the apostle Paul declare the very thing I mentioned in the verse above. This wayward believer needs some tough love to come back to walk in the Spirit. So, due to all the common reports of this man, Paul uses his God-given authority as the apostle to the Gentiles (Rom 11:13) to declare judgment with this person (what should be done for the deed, not judgment for sin and death). Even being away from them physically, this letter would suffice as him being present, giving his approval for the action to be taken to remove this wayward believer from among the others of the Corinthian church.

1 Corinthians 5:4
In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Wow, what a statement of authority! The name of the Lord Jesus, the saints gathered together with the spirit of the apostle Paul, and the power (ability - Greek dunamis) of Christ. Remember that part of the Law where 2 or 3 are gathered in the name of Christ that He would be in the midst also (Matt 18:18-20)? He was talking of authority there, not that there needs to be 2 or 3 to gather in prayer about anything, because everyone is encouraged to pray without ceasing about anything on their heart (1 Thess 5:17, Phil 4:6). I've heard far too many Christians think that their prayers are only answered when 2 or more are gathered in the name of Jesus. We need to let God's word say what it says to understand it, and as I say, if it comes to be known that one's theology doesn't match what is in the bible, we need to ask who is the one in error? God or us? Clearly we should match our theology to what God says. So let Him say what He says, and let's be unified in mind and obedience (Eph 4:1-6).

Note another thing going on here. The people, who are believers, are gathering together with the spirit of Paul because Paul is not bodily present. Paul has given them his authority through this letter to perform the deed mentioned in verse 5 for the wayward saint. However, Paul writes one more thing that we need to bear in mind: the power or ability of Jesus Christ. Why would he need to mention that? Because this church is "puffed up" as we read in verse 2. They are embracing this fornication and are conducting themselves carnally (1 Cor 3:3). They need help, and God is willing to provide it for the good of all. Paul recognized the infirmity of their flesh and reminds them of a vital truth. They have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16) and they belong to Christ (1 Cor 3:23). Therefore, they can do the right thing through the power of Christ and remove the fornicator from them instead of embracing that behavior any longer.

1 Corinthians 5:5
To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

This may sound harsh at the beginning, but don't forget who God is. He isn't one that is out to get people, but much rather wants them to do what's right. God's will, or desire, is very clear in several verses. Here are a few:

1Thess 4:1-5
1 Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more.
2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus.
3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:
4 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;
5 Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God

1 Thess 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

1 Tim 2:1-4
1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
2 For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

God wants what is best for His children, who are all believers in what God has done for them on the cross of Calvary as the only atonement for their sin.

We see examples of this kind of corrective action taken every day. If there are children that are beginning to stray from what is right according to their parents, and the parents are diligent about raising their children, what do the parents do? They correct the child's behavior. What if the child is getting more unruly? The discipline gets harsher until the child comes back to obedience.

This doesn't just apply to children, though. We have plenty of laws for adults as well. The worse the perpetration, the worse the punishment. Why? To bring people back into right behavior. This is not some "social construct," but much rather a reaction to the moral standard of almighty God. As Christians, we realize that police and government are a God-given institution, and we are to pray for them constantly as referenced above in 1 Tim 2:1-2. We pay taxes for the purposes of having these services (Romans 13:1-8). God has them in place in order to administer discipline until the appointed time when He calls His church, the Body of Christ, out of the earth to enact His wrath (1 Thess 4:16-18, 2 Thess 1:6-10, Titus 2:13), etc.

The phrase "deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh" should not be separated from the rest of the verse, which is the natural result of living according to Satan. "That the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus." What naturally happens when the body is in trouble for a believer? They call out to God. This body falling apart should always bring the believer closer to God, as constant prayer just makes sense. I went through an awful digestive disorder for many years, and I praise God for that because my relationship with Him through Jesus Christ has flourished. It took a while for my mind to turn around and start praising him. I wrestled with the though how the apostle Paul could say "Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong." I understand now, but it was a lesson I needed to learn. One of God's attributes is to chasten those that He loves (Heb 12:6, Rev 3:19), because it is for their good.

Even with the chastising, we still have a choice, don't we? We see that in the subjunctive verb that the spirit might be saved. Many people ask why bad things happen to good people, though the question assumes people are good. God says there are none that are good on their own, and all are sinners (Rom 3:10, 23), which is why everyone needs a Savior. At the moment of belief in the shed blood of Jesus Christ to atone for sin, the believer becomes blameless before God in Christ (Eph 1:4). Now then, "bad" things happen on account of two things: 1) We are all born in Adam and have a sin nature. Our bodies fall apart because of that sin nature and through sin comes death (Rom 5:12). 2) Our bodies are subjected to destruction for chastisement and to bring us to closer relationship with our God. No one wants to be sick or die, but it's all too easy to forget to be absent from this body of death is to be present with the Lord (2 Cor 5:8), and that the sufferings of this present world won't compare to how awesome it will be in Heaven with God (Rom 8:18). Heavenly life is promised to all believers through the Spirit of God (Eph 1:13-14), so keep looking up!

Having trouble with something? Bring it to the Lord and thank Him for the result before you even know what it is (Phil 4:6). Hindsight will allow us to see the good that God works in us, even if we can't see it right away.

1 Corinthians 5:6
Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

Paul is quick to go for further reason to remove the fornicator from the presence of the church. The actions of sin are contagious. If they accept one fornicator now, it won't be long before other believers begin to do the same. Acceptance of ungodly behavior will encourage unbelievers to continue in the ungodly behavior and call the believers hypocrites. It also may deter the unbeliever from embracing the gospel of the grace of God due to the shaky testimony of the believers. See how that propagates in a hurry? That's why we see sin and false doctrine likened to leaven several times in the scriptures. It only takes a little bit to make a big influence.

So for believers, we should desire to get to know the truth of God and to live after the way He desires because of His grace that He's shown us in Christ. It is because of His love and grace, we should understand that we ought not to partake in any sinful behavior in this present world, and fix our hearts on things above, especially on that glorious day of His appearing to call us home to Heaven (Phil 3:20-21, Titus 2:11-14).

1 Corinthians 5:7
Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

Here is one of many calls to the faith that the apostle Paul makes As faithful in Christ we are a new creature (2 Cor 5:17). So, we ought to put off the old man and put on Christ (Eph 4:21-24). The old nature is very much alive and will struggle against the things of the Spirit (Rom 7, Gal 5:17). However, because of the atoning work of Christ, putting our faith in that finished work to save us from sin and death allows that sin nature to be rendered inert (Rom 6:6 - destroyed in the KJV has the idea of being idle, Greek katargeo). But there lies the choice again, doesn't it?

Note carefully the language here. Ye may be a new lump. That's in the subjunctive once more, but the powerful reality comes right after. Ye are unleavened. That's who you are as a believer in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. Leaven in this context is talking about sin as we can see in the previous verses. Ye are unleavened. As part of the Body of Christ, one of the spiritual blessings we enjoy is to be holy and without blame before God in love (Eph 1:4). Our identity is no longer a sinner. We are no longer positionally in Adam and subject to death (1 Cor 15:22a). No, in the moment of belief in Jesus' shed blood as the atonement for sin and death, we are baptized in the Holy Spirit to the Body of Christ (1 Cor 12:13). In that moment we are translated from death to life (1 Cor 15:22b), from the power of darkness to the kingdom of God's dear Son (Col 1:13). This is what Christ did for us as He was our passover. Death passed over those believers in Israel during the plague of the first born in Egypt (Ex 12:1-30). So as it passed over them at that time, and they were given the feast of the Passover to remember, death in this dispensation will pass over all those that believe God sent Jesus to save them from their sin and they can in no wise earn their own way to Heaven.

Because we are made new in Christ, God tells us to purge out the old nature. Purge out sinful behavior. Here He says to purge out the "old leaven," because of the context having leaven personifying sin. It is His grace that teaches us to live a godly life and purge out ungodliness (Titus 2:11-14). Let us press on toward the mark of this high calling of being God's saints (Phil 3:14).

1 Corinthians 5:8
Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

As we just had the analogy of the Passover feast introduced in the last verse, the apostle expands on it here. One of the requirements of Israel is that they were to get rid of all the leaven in their houses for the feast (Ex 12:15). Having this explanation here in 1 Corinthians 5, we see that it was to be a picture of getting rid of all ungodliness and all sinful behavior. We should understand that we should "keep the feast" with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. We should understand who we are in Christ, so we know what our position is and live accordingly. I intentionally used the word "should" several times there. It is subjunctive; a choice. God tells us plainly, but He didn't make robots.

God made men and women with a free will, and it's up to every individual to choose how they want to live their lives. Would you like to live in an ungodly way and reap the wages of sin, which is death? Or would you like to purge out the old leaven of malice and wickedness, live according to God's grace and our your identity as a saint of God, and reap the wages of obedience, which is righteousness (Rom 6:15-23)? Seems like a pretty easy choice, doesn't it?

1 Corinthians 5:9
I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

Though this is 1 Corinthians, it appears that the apostle Paul wrote to this church before. However, he could also be referring to what he just said in the verses 1-5 of this chapter. I would side with the latter, because he established this point and is now going to expound on the idea for the rest of the chapter.

It may be of note that the Greek word for "company" here is synanamígnymi. That is quite the mouth full, but it has the literal idea of mixing up with (syn = together with, ana = up, mignymi = mix). Paul goes over this concept again in 2 Corinthians 6, that saints should not be mixed up with unbelievers in behavior.

Interestingly, the word "an" should be "the" as the definite article appears in the Greek.

1 Corinthians 5:10
Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

It's because of this verse that I made my point in verse 9, that Paul is expanding on what he has said so far in this chapter. He established that he wrote to them not to get mixed up with fornicators. As saints, it should be clear that we should not use our bodies in fornication (1 Thess 4:1-8), but the Corinthian saints were behaving in such a way that the unbelieving Gentiles would never consider it (verse 1). God knows how our minds will take things to the extreme, so He inspired Paul to write these words in verses 9 and 10. We may think, "Don't keep company with fornicators? How do we know which ones are fornicators? Where can we go to keep away from them?"

Not keeping company with sinners at all times is simply not possible in this world; we will run into those who are "dead in trespasses and sins" during the course of life, and every saint would do well to remember where we came from (Eph 2:1-3). If we were to stay away from sin completely, then that means we're not in this world. Instead, God guides our minds gently back to the reality of what He is telling us, that as saints we should in no wise partake in this behavior. If some do practice fornication, then the church at large should not associate with the brother or sister of faith in order to help them see their error and change.

It may help the reader to see the literal Greek of this verse. It says "Not all the fornicators of this the world, or the covetous, and extortioners, or idolaters, since then you ought to go out of the world." Based on the context, the translators worded it the way they did, but the idea should be clear. If you're a saint, you shouldn't be behaving like a sinner. Also, if you're a saint, there will always be sin somewhere nearby because of Adam's transgression in the Garden of Eden. God's will is that all mankind be saved and know the truth (1 Tim 2:4), so we ought to show those who are lost in sin what the difference of being a saint is. Concisely, it's this: Christ in us, the hope of glory (Col 1:27). We are free from sin the moment we trust in the shed blood of Jesus Christ as our atoning sacrifice. After that moment, every saint can use their bodies as instruments to righteousness instead of instruments to sin, but the choice will be up to each saint until the day we're all taken up to glory (Rom 6-7, 1 Thess 4:16-17).

1 Corinthians 5:11
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

I already alluded to this in the comments on the previous verse, but Paul writes even firmer words than I under the inspiration of God. Please note well that God is talking about a saint here. This is a saved individual choosing to live in sin. If we encounter someone like that, we should not even eat with them. Of course, this doesn't give us license to be childish about the issue, but rather act in a way to chastise the wayward saint back to walking worthy of the vocation wherewith they have been called.

The church at large should really pay attention to this chapter, as there is far too much that is "tolerated" in this day we're living in. As Paul told us, a little leaven leavens the whole lump (verse 6). Allowing some sin to exist within the local church will propagate fast and contaminate the testimony of that church quickly. Let's all do our part to edify the local assemblies we are apart of to keep our eyes on the mark of our high calling, so we may be walk worthy of being a saint (Phil 3:14-16, Eph 4:1-3).

1 Corinthians 5:12
For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

To give credence to the previous verse and how we are to handle wayward saints, we're presented with an order we should understand, but God documents it for us. We can judge those "within" while it is superfluous to judge those "without." What is God talking about here? Those that are "in Christ" are "within" and those that are not "in Christ" are "without". It's really as simple as that, and will be made clear in the next verse. Since the saints have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16), we may judge whether or not behavior is sinful and/or detrimental to our testimony. We are one body (Eph 4:4), and should help the members of that body which are in need (1 Cor 12:12-27).

Then there are those that are "without." These are the ones who are still dead in trespasses and sins. They are still in rebellion against God and are called the "children of disobedience" (Eph 2:2). Are we to judge the sinner and execute wrath? Of course not. That's God's job, and He reminds us that vengeance belongs to Him (Rom 12:19, Heb 10:30, Deut 32:35). So let God take care of that part of judgment.

Now, we know what behavior we out to be conducting as saints, so long as we continue in His word. God doesn't keep it secret, so we should do our diligence and get to know our Savior and what it means to be His saint. Knowing how we ought to behave based on scripture will help us to share the truth in love and help bear the burdens of our brothers and sisters in faith in order to restore them (Gal 6:1-2).

1 Corinthians 5:13
But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Again, vengeance belongs to God, so let Him handle those that are rejecting His free offer of eternal life. He says this in 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10

6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;
7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,
8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;
10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.

It will be a bittersweet day when God calls us home. Bitter because there will be friends and family who choose to reject the free gift of God's grace, eternal life through Jesus Christ, and they will suffer an eternity apart from God. Sweet, because all of God's saints in the church, which is the Body of Christ, will be in the very presence of God. We will be made incorruptible and immortal in the image of Christ (1 Cor 15:50-52, Phil 3:20-21).

With that in mind, it should inspire us to keep sharing the truth of God's word and living in such a way that others see the difference of Christ in us. We don't know when Jesus Christ will call home His church to be with Him in the clouds (1 Thess 4:16-17), and we aren't in the place to judge the hearts of mankind where they are at with their decision of what to do with God's offer of salvation through the shed blood of Jesus Christ, so we ought then to redeem the time, because the days are evil (Eph 5:15-16), and be wise, knowing what the will of the Lord is (Eph 5:17). Let us conduct ourselves worthy of that vocation we've been called to, and glorify our God and Savior in every word, thought, and deed.

Should a saint, or one posing as a saint, choose to live in a worldly fashion within the local assembly, God tells us not to get mixed up with that behavior and "cast them out." This will do one of two things: 1) expose the wolf in sheep's clothing, that they aren't truly a believer, 2) cause a great deal of inner struggle for the believer as they desire to live carnally instead of according to the Spirit, eventually culminating in godly sorrow which will lead to repentance. Either way the testimony of a Christian would remain untarnished, and the Body of Christ is edified.

A look at the Greek is quite interesting here in regard to the latter half of the verse. The command to expel is there, but it literally says "expel the evil Iadjective singular) out of yourselves," but then there is a 3rd person plural pronoun after all of that (auton). To me, this could be translated as "expel the evil of them out from among you," which would then be a blanket statement for all sinful behavior among those in the local assembly. That makes sense, since God is concerned with all sin, even though He is focusing on a particular atrocity of fornication in this chapter. He did cover this back in verses 9-11, where we understand that we can't escape sin in this world, but will rather be surrounded by it until Jesus calls us home. Knowing that, we should remain spotless inside the Church, expelling evil behavior, that others may see the light and truth and live at it behooves saints.