1 Corinthians 6: Expository Preaching and Study Guide for Church Leaders

Overview

1 Corinthians 6 confronts the spiritual immaturity and moral compromise within the Corinthian church, specifically regarding lawsuits among believers and sexual immorality. Paul rebukes the Corinthian Christians for taking their disputes before secular courts rather than resolving them within the church. He teaches that saints will one day judge the world and angels, and thus ought to be competent to handle internal matters. The second half of the chapter transitions to a rebuke of sexual sin, emphasizing the sanctity of the believer’s body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.

Key theological points include the authority of the church in matters of discipline, the future reign of believers, the need for holy living, and the deep implications of being united with Christ. The text upholds the biblical standard of morality and personal holiness grounded in our identity as those redeemed by Christ’s blood.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Background

The city of Corinth was a cosmopolitan, wealthy port city renowned for its immorality and pagan influence. The church in Corinth, planted by Paul during his second missionary journey (Acts 18), struggled with many issues common in pagan cultures: sexual immorality, pride, and legal disputes.

Greco-Roman society prized litigation as a form of public honor and revenge. Courts were often corrupt and skewed toward the wealthy or well-connected. Paul’s rebuke in 1 Corinthians 6 reflects his insistence that believers not mimic the ungodly systems of the world but live as a counter-cultural community under Christ’s lordship.

Literary Features

Paul’s tone is firm, corrective, and pastoral. He uses rhetorical questions to shame the Corinthians into recognizing their moral failure (vv. 2–5). The transition from lawsuits to sexual immorality is not abrupt—it reflects a broader theme: the failure to live out gospel holiness. The logic builds from practical (disputes) to personal (sexual ethics), culminating in a theological affirmation of the believer’s union with Christ (vv. 15–20).

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. The Authority and Accountability of the Church (vv. 1–6)

Theme: The church, under Christ, has divine authority to judge internal matters.
Doctrine: Christians are called to exercise wisdom and discernment, not defer moral disputes to the unbelieving world.
Application: Church leaders must train believers to pursue peace, resolve conflict biblically (cf. Matthew 18:15-17), and avoid tarnishing the church’s testimony before a watching world.

2. Believers Will Judge the World and Angels (vv. 2–3)

Theme: The future glorified role of believers.
Doctrine: The saints will participate in Christ’s judgment at His return (cf. Revelation 20:4, Daniel 7:22).
Application: Our future inheritance should inspire present holiness, maturity, and readiness to handle spiritual matters within the church.

3. Call to Internal Accountability (vv. 7–8)

Theme: It’s better to suffer wrong than to damage the body of Christ through lawsuits.
Doctrine: Jesus teaches self-denial and peacemaking (cf. Matthew 5:38–42). The gospel calls believers to humility and forgiveness.
Application: Encourage discipleship and mediation ministries within the church to cultivate a culture of forgiveness.

4. Warning Against Moral Compromise (vv. 9–11)

Theme: Unrighteousness excludes from God’s kingdom.
Doctrine: A clear call to repentance. The text lists behaviors incompatible with the Christian life.
Application: Grace does not excuse sin. Leaders must call believers to sanctification while reminding them of their identity in Christ: “But you were washed, you were sanctified…” (v. 11).

5. The Sanctity of the Body (vv. 12–20)

Theme: The body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord.
Doctrine: The indwelling of the Holy Spirit makes the body a temple; thus, it must be kept holy.
Application: In a sexually permissive culture, the church must teach that the believer’s body belongs to Christ and is not to be defiled. Marriage and sexual purity must be upheld as sacred.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 6 reaffirms key evangelical convictions:

Biblical Authority: Paul grounds all moral instruction in Scripture and the person of Christ, not cultural trends.
Sanctification: The believer is called out of the world and set apart for holy living.
Union with Christ: Our identity in Christ shapes our ethics; we are not our own but belong to Him.
Ecclesiology: The local church is entrusted with significant spiritual authority and responsibility to disciple its members.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis (NIV)

1 Corinthians 6:1-2

“If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people? Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world?”

Explanation:
Paul expresses astonishment that believers are appealing to secular courts to settle disputes. The term “ungodly” highlights the contrast between the church and the world. The saints are destined to “judge the world” (cf. Daniel 7:22, Revelation 3:21), meaning they will share in Christ’s authority in the age to come. If believers have such a future, they should be equipped to resolve matters now.

Application:
This calls Christians to settle disputes biblically and to respect the spiritual maturity and authority God has given the church.

1 Corinthians 6:3

“Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!”

Explanation:
This striking statement suggests believers will participate in God’s judgment over fallen angels (2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6). It magnifies the believer’s future dignity and authority in Christ.

Doctrinal Insight:
This affirms the glorified status of believers in Christ and the spiritual authority delegated to them through union with Him.

1 Corinthians 6:4-6

“Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, do you ask for a ruling from those whose way of life is scorned in the church?…”

Explanation:
Paul rebukes the Corinthians for airing internal grievances before secular judges, which brings shame to the church. The term “scorned” implies moral standards contrary to the gospel.

Cross-Reference:
Jesus teaches that disputes among believers should be resolved privately and redemptively (Matthew 18:15-17).

1 Corinthians 6:7-8

“The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged?…”

Explanation:
Paul flips worldly wisdom. In the gospel, it is better to suffer injustice than to damage the unity and witness of the church. This echoes Christ’s teaching on turning the other cheek (Matthew 5:39-40).

1 Corinthians 6:9-10

“Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God?…”

Explanation:
Paul provides a list of sins that characterize those outside the kingdom of God. This is not about one-time sins but unrepentant lifestyles. It is a warning against presumption and false security.

Cross-Reference:
See Galatians 5:19-21 and Ephesians 5:5 for similar lists of disqualifying sins.

1 Corinthians 6:11

“And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified…”

Explanation:
A powerful gospel reminder—many of the Corinthian believers used to live in those sins, but God intervened. “Washed” points to spiritual cleansing (Titus 3:5), “sanctified” to being set apart, and “justified” to legal righteousness in Christ.

Application:
There is no sin too great that the gospel cannot cleanse. The church must hold both holiness and hope together.

1 Corinthians 6:12

“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial…”

Explanation:
Paul confronts a slogan of antinomian liberty. Christian freedom must be governed by love and holiness. Just because something is “permissible” does not mean it is spiritually profitable.

Cross-Reference:
See Romans 6:1-2 on not using grace as an excuse to sin.

1 Corinthians 6:13-14

“The body… is not meant for sexual immorality but for the Lord… By his power God raised the Lord from the dead, and he will raise us also.”

Explanation:
Paul refutes the dualistic idea that the body is unimportant. The body is made for the Lord and will be raised in glory, just as Christ’s body was.

Doctrinal Insight:
This underscores the value of the physical body in God’s redemptive plan, opposing Gnostic thinking.

1 Corinthians 6:15-17

“Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself?…”

Explanation:
Sexual union joins two bodies intimately. Believers are united with Christ, and thus sexual sin is a direct offense to that union. Verse 17: “But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.”

Cross-Reference:
See Ephesians 5:30-32, where Paul links marital union with Christ and the church.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20

“Flee from sexual immorality… your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit… you are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”

Explanation:
A strong exhortation. We must flee sexual immorality (like Joseph, Genesis 39:12). The believer’s body is sacred—indwelt by the Spirit, redeemed by Christ, and owned by God.

Application:
Christians must steward their bodies to glorify God. Sexual purity is a gospel issue tied to our identity and redemption in Christ.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

Union with Christ: Verses 15 and 17 make it clear that believers are not only spiritually united with Christ but also represent Him physically. Our actions reflect Him.
Justification and Sanctification: Verse 11 links the work of Jesus with our positional and progressive sanctification. Christ’s righteousness is applied to us (justification), and His Spirit transforms us (sanctification).
Resurrection Hope: Verse 14 roots bodily purity in resurrection theology. Christ’s bodily resurrection guarantees ours, elevating the eternal importance of how we live in our bodies now.
Christ’s Ownership: Verse 20—“You were bought at a price”—refers to Christ’s sacrificial death. He paid the full ransom for our salvation (Mark 10:45), making obedience not just a duty but a response to His love.

Connection to God the Father

God as Creator: The sanctity of the body reflects the creation order. God made us bodily and called it “very good” (Genesis 1:31). Paul’s teaching affirms that creation is not evil or disposable.
God as Judge: Verses 9–10 portray God the Father as the one who defines righteousness and who excludes the unrighteous from His kingdom.
God as Redeemer and Owner: Verse 20—“You were bought at a price”—points to the Father’s role in sending the Son to redeem us (John 3:16, Romans 8:32).
God as Indweller through the Spirit: The Father sends the Spirit to indwell believers (John 14:16-17), confirming ownership and presence.

Here is the final section of the Expository Bible Preaching, Sermon, and Study Guide for 1 Corinthians 6, covering the following:

The chapter’s connection to the Holy Spirit
A full sermon outline and flow for preaching
Modern-day illustrations and examples

Connection to the Holy Spirit

1 Corinthians 6 explicitly highlights the Holy Spirit’s indwelling presence in the believer and implies His sanctifying power and role in moral transformation:

Key Connections:

Indwelling Presence (v. 19):
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you…?”
The Holy Spirit lives within every believer. This elevates the believer’s physical body as a sacred space—not a disposable vessel but a holy dwelling of God.
Sanctification (v. 11):
“You were washed, you were sanctified… by the Spirit of our God.”
The Holy Spirit applies the finished work of Christ in regeneration, cleansing us from sin and setting us apart for God’s purposes.
Empowerment for Holiness:
The call to flee from sexual immorality and to honor God with your bodies (vv. 18–20) can only be fulfilled through the enabling power of the Spirit, who empowers believers to walk in righteousness (cf. Galatians 5:16–25).

Sermon Outline and Flow

Sermon Title:

“Holy Lives in a Broken World: Living as Temples of the Spirit”

Text:

1 Corinthians 6:1–20 (NIV)

Introduction:

Begin with a story or example of someone who stood for integrity in a morally compromising situation.
Ask: What does it mean to live a holy life in a world that mocks holiness?
State the main idea: Because we belong to Christ and are filled with the Holy Spirit, our lives must reflect God’s holiness in how we treat others and how we honor our bodies.

I. The Church’s Witness Matters (vv. 1–8)

Point: Lawsuits among believers destroy the church’s testimony and defame Christ before the world.

Illustration: A pastor once said, “Every courtroom case between Christians is like airing dirty laundry on national television—it leaves a stench.”
Application: Teach conflict resolution, accountability, and peacemaking inside the church.
Transition: If our witness matters in public, how much more should it matter in our private lives?

II. Our Lives Must Reflect Our New Identity (vv. 9–11)

Point: Christians must not live like the world because we have been cleansed, sanctified, and justified.

Illustration: A story of a former addict who, by the grace of God and the support of the church, now leads a recovery ministry—“That is what some of you were…”
Application: Do not excuse sin under the name of grace. God transforms lives. Be reminded that your past does not define your future in Christ.

Transition: If we’ve been made new, then our whole life—including our body—belongs to the Lord.

III. Honor God with Your Body (vv. 12–20)

Point: Sexual sin is not just physical—it dishonors the Spirit who dwells in us. Your body is not your own.

Illustration: Compare your body to a newly renovated temple. Would you defile it with garbage?
Modern Analogy: Think of your smartphone. You wouldn’t let a stranger fill it with viruses or filth. Yet many do not guard what enters their heart or body.

Application: Commit to purity in what you consume, how you relate to others, and how you use your physical body. Teach this clearly and compassionately to youth and adults alike.

Conclusion:

Reiterate: You are not your own. You were bought with a price. The Holy Spirit dwells in you.
Remind the congregation that the world says, “Do what feels right,” but the Word says, “Do what honors God.”

Call to Action:

To the believer:
Are there areas of compromise? Invite the Spirit to search your heart. Confess. Repent. Ask Him for strength to flee temptation.
To the church leader:
Are you cultivating a culture of accountability and holiness? Shepherd the flock by example.
To the unbeliever:
Have you experienced this cleansing and transformation? Jesus can redeem your past, sanctify your present, and secure your future.

Illustrations and Examples

1. The Damaged Temple Illustration:

Imagine a priceless cathedral. It has been restored, cleaned, and consecrated. Would anyone think it appropriate to graffiti the walls or throw trash inside? Yet when we use our bodies for sin, we do just that to God’s temple.

2. The Lawyer’s Dilemma (Modern Example):

A Christian lawyer once declined to represent a brother in Christ in a lawsuit against another believer. Instead, he brought them both into a room with an elder and mediated a resolution. He said, “I’m not just a lawyer—I’m a servant of Christ first.”

3. The Phone Lock Code Analogy:

Just as people password-protect their phones to guard what goes in and out, Christians must set spiritual “passwords” on their hearts—boundaries, accountability, and discipline to protect their temple.

Application for Today’s Christian

1 Corinthians 6 calls believers to live distinctly in a culture that celebrates self-gratification, legal revenge, and sexual freedom. The chapter provides both rebuke and hope, guiding believers toward spiritual maturity, purity, and godly identity.

1. Discipleship: Growing in Christlike Maturity

Resolve conflicts biblically: Instead of retaliating or pursuing worldly justice, seek reconciliation in the church community (cf. Matthew 18:15-17). Church leaders should equip members in peacemaking.
Walk in sanctification: Remember, “that is what some of you were” (v. 11). Discipleship means growth. Encourage accountability groups and regular spiritual check-ins.

2. Stewardship: Honoring God with Our Bodies

View your body as sacred: We are stewards, not owners, of our bodies. This affects everything—what we eat, how we rest, what we consume with our eyes, and how we express ourselves sexually.
Flee temptation: Like Joseph in Genesis 39, we must proactively avoid compromising situations. Use boundaries, accountability apps, and spiritual mentors to guard purity.
Teach the next generation: Parents, pastors, and youth leaders must communicate a clear, biblical vision of the body’s purpose in a culture of confusion and hyper-sexualization.

3. Living Out Our Faith: Being Salt and Light

Live counter-culturally: Whether in legal matters, relationships, or sexuality, the Christian life stands out not for judgment but for holiness, mercy, and restoration.
Demonstrate forgiveness: Choose to be wronged rather than damage the church’s witness (v. 7). This models Christ to a watching world.

Connection to God’s Love

Despite its stern warnings, 1 Corinthians 6 is saturated with God’s redeeming love. Paul does not abandon the Corinthian church to judgment—he calls them back to grace.

1. God’s Love Redeems the Past (v. 11)

“That is what some of you were. But you were washed…”
God doesn’t define us by our past. His love reaches into the mess and lifts us up. This is gospel grace—transformative, not permissive.

2. God’s Love Values the Whole Person (vv. 19–20)

“You are not your own; you were bought at a price.”
The cross shows our value. God sent His Son to purchase us—not just our souls, but our whole selves. His Spirit lives in us. That’s not control—it’s care.

3. God’s Love Calls Us Higher

God doesn’t just forgive; He invites us into holiness. He calls us not to shame us but to restore our dignity and usefulness for His glory.

Broader Biblical Themes

1 Corinthians 6 fits beautifully into the grand narrative of Scripture, reinforcing themes that span from Genesis to Revelation:

1. Creation: The Goodness of the Body

Genesis 1:31: God made the body and called it “very good.”
Paul affirms the created dignity of the human body against both pagan immorality and Greek dualism.
We are embodied souls, and how we use our bodies matters to our Creator.

2. Redemption: Bought at a Price

Echoing Exodus 12 (the price of a lamb for deliverance) and Isaiah 53 (the Suffering Servant), verse 20 ties personal holiness to Christ’s redemptive work.
Mark 10:45: “…to give His life as a ransom for many.” Jesus paid the price that secured our bodies and spirits.

3. Covenant: Set Apart for God

Like Israel, believers are called to be holy and distinct—God’s covenant people.
The Holy Spirit’s indwelling echoes Exodus 40 and 1 Kings 8, where God’s presence filled the temple. Now, we are the temple.
This covenant identity fuels both responsibility and comfort: God is with us and for us.

4. Eschatology: Future Judgment and Glory

Verses 2–3 point to the believer’s future role in judging the world and angels—part of the already/not yet reign of Christ.
Our present conduct flows from our eternal destiny. We are citizens of the kingdom, living as ambassadors now (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Reflection Questions

Based on 1 Corinthians 6 (NIV)
Designed for personal devotion, small group discussion, or sermon application.

1. On Conflict and the Church (vv. 1–8)

Why do you think Paul was so concerned about Christians taking each other to court?
What does this section teach us about how conflict should be handled within the church?
Have you ever been involved in a personal dispute with another believer? What steps did you take—or could have taken—to handle it biblically?

2. On Identity and Transformation (vv. 9–11)

Paul says, “That is what some of you were…” What does this reveal about God’s power to change people?
How does knowing you’ve been washed, sanctified, and justified affect the way you live today?
Is there any area of your life where you’re still living like the “old self”? What would it look like to surrender that to God?

3. On Freedom and Responsibility (vv. 12–14)

What are some things in your life that may be “permissible” but not beneficial?
How do you determine whether a behavior helps or hinders your walk with Christ?
In what ways do you see the culture abusing the idea of “freedom,” and how should Christians respond differently?

4. On the Body and Sexual Purity (vv. 15–20)

What does it mean that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?
How does understanding that you were “bought at a price” change your view of your body and how you live?
What practical steps can you take to pursue purity in a culture that normalizes sexual sin?

5. On the Role of the Holy Spirit

How does the indwelling of the Holy Spirit shape your daily decisions, especially concerning your body and personal holiness?
Are you attentive to the Spirit’s conviction in areas of sin? How do you respond when you sense Him calling you to flee temptation?

6. On Living for Christ in a Watching World

Paul emphasizes the witness of the church before outsiders. In what ways can your life either strengthen or weaken the reputation of Christ?
How can you live in a way that reflects your union with Jesus—at work, online, at home, or in your relationships?

7. On Gratitude and Worship

What does it look like to “honor God with your body” in practical, everyday ways?
Take a moment to reflect: Are you thankful for what God has redeemed you from? How can gratitude for His grace shape your words, habits, and goals this week?