What are the reasons for good behavior?
- 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.
- Criteria
- Does bad behavior matter? Have I not been redeemed? Forgiven?
- 1 Peter 2:16 …as free, not using liberty as a cloak for vice
- Galatians 5:13 You have been called to liberty, only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh.
- Note: “Repent” does not appear in 1 Corinthians
- New Testament reasons for good behavior:
- 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 spoil 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 2:18 – 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
- We choose good behavior to please God and to enable the spread of the gospel.