No, you do wrong and defraud, and that your brethren. Are you not aware that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? (1 Corinthians 6:8-9).
So if one is conducting them self in a dangerous manner that could lead to death, and someone comes up to that person and tells them that those who behave like this will not live long; you would interpret this as a warning to someone other than this person being warned?
It would be like telling a child to ride their bike in a safe manner to avoid getting hurt but then saying, but not you, you will never get hurt. I just wanted to make you aware that other kids can get hurt.
So if one is conducting them self in a dangerous manner that could lead to death, and someone comes up to that person and tells them that those who behave like this will not live long; you would interpret this as a warning to someone other than this person being warned?
It would be like telling a child to ride their bike in a safe manner to avoid getting hurt but then saying, but not you, you will never get hurt. I just wanted to make you aware that other kids can get hurt.
vv. 5-6 --- they are already defeated because they are going to worldly court against each other, and this is to their shame
"defeated" does this mean lost salvation, become damned? does "to their shame" mean they are currently condemned to hell?
or does it mean they are foolish, acting in a way unbecoming & contrary to the truth of their position in Christ?
why does verse 6 call them "brother" against "brother" if they are not at all brothers, but become heathen, undredeemed? their brotherhood is a consequence of their salvation, right? if it's taken away i find it weird they are still being called this.
v. 11 -- such were some of them; with the implication that they are no longer unrighteous. yet these are "already defeated" people, so why is "were" in past tense, not present?
also in past tense in verse 11: they have been washed, sanctified, and justified. what mention is there of these being undone?
the tenor is rebuke for foolishness, not rebuke as being damned to hell by their actions. that they should not act like the wicked, because they are not -- and this sanctification, per v. 11, is from God, not from their works. the works in wisdom must ought reflect the justification that has taken place.
in fact,
v.12 -- "all things lawful" but not all things wise. this is the conclusion of the facts laid out in vv. 5-11
if the argument the apostle makes is that they have no salvation, but are wicked heretics destined for hell, why is he making this into a point about expediency instead of salvation? vv. 12-20 are all speaking of what is prudent to do, on the basis of what v. 11 says is the truth about who they have become by the work of God in them. vv. 8-9, a part of the argument, spell out what is foolish and verse 11 lays out why it is foolish in particular for them to be engaging in.
is this not the way the Spirit speaks to them through Paul throughout? expel the immoral brother in order that he might come to repentance. purge the old leaven and be unleavened, as you really are. just as in Ephesians, same gospel: walk as wise, not as unwise.
just as in Romans, "consider yourselves dead to sin" not crucify yourself to sin -- you have been crucified with Him. therefore.
the urging to walk in righteousness is not a coercion on the basis of fear of damnation here -- it is on the basis of what is discerning behavior versus what is stupid behavior, as i read it. i think that is the honest way to read this, which is consistent with the rest of the scripture -- we ought always to spur each other toward good works, but there is no fear in love, because fear has to do with condemnation. how then do we spur? not with "or else" threats of damnation -- and Paul here in the letter to Corinth isn't making threats of hell to them, however stern he is, he finishes gently, in love. don't the prophets do the same? judgement against Israel! then, but He will spare a remnant, He will have compassion, He will not cast off His people forever, but redeem them.
and 'not all Israel is Israel' -- yes? well Paul is calling the Corinthian church brother and sister, even while he rails at them. this means something, i think. that grace abounds, but not all things are expedient. therefore have expediency; let not Christ's name be sullied by our foolishness.
Last edited: