Assumptions, pre-conceptions, and poor hermeneutics cloud the answer
Legalism: the assumed objective of creation is behavior.
Wrath: the result of bad choices is condemnation
Proof-texting
Fear passages
Hebrews 10:31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God
2 Corinthians 5:11 Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men
2 Corinthians 7:1 Perfecting holiness in the fear of God
Ephesians 5:21 Submitting to one another in the fear of Christ
Philippians 2:12 Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling
Hebrews 4:1 Fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it
1 Peter 1:17 Conduct yourselves throughout your sojourn in fear
The wrath of God expressed by the Old Testament prophets
Response to broken contracts by unbelieving Israel
Response to interference in Israel by neighboring countries
Purpose of “Bad Lists”
Romans 1:26 – 32 Why are people the way they are?
Galatians 5:19 – 21 Contrast of law versus Spirit
Colossians 3:5 – 11 Contrast between the old and the new person
1 Corinthians 6:9 – 11 Such were some of you
And more…
Romans 14:23 Whatever is not from faith is sin
“Is it a sin if…” starts from a behavior rather than a faith mentality
Matthew 19:20 (Mark 10:20) “What do I still lack?”
Behavior must be flawless to be acceptable.
James 2:10 For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.
James’ point is not to identify sin but to contrast with the law of liberty.
Faith is acceptable while growing
2 Peter 1:2 – 11
2 Thessalonians 1:3 – 8
1 Peter 2:1 – 3
2 Corinthians 10:15
Romans 14:1
Hebrews 11:6 Without faith it is impossible to please Him (Faith in what?)
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Evangelism (Romans 15:16)
Praise (Hebrews 13:15)
Doing good and sharing (Hebrews 13:16, Philippians 4:18)
Being a holy priesthood and a spiritual house of God (1 Peter 2:5)
Faith (Philippians 2:17)
All things are lawful but…(1 Corinthians 6:12 – 20, 10:23 – 33)
Criteria
Profitable
Controlled or in control?
Edifying
Context
1 Corinthians 6:13 uses dietary rules as an example, but also includes many more “serious” behavior rules.
1 Corinthians 10:23 is followed by a discussion of meat sacrificed to idols. But what precedes it describes more “serious” behavior issues.
“Serious” versus “conscience” choice is not a distinction made in the New Testament.
Does bad behavior matter?
We are the Temple of the living God, therefore cleanse yourselves, perfecting holiness in the fear of Christ (2 Corinthians 6:16 – 7:1)
Unrighteousness is not “fitting” (Romans 1:28, Galatians 5:1 – 14) Fitting?
John 17:20 – 23 “That the world may believe that Thou sent Me”
Matthew 5:48 “Be ye perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect”
Malice and wickedness spoils sincerity and truth (1 Corinthians 5:8)
Displaying the power of God (2 Corinthians 4:7)
Works of the flesh are contrary to the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:16 – 25, Colossians 32:18 – 3:10)
We are no longer slaves of sin (Romans 6:1 – 18, 8:13)
Everyone who has this hope purifies himself just as He is pure (1 John 3:3)
The impact of our behavior on those whom we love
Failing to put off the old man grieves the Holy Spirit of God (Ephesians 4:30)
Inconsistent behavior causes the name of God to be blasphemed (Romans 2:24, Isaiah 52:5, Ezekiel 36:22)
Christian slaves who do not honor their unbelieving masters cause the name of God and His doctrine to be blasphemed (1 Timothy 6:1)
Poor behavior by older women (perhaps including all Christians) causes the word of God to be blasphemed (Titus 2:5)
Summary
God promises the ability to overcome. Faith causes the defeat of bad behavior.
Focus on the successes of faith (joy) rather than the failures of the flesh
The disease is unbelief. The visual symptom is behavior. Treat the disease, not the symptom.