1 Corinthians 6:19—“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”
How we use our bodies matters deeply to God. Addressing sexual immorality among the Corinthians, Paul confronts the assumption that bodily conduct has little spiritual significance. Their bodies belong to Christ and must never be surrendered to sin.
“Know ye not” reminds them of a truth they should already understand. Their bodies are “the temple of the Holy Ghost”. The Spirit who dwells within believers is God Himself. His presence renders their bodies holy, set apart for God’s service. Every Christian, therefore, carries the privilege and responsibility of being a living sanctuary for God. Sexual immorality therefore dishonours the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.
“Which ye have of God” emphasises that the Spirit is God’s gracious gift. His indwelling is neither earned through religious achievement nor reserved for unusually mature Christians. Those who belong to Christ have received His Spirit (Romans 8:9).
“And ye are not your own” challenges every claim to unrestricted bodily freedom. Believers have been redeemed: “ye are bought with a price” (v. 20). Christ gave Himself to deliver them from sin, bringing them into willing service to God.
This truth calls us to flee sexual immorality, as Paul explicitly commands in verse 18. We must guard our eyes, thoughts, relationships, and habits against whatever encourages impurity.
When temptation appeals to personal freedom, remember whose you are. Your body is precious to the Lord, destined for resurrection, and indwelt by His Spirit. Let us honour the Lord with our bodies, living in gratitude, purity, and joyful submission to His ownership and indwelling.
