Tony
Scriptures:
1 Corinthians 6:20 and 7:23 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Hebrews 10:10 2 Corinthians 5:17 1 Peter 1:18-19 Matthew 20:28 Ephesians 2:10 1 Peter 2:24
As my wife pulled up on the drive, returning from a shopping trip, I popped out to help her carry the bags into the house. It was a dark, cold and wet evening and as I reached the car I realised I was not alone. Beside me, stood a brown and cream Spaniel. We noticed a metal bone shape hanging from her collar, and discovered it bore her name and a phone number. Our newly found friend was clearly excited to be with us and wagged profusely as she followed us into the house and made herself at home, lying on her back and inviting us to rub her tummy. I rang the number I’d found on her collar and a young woman answered and told how she had been walking the dog, off her lead, along the canal tow path when she made a bid to escape and arrived at our home! She was relieved to find the dog because her husband had bought it at great price as a companion for his mother who lives alone. We bid farewell to our four legged friend as she returned home where she belonged.
Twice the Apostle Paul told the believers in Corinth, “You were bought with a price”. (1 Corinthians 6:20 and 7:23).
The context of the phrase was Paul’s appeal to the church to turn away from the sexual immorality that was common among them. Paul concludes his appeal with these words, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own for you were bought with a price, so, glorify God in your body..” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)
A Christian’s body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. At salvation, Holy Spirit takes up residence, transforming the believer’s body into a sanctified place, a home for God’s Holy presence. “By this you have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10)
In union with Christ, a believer receives a new nature and a new identity. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. Old things have passed away. Behold all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Therefore when a believer engages in sexual immorality he/she violates that new creation which was purchased at a very high price. “You were not redeemed with corruptible things like silver or gold from your own misconduct received by tradition, but with the precious blood of Christ as of a lamb without spot.” (1 Peter 1:18-19)
When Paul wrote that the Corinthians were “bought with a price”, he meant that believer’s were purchased and paid for with the sinless, spotless perfection of the blood of Jesus. Jesus said of Himself, “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, He gave His life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)
Since we were obtained at such a tremendous expense, we are to use our bodies to honour God with good deeds. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Paul reminds the Corinthians that ownership of their bodies has been transferred to Christ. They no longer have the right or freedom to use their bodies in any way they wish. Just as slaves were purchased in the ancient world, we are bought with the price of Christ’s blood shed for us on the cross at Calvary. We now belong to Him. We do not have the right to rebel against our Master by using our bodies in ways God forbids.
Paul goes on to repeat the verse (1 Corinthians 7:23) and he emphasizes Spiritual freedom. “Do not become slaves of men.” As believers we are set free from the dominion of sin through the death of Christ.
“Christ gave Himself for our sins in His own body on the tree, so that we, having died to sin, might live for righteousness. By His stripes we are healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)
I hope you have been blessed, as I have, by reading these Scriptures and focussing on the Father’s love for you. What a sacrifice, what a Saviour.
Prayer: Heavenly Father we thank You that You so loved the world that You were willing to send Your precious Son Jesus Christ to redeem all who will turn to Him in repentance for sin. We thank You that You do not leave us to struggle on alone when temptations threaten. Instead You fill every believer with Your promised Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen, equip and help us in our endeavour to live in a way that honours You. May my life always be consecrated willingly to You. Amen
Comments