Verses 1-7
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Believers, in the age to come, will be involved in judging far greater matters than what we deal with today. If we, as believers, can't settle our own disputes, it is an utter failure.
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As such, don't ever go to court against another believer. Admit your own wrongs, and if it's needed in order to end a dispute and restore peace, take a loss.
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It's better to be cheated and robbed than for unbelievers to have to settle a quarrel between believers.
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Verses 8-11
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If we wrong each other, fight each other, steal from each other...we are acting just like unbelievers; and we know that unbelievers will not be saved. Can you be sure that you're a believer if you're acting like an unbeliever?
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Unbelievers are known by their practice of sin.
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As believers, we once lived in sin, but Christ saved and cleansed us so that we have ceased from sin.
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So, a life in sin is a life of the past. Don't fall back into sin again.
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Verse 12
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This verse stands as a great rule of thumb for Christian virtue.
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We have freedom in Christ to do many things, as we are no longer held under the strict laws of the Old Testament. However, this does not mean we can do whatever we want. If there is any question, it is wrong to be “under the power of anything”.
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In other words, having addictions, dependencies, or being controlled by the cravings of the body are all wrong, no matter the substance or habit in view.
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If not having something affects your emotions, you are under its power. If you think you might have a dependency on something, take it away until you can be content without it. This will build self-control and help to keep you content in Christ.
Verses 13-14
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Your stomach might crave and need food, but your body isn't made to serve food. Our food and stomachs won't exist anymore after a while!
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Practice fasting regularly, to make sure you're not being controlled by food!
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Your body might desire sexual gratification, but your body is not made for sexual immorality.
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We are meant to use our bodies to serve Christ, now as slaves of righteousness(Romans 6:18). As such, do not be ruled by the cravings of your body.
Verses 15-20
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Christ shed His blood to purchase your body, so your body is extremely valuable to Him. Your body is a temple for the Holy Spirit, so what you do with your body is critically important!
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Always honor God in what you do with your body.
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Sexuality is unique, in that you join yourself as “one flesh” to someone you have sex with. And since, as a believer, you're one spirit with Christ, you sin grievously against Christ and your own body when you commit sexual immorality.
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Sexual sin is especially destructive to your own body, so stay far away from sexual sin and anything that will cause temptation for sexual immorality!
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This also means to avoid pornography and other lust-inducing practices or material.
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