💪 1 Corinthians 6:12 | "Everything is permissible to me"

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This week is a wake up call for the Christian church in Corinth and, in many ways, for us as well.

Buckle up!

In today’s email…

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“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful.

“All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.

1 Corinthians 6:12

Before getting into 1 Corinthians 6:12, some context.

Who wrote it 1 Corinthians? The Apostle Paul, a missionary, church planter and theologian, wrote this letter to the church in Corinth.

When Was It Written? Around A.D. 55, during Paul’s third missionary journey.

Who was it written to? The church in Corinth is a city known for wealth, trade, and extreme moral corruption. Many in the church were Gentile converts, struggling to separate from their former pagan lifestyles.

The city of Corinth was a Roman city heavily influenced by Greek philosophy and a pleasure-seeking culture.

The believers there misunderstood Christian freedom, using it as an excuse for sin — especially sexual immorality.

Paul’s letter corrects their distorted thinking by addressing:

That’s where this phrase in our verse this week originates, “All things are lawful for me.”

Corinthian Christians used this phrase to justify sinful behavior, arguing that since they were under grace, they could do whatever they wanted.

The wild part is that Paul agrees! But then corrects their misunderstanding with two warnings:

He points out a seemingly paradoxical truth: that some “freedoms” actually lead to bondage — especially sexual sin, which corrupts both body and soul.

Paul is reminding the Corinthians that Christian freedom is not about self-indulgence (getting what you want); it’s about honoring God.

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It’s not difficult for us to imagine living in a culture obsessed with personal freedom.

People say, “Do whatever makes you happy.” They tell you, “You deserve it.”

But what if that "freedom" is not actually freedom at all?

Many of us justify our choices the same way the Corinthians did. We convince ourselves:

Paul’s message challenges us:

Read 📕

Take time today to read 1 Corinthians 6:12-20.

Highlight every time Paul talks about freedom, the body, or holiness.

Pray: Lord, help me see where I have misused my freedom. Let me not be ruled by my desires, but by Your truth. Strengthen me to choose what is beneficial, not just what is allowed. Amen.

Here’s a reading/music accompaniment that’s helped me memorize 1 Corinthians 6. Streetlights gives a unique way to listen to God’s Word. It’s unique, memorable, and engaging.

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“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful.

“All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.

1 Corinthians 6:12