1 Corinthians Week 4

Notes for the August 30, 2026 message:

Scriptures used: 1 Corinthians 5:1-2; 6:9-20; Isaiah 66:2
Scriptures referenced: 1 Corinthians 5-6; Matthew 15:16-20; 19:1-12

Culture Doesn't Define Truth

  • Corinth was surrounded by sexual immorality, and eventually that culture began influencing the church.

  • What a culture calls “normal” isn't necessarily what God calls right.

  • Following Jesus means allowing God's Word to shape our lives rather than allowing culture to shape our convictions.

Feelings Aren't Always a Safe Guide

  • The Corinthians believed that if something felt natural, it was acceptable.

  • Our desires have been affected by sin, so we can't simply follow every desire we have.

  • God wants to transform our desires, not simply give us permission to act on them.

Don't Flirt With Temptation—Flee From It

  • Paul doesn't tell us to see how close we can get to temptation. He tells us to flee.

  • Wisdom means creating distance from things that consistently lead us toward sin.

  • Boundaries and safeguards aren't signs of weakness. They're signs of wisdom.

Your Body Belongs to God

  • Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.

  • Sexual sin doesn't just affect our bodies. It affects our relationship with God, others, and ourselves.

  • God's boundaries aren't designed to keep us from good things. They protect His good design.

Transformation Comes Through Christ

  • We are all born with a tendency toward sin.

  • God formed us. Sin deformed us. Christ transforms us.

  • We can't overcome sin through willpower alone. The Holy Spirit gives us the power to live differently.

  • Repentance means turning from sin and turning toward Christ.

Personal Application & Reflection

  • Where have I become too comfortable with something God has called me to leave behind?

  • Am I allowing culture or Scripture to define what is right?

  • Is there a desire I'm allowing to become more important than God's will?

  • Am I asking God to transform my desires or simply asking Him to bless them?

  • What temptation do I need to create more distance from?

  • What boundary or safeguard would help me honor God?

  • Am I honoring God with my body, relationships, thoughts, and choices?

  • What would change if I truly lived like my body belongs to God?

  • What area of my life do I need to completely surrender to Christ?

  • Am I just trying harder, or am I actually depending on the Holy Spirit?

Bottom line - When temptation comes, flee. When your desires conflict with God's Word, surrender. When you fall, repent. In everything, run toward Christ.

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