Paul strongly warns the Corinthian Christians against marrying unbelievers. (This is not the same as becoming a Christian after one is already married.) Paul says, how can the deep fellowship of marriage exist between those who have come back to God and those who still follow idols?

Paul uses this problem as an opportunity to remind us that we are called to be different from the world. In Christ, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. When we live a pure life, God can dwell among us, and we can see each other as brothers and sisters, children of one loving heavenly Father (18). Indulging in sinful desires contaminates both body and spirit. None of us is perfect yet. But when we love and fear God, we will set our sights on holiness. Then Jesus' grace cleanses our conscience from past sins and gives us power for living a pure life.


Application: Father, thank you for calling us out of the world in Jesus to be your children. I want to purify myself for you.
One Word: Called out of the world to be God's child