1 Corinthians 6:12-14 (WEL) All things are lawful for me, but all things are not beneficial. All things may be lawful for me, but I will not be under the control of any. 13 Foods are for the stomach and the stomach for food, but God will do away with both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual sins but for the Lord and the Lord for the body. 14 God has raised both the Lord and will raise us also by his own power.
V12 All things are lawful for me, but all things are not beneficial. All things may be lawful for me, but I will not be under the control of any.
Paul states that he is free to eat foods declared unclean according to Mosaic Law.
Some verses collaborating this—Acts 10:11-16, Romans 14:14, and 1 Timothy 4:3.
Just because he can does not mean he should. If another believer’s faith is damaged, then he has sinned. Keep this in mind when doing anything. They may disagree with our view, but we still are allowed. But if it genuinely damages their faith, then we should live our freedom to do something away from the person’s presence.
For example, if I was asked to preach or teach in a KJV only church, then I will use the KJV. If they ask me if I only use the KJV, then I would say no.
V13 Foods are for the stomach and the stomach for food, but God will do away with both it and them. Now the body is not for sexual sins but for the Lord and the Lord for the body.
The physical body will not last forever nor food. We must live our physical body to live for God’s glory.
These are foods that affect the outward but have no effect on the soul.
But sexual sins affect the body. There could be effects such as troubling bonding with a spouse, problems with trusting one’s spouse, loyalty, etc.
Hebrews 9:10 (EHV) They are only bodily regulations about foods, drinks, and various washings, which were in force until the time of the new order.
V14 God has raised both the Lord and will raise us also by his own power.
Raised refers to the resurrection. Since the Lord Jesus arose from the grave, so will we.
Our new body is not a physical body made of atoms and molecules. It is a spiritual body (1 Corinthians 15:35-44). Jesus could appear and disappear at will, so will we. Jesus could eat or not eat, so will we. God could walk through solid objects (walls, doors, etc.), so will we.
We learn:
- We can eat foods that Jews were forbidden to eat.
- We will be raised from the dead, unless we are raptured.
Questions:
- Do you feel free to eat anything?
- Would you eat pork in front of a Jewish believer?