✊ 1 Corinthians 6:12 | Freedom in Christ

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Happy Wednesday, everyone!

Today’s email is brought to you by unfoldingWord, a nonprofit committed to seeing the Church in every people group and the Bible in every language.

We made it to the halfway mark of the week! If you missed earlier emails this week, you can read them here: Monday and Tuesday.

In today’s email…

• 🗣️ The Greek that brings the verse to life

• 🤔 A conversation with my son

• 📚️ Resources to help you dig deeper

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MEMORIZE 🧠 

“All ______ ___ ______ for me,” but not ___ ______ ___ _______.

“All ______ are ______ for me,” but I will not be _________ __ _______.

1 Corinthians 6:12

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CONTEXT 📕 

As we’ve explored, 1 Corinthians 6:12 is Paul correcting a misunderstanding about Christian freedom.

Now, let’s sharpen our focus.

Four key words in the original Greek unlock a deeper understanding of what Paul is saying.

“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.

Each of these words carries rich meaning in Paul’s argument.

1. “Lawful” (exestin, pronounced ex-es-tin)

This Greek word means "permissible" or "allowed."

It refers to something that is not forbidden, but it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s wise or good.

The Corinthians misused this word. They argued, “If it’s not explicitly against the law, I can do it.”

Paul responds, “Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should.”

Christian freedom is not about what’s barely acceptable, it’s about what leads to holiness.

2. “Helpful” (symphero, pronounced soom-fer-oh)

This word means "profitable, advantageous, or beneficial."

Paul contrasts “lawful” with “helpful,” showing that not everything that is allowed is actually good for you.

Some choices lead to spiritual growth; others lead to spiritual decay.

Some actions help the body of Christ; others harm it.

Meaning the right question isn’t, “Can I do this?” It’s, “Will this help me and others grow in Christ?”

3. “Dominated” (exousiasthēsomai, pronounced ex-oo-see-as-thay-so-my)

This is a strong word that means “to be ruled over, mastered, or enslaved.”

Paul warns that what starts as freedom can quickly turn into bondage.

The Corinthians thought they were exercising freedom, but in reality, their desires were controlling them.

Instead of mastering their choices, their choices mastered them.

True freedom isn’t about doing whatever you want; it’s about experiencing the freedom of Christ when you have full control over your desires and choices.

4. “Anything” (tis, pronounced tis)

This Greek word is intentionally broad. It means “anything, anyone, or any situation.”

Paul isn’t just talking about one type of sin.

• Sexual sin? Yes, but also...

• Habits? Yes, but also…

• Comfort-seeking? Yes, but also..

• The need for approval? Yes, but also…

Anything — even something permissible — can become a master if we let it control us. So don’t let ANYTHING control you outside of Christ.

Here’s what I took away from this word study..

Many accuse the Christian faith of being restrictive. But Paul isn’t restricting Christian freedom. He’s elevating it to something higher:

True freedom is not about doing whatever we want.

True freedom is found in choosing what is beneficial.

True freedom is refusing to be mastered by anything except Christ.

Paul’s warning is not just about sin but about wisely choosing what draws us closer to God.

APPLY AND RESPOND 🏃‍♂️ 

As I thought about 1 Corinthians 6:12 today, it all felt so intuitive on a micro-scale. In fact, I teach this same principle to my four-year-old son nearly every day.

“Hey Daddy, can we have candy for dinner?”

“Well buddy, we could do that, but then our tummies would feel really junky afterward, and it’s not the healthiest option.”

“But I really want candy!”

“I get that you want it. There are lots of things we want but can’t — or shouldn’t— have. Tonight, we’re having noodles and sauce for dinner, but when you’re older and making your own choices, you’ll have to decide: will you eat what’s best for you, or just what you want?”

Two quick thoughts:

First, yes, I really do have conversations like this with my four-year-old. I want him to understand that there’s a why behind the what, even if he doesn’t fully grasp it.

Second, this is the same idea Paul is getting at with the Corinthians. But instead of candy and dinner, it’s about sex, laws, and habits.

Can you identify one area where you might choose what’s permissible over what’s beneficial?

Ask God for the wisdom and strength to choose what truly honors Him.

Pray 🙏

Lord, help me see where I’ve allowed my desires to lead me instead of your wisdom. Give me the courage to choose what is beneficial, not just what is allowed. Amen.

RESOURCES 📚️ 

Here are a few resources to help you dig deeper into the verse and its themes:

• 📚 Richard B. Hays, First Corinthians: Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching (link)

• 📚 Gordon D. Fee, The First Epistle to the Corinthians, Revised Edition (The New International Commentary on the New Testament) (link)

• 📚 David Bowden, Rewire Your Heart: Replace Your Desire for Sin with Desire For God (link)

• 🎥 Bible Project 1 Corinthians overview video (link)

• ✊ Learn more on how to fight against the New Drug (link)

• 🎵 1 Corinthians 6 by Streetlights (Spotify | Apple | Malachi Daily Playlist)

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ANSWER KEY ✅ 

“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