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1 Corinthians 6:12b

1 Corinthians 6:12b

Again, Paul follows his proverb formula. Unless there is a prohibition, we are free to participate. This time, however, he states that he will not be enslaved again to anything except Jesus Christ. The natural and immediate application of this verse attacks addictions. I have used this part of this verse many times as I deal with people who have various addictions.

Why would a person who has been freed from sin and its power go back into slavery to something? Verse 20 says that we have been bought with a price. That price was the death of Jesus Christ. As we contemplate an activity or thought process, we cannot forget what the cost was that got us to the place of being able to make the decision to participate

The initial application would naturally be one of the actual habit-forming activities such as tobacco use. Our society often views habitual decisions as addictions. While I am hesitant to call these true addictions, the depth of practiced habit makes dealing with them similar. Do we respond to stress by eating? Do we yell at cars in traffic (even if they are idiots)? Do we withdraw from other believers when we are having trouble? These things can control us. Paul says that he preferred to be free to glorify God.

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