1 Corinthians 6:1-20 (More Issues, Just the Tip of the Iceberg)
One way of reading Paul’s letters (perhaps the best way) is to see them as a missionary training manual. What do we do in the situations that arise in new churches? Paul addresses some issues directly, but not every issue to face every church in the entire history of the faith. So how do we address each new issue that arises? Applying the principles found in scripture. For example:
How do we settle arguments?
When the church does experience disagreements and divisions in the body, they should be solved within the body. We should not take our arguments to a secular court. There should not be arguments in the first place if everyone is operating under the guidance of Love, but if we slip up and they do arise, we should look to wise leaders within the body to judge the issue.
Why is sex outside marriage wrong?
Our stomachs are made for food, but our bodies are not made for immorality. This means that sexual sin is not just a sin, it is unnatural. Many of the desires Satan uses to pull us away from God are natural desires, but sexual immorality is a perversion.
Other issues will come up. When the Gospel expands to new cultures and new times, there will always be new issues that Paul nor any of the biblical writers ever dreamed of. However, the principles of faith, love and hope can be applied in every instance.
How do we settle arguments?
When the church does experience disagreements and divisions in the body, they should be solved within the body. We should not take our arguments to a secular court. There should not be arguments in the first place if everyone is operating under the guidance of Love, but if we slip up and they do arise, we should look to wise leaders within the body to judge the issue.
Why is sex outside marriage wrong?
Our stomachs are made for food, but our bodies are not made for immorality. This means that sexual sin is not just a sin, it is unnatural. Many of the desires Satan uses to pull us away from God are natural desires, but sexual immorality is a perversion.
Other issues will come up. When the Gospel expands to new cultures and new times, there will always be new issues that Paul nor any of the biblical writers ever dreamed of. However, the principles of faith, love and hope can be applied in every instance.
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