DON’T PURSUE PLEASURE OVER HOLINESS.

INTRODUCTION

• Corinth was among the most important cities in the Greco-Roman world during the first century. It was famous across the globe. Well, maybe a better word is infamous.

• At first glance, Corinth looked more like an adults-only theme park than a metropolis with a thriving Christian community.

• Corinth had a reputation for being a party town due to its strategic position on Rome’s primary trade port and the Temple of Aphrodite overlooking the city.

• Travelers would arrive; then, the party would start.

• Homesick sailors and merchants would spend large sums of money at the central temple. That probably sounds deceivingly spiritual. Were they giving their money to the church? No, not at all.

• These temples were hotbeds for bad decisions. If you have ever heard of a “red-light district,” that is what these temples looked like.

• Simply put, these temples were dens of sin.

• Unfortunately, the sinful culture of Corinth began to seep into the church and corrupt the Christians. This led Paul to write the next section of First Corinthians, which is wild to read.

• He addresses two problems that seem distinct, but they’re shockingly similar—sexual sin and lawsuits.

SETTING UP THIS SESSION

• First, let’s talk about the Corinthians’ issue with sexual sin, as it seems to get most of the attention.

• The Temple of Aphrodite hosted immoral people from all walks of life. Spice traders, lonely sailors, and wealthy merchants all contributed to a growing center of immorality.

• Some historians suggest that the temple had as many as one thousand professionally employed prostitutes to keep the crowds “entertained.”

• Paul explained, “Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never!” (1 Corinthians 6:15).

• Since so many new believers at Corinth were saved out of this context, they likely still felt tempted to return to their old ways. Paul reminded them that they belonged to the body of Christ now. That should alter the way they serve God with their bodies.

• Secondly, lawsuits were becoming common within the community.

• Since Corinth was a wealthy city and lacked a well-organized banking system, it was common for financial disputes to dominate the local courts.

• Paul heard that the Corinthian trend of greed was seeping its way into the body of Christ.

• Since the Corinthian believers were set free from their debt to sin, Paul became confused that they were showing no mercy to their faith family when they also had debts.

• This prompted Paul to offer them another problem, solution, and blessing. Take a look at how he tackles this in 1 Corinthians chapter 6.

The Problem: You Do Not Understand the Gospel

• I hear you: what on earth does a lawsuit have to do with sexual sin?

• Both of these are symptoms of the same spiritual problem—selfishness.

• When a person is sexually immoral, they are putting their own physical needs before another person.

• In the same way, when someone decides to publicly sue their Christian family to get more money in their pockets, they have put their own financial needs before others.

• While the expressions are different, the condition is the same. Selfishness is a sickness.

• What on earth do they have to do with the gospel though? You see, their problems were not just about outward behavior but inward selfishness.

• They received the grace of God without giving the same grace to others.

• To live selfishly is to ignore the true beauty and power of the gospel.

• God loved you, forgave you, and invited you into His family with no strings attached.

• Why would we treat others any differently? So what is our solution, we must return to the true message of the gospel.

The Solution: Understand the Gospel

• The Corinthians needed to get a refresher on their redemption story. They had lost their grasp of the Gospel, and it was showing in their lifestyle.

• Jesus set them free so they could show His love, spread His message, and serve His people.

• The Corinthians’ selfishness had allowed them to put their own needs above others’ needs.

• When you become obsessed with seeking justice in the courts without worrying about the effects on others, you are being prideful.

• When you see people as objects instead of children of God, you are seeing things with a prideful perspective.

• Sadly, our culture is not unlike the Corinthian culture. Sexuality is all over entertainment. Financial success is prioritized over everything else.

• So, how do we reverse this curse? Our culture loves wealth and tends to use and objectify people. It’s as if the motto is “Love things and use people; it’ll make you happy.”

• That’s the exact opposite of the solution Paul provides.

• We should love people and use things.

• Prosperity is not more important than people.

• Pleasure is not more important than people.

The Blessing: God Will Bless You with Holy Relationships

• After giving practical advice on healthy marital relationships, Paul offers the Corinthians a promise. He writes, “God has called us to live in peace” (1 Corinthians 7:15).

• Who doesn’t want peace in their relationships? Paul promises that following his guidance will lead to holy relationships. When you refuse to see others selfishly, you can cultivate holy relationships.

• Here is the interesting thing. If I were to ask most of you what you wanted out of a friend or partner, you’d likely say something like, “I want to be happy” or “I want them to be healthy.”

• Both of those are amazing goals, but they’re byproducts of healthy relationships.

• Think about it. A holy relationship is a happy one.

• When you accept others as God accepts you, you make more friends. • When you forgive others like Christ forgives you, you are less angry.

• When you respect others’ boundaries like God protects you, you are safe from hurting others.

• A holy relationship is based on mutual respect, love, and shared dependence on Christ.

• So, let’s challenge ourselves to foster relationships grounded in Jesus’s love and teachings, ensuring that all our interactions reflect His love.

• Unfortunately, some of you heard these words and felt a sudden jolt of shame. Please hear me, that is not God’s heart for you.

• Perhaps you’ve been sexually impure, allowed greed to consume you, or allowed selfishness to pollute your social sphere.

• Guilt is not the goal; growth is.

• Don’t think of this as God suppressing you. Not at all. It’s God protecting you.

LANDING

• Understanding God’s Word begins with understanding God’s heart for you. What is God’s heart for you?

• A protected life marked with holiness.

• Don’t get it backward. If you want to be happier, be holier.

• If you want to be healthier, be holier.

• God designed you, so He knows exactly what you need to thrive.

• Learn from our friends in Corinth. Follow God’s advice and see how it changes your life.

TALK IT OUT

Go through these questions with your circle. Be honest. Be open. Talk through the tough stuff.

**Ice Breaker: **Go around your circle and share this week’s highs and lows. What was the best part of your week, and what was the lowest part of your week?

Q1: What’s one thing that stood out to you from today’s message?

Q2: While the Corinthian culture may seem extreme, in what ways does our modern society still mirror it?

Q3: How do immortality and greed reveal a deeper spiritual problem? At the core, what is that problem?

Q4: How can cultivating holy relationships improve your life?

Q5: “Guilt is not the goal; growth is.” What advice would you give to someone who feels guilty about being selfish in their relationships? How would you encourage them?

Next Steps: Take an honest look at your life and see what actions may reveal selfish motivations. Write them down and begin to work towards overcoming these problems with the help of Jesus and your community.

READ THESE PASSAGES IN ORDER EVERY DAY

1 Corinthians 5:1-13

1 Corinthians 6:1-20

1 Corinthians 7:1-40

1 Corinthians 8:1-13

1 Corinthians 9:1-27

1 Corinthians 10:1-33

Psalm 51

Do the following with each passage:

ASK– God to connect with you here. In prayer, start by slowing down and inviting God to be present. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you today.

READ– the selected section of Scripture slowly. Take note of the words and phrases that intrigue you, reading them a second time if necessary.

REFLECT– on what grabs you. How does this passage personally relate to your own life and experiences?

RESPOND– to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what’s on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you’ve uncovered.