Read: 1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. (v. 18)
Corinthianize means “to live a promiscuous life” (Collins English Dictionary). The word comes, of course, from the ancient city of Corinth, a place known for sexual promiscuity. Apparently, some of the members of the Corinthian church had convinced themselves that the physical act of sex posed no harm to Christian spirituality. They had adopted an attitude similar to that which the world has today: “What’s the big deal? Sex is a normal physical function, so why not use it as you please?” We can almost hear Paul’s teeth grinding as he rebukes the Corinthians for not taking sexual sin seriously. “Freedom in Christ” does not mean sexual license. “All things are lawful for me” (v. 12) does not mean promiscuous sexual behavior.
Paul gives two exhortations, one negative and one positive. First, the negative: “Flee from sexual immorality” (v. 18). Flee. Run away. Don’t debate with temptation. Don’t weigh the pros and cons. Flee. Some temptations are too insidious to spar with. When Potiphar’s wife tried to seduce Joseph, he ran away (Gen. 39:12). Some evil allurements may be overcome with fight, but sexual immorality requires flight.
The second exhortation is wonderfully positive: “Glorify God in your body” (1 Cor. 6:20). In every aspect of life, including sexuality, honor God. Let people see God in you! —Lou Lotz
As you pray, ask God to give you the strength to fight against temptation, and the wisdom to flee from it.
About the Author
Rev. Lou Lotz is a recently retired Reformed Church pastor. Lou and his wife Mary Jean live in Hudsonville, Michigan.
