2022_05_20 Insight Post- Emma Keeton
This week’s reading- 1 Corinthians 5-6
This week, the apostle Paul dives further into what it means to live devoted to God and free from sin. The Corinthians were continuing in sexual sin, mirroring the culture around them. They were choosing to live no different from unbelievers by engaging in greed, idolatry, slander, drunkenness, and swindling. Paul commands them to live differently and tells the Corinthians that they are temples of God’s Holy Spirit. His indwelling presence lives in their bodies “You are not your own; you were brought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:19b-20
As Christians, we have the liberty to exercise our free will. “I have the right to do anything,” you say-but not everything is beneficial.” 1 Corinthians 6:12. God has given us the ability to choose right from wrong, to live either a Godly life or one seen in our culture. The Corinthians were slaves to their impulses and environment. At times I think we are guilty of that too. We can use our liberty as a license to sin.
What is the reason for us choosing sin over a Godly life? In that often split-second moment of decision, do we rebel against God and want complete control? Do we feel powerless to make another choice? Or are we numb to the gravity of sin and settle for indifference?
Just as we have a choice about whether to sin, we also have a choice to exercise our free will for good. Thomas Aquinas once defined freedom as “the ability to know and choose the good.” We are not powerless. Sin does not have the last word for us because God’s Holy Spirit lives in us and enables us to make another choice.
If you are reading this today and thinking about acting on a sexual sin, please know that you have a choice. If you are struggling with drinking or other addictions, know that there is freedom for you in Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross not to condemn us, but to give us the grace we need when we’ve chosen to do the wrong thing. Forgiveness is ours no matter what we have done. Walking through these tough times is always easier alongside other believers. At New Hope, Celebrate Recovery is a place you can do just that. CR meets every Friday at 7pm.
Emma Keeton
Prayer Team Lead