1 Corinthians 6:12

FORNICATION-1 Corinthians 6:12-20:

Introductory Comments:

'You'll note that Paul speaks of men in this section (and not women) as committing fornication. And with harlots (not simply women in general-1 Corinthians 6:15). It isn't hard at all to see that these harlots are connected with the heathen temples and the meats are those with the same connection...While Paul has made it explicitly clear that fornication is in violent opposition to the will of God (1 Corinthians 5:10-11; 1 Corinthians 6:9..)he is not in this present section dealing with fornication in general. He is clearly dealing with fornication as it relates to idolatry..' [Note:. McGuiggan p. 73]

I think McGuiggan is on the right track, especially considering the context. Apparently some at Corinth, were arguing that since meat sacrificed to idols was. matter of indifferent, why not sex with religious prostitutes? After all, aren't both merely body functions? (1 Corinthians 6:13) In addition, such "religious fornication" was. "civic duty" in Corinth, and it wasn't as if they were having sex with an "ordinary" woman, rather they were having sex with. woman whose "business" was sex.

1 Corinthians 6:12 All things are lawful for me; but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful for me; but. will not be brought under the power of any.

'All things are lawful for me' -obviously, not everything (1 Corinthians 6:9-10) And yet. realm of "lawful" things does exist,. realm in which the Christian has the liberty to participate or not. This same realm, Paul discusses in Romans 14:1. see verses 1 Corinthians 14:3. And yet, Paul points out that Christian liberty isn't licence. (1 Corinthians 10:23)

'but not all things' -i.e. in that realm of "lawful things".

'are expedient' -4851. sumphero soom-fer'-o; from 4862 and 5342 (including its alternate); to bear together (contribute), i.e. (literally) to collect, or (figuratively) to conduce; especially (neuter participle as. noun) advantage: -be better for, bring together, be expedient (for), be good, (be) profit(-able for).

-signifies contributing to someone's benefit (Gr. Ex. N.T. p. 818) 'Bears together for good and so worthwhile.' (Robertson p. 120) 'Be advantageous, useful, or profitable.' (Willis p. 195)

'The real question is not whether an action is "lawful" or "right" or even "all right", but whether it is good, whether it benefits. In light of the full context of this section that may mean "to one's own benefit". Elsewhere in. Corinthians, however, this word denotes benefiting someone else (1 Corinthians 10:23=33). Truly Christian conduct is not predicated on whether. have the right to do something, but whether my conduct is helpful to those about me.' [Note:. Fee p. 252]

Point to Note:

Sadly this principle laid down by Paul has often been ignored. Many divisions in the church could of been avoided, if this principle were carried out. Various issues have. very difficult time passing the first test, 'Is it lawful', i.e. instrumental music, using church funds for social activities and recreation, the sponsoring church arrangement. And considering the division that they caused when introduced, they certainly weren't "expedient" for the body of Christ.

'but. will not be brought under the power of any' -i.e. of any "lawful" thing. Paul is saying that he won't allow his "liberty" to become his master.

'There is. kind of self-deception that inflated spirituality promotes, which suggests to oneself that he/she is acting with freedom and authority, but which in fact is an enslavement of the worst kind--to the very freedom one thinks one has.' (Fee p. 253)

'he insists that freedom in these areas (of things lawful) will not become his Lord. Yes, he has the right to eat meats offered to idols but meats are not that important to him. Freedom in the matter of food laws is not the big issue with him. Meats don't control him, he controls meat-eating.....Paul claimed he too kept lawful things under control..He could always say no to them.' [Note:. McGuiggan p. 75]

Point to Note:

Even if one could get such subjects as smoking, social drinking, gambling (playing the lottery), and dancing into the category of lawful things (a big "if"), it would be. very tough sell to argue that such things are "useful". In fact, right here smoking runs into. big problem. For it does make. slave of it's user.

In. time when so many people are arguing about "their rights", Paul gives us. fresh view of "personal freedom". He reminds us-"liberty" isn't something to be worshipped!