Rēad to Read …Again
Daily Reading: I Corinthians 5-8
I Corinthians 6:19-20
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? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
Whenever there is a “therefore” in God’s Word, look to see what it is there for. Many a preacher has said this from time to time and there may be no better illustration of the importance of this teaching than the two verses recorded above. These conclude the introductory remarks of Paul prior to addressing the questions forwarded to him. What an introduction it is.
In chapter one the apostle made a plea for church unity, warned against their division over human leadership, and made some comments about preaching. In chapter two he gave his testimony, pointed out the mystery of true wisdom, and defined the conflict between those who are spiritually minded vs. those of the natural mindset. In chapter three, he pointedly highlighted the marks of carnality, made remarks about the future judgment seat of Christ, and stressed the importance of personal holiness. Then in chapter four Paul focuses the reader’s attention toward stewardship, divisions, and leadership. In the fifth chapter the sin of sexual immorality is the focus. Then in the first half of chapter six, civil litigation, forgiveness, and willingness to be defrauded are highlighted; in the second half lessons about physical corruptions are warned against.
Then comes his excellent concluding statement at the end of chapter six. The explanation in two verses of the deep, spiritual, and practical truths that cover all the afore-mentioned issues as well as all that will follow. He sums up a principle that if understood, believed, and lived would handle most, if not all, questions of sin and righteousness. These words of Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, drive a stake through the heart of selfishness putting an end to that insidious enemy once and for all.
The idea that …ye are not your own… is as foreign to the modern psyche as a bar of soap is to a stinky yard dog. Someone may ask, “If I am not my own, whose am I?” Paul answers concisely: you are God’s. He bought you with a price that no one could pay through the gospel of His Son, Jesus Christ. He lives in you through His Holy Ghost. Therefore…
…Therefore glorify Him, in your body and in your spirit which are His. Notice a nuanced teaching. In these two verses two spirits are mentioned. In verse 19 the Holy Ghost, which is the Holy Spirit, is said to live in you (remember he is writing to saved church members). In verse 20 “your spirit” is mentioned. You have in you, your spirit and the Holy Spirit if you are a child of God.
The battle is which spirit will control the body? Paul gives ample examples of this and much teaching about it throughout his inspired writings.
As a parting thought, consider. If it were not possible to not glorify God in one’s body and spirit after salvation, why would the Bible warn the members of this church to be sure to glorify Him? It is possible to not glorify Him. It is also possible to glorify Him. This is the personal responsibility of each saved member of each church to continually live in light of this “therefore” teaching.
Dr. William T. Howe
Commenti