What Is Legal?

Just because something is permitted, does that make it good for you?

“‘All things are lawful for me,’ but not all things are helpful. ‘All things are lawful for me,’ but I will not be dominated by anything” (1 Corinthians 6:12).

How natural to think about ourselves, desire personal pleasures, defend our rights, and bend or break the rules to get our way. But, as Paul taught, all of these attitudes are futile. We can be deceived into pursuing goals that, while promising freedom, in fact, lead to bondage. Even the most desirable things of this world can end up controlling and trapping us.

The wonderful thing about following Jesus is that He gives us true richness that lasts, satisfies, and won’t fade or tarnish! To experience these glories, we must recognize that when we are born again, we’re called to surrender everything to Jesus and, like the early disciples, leave all to follow Him.

He is our Lord. We are joined to Him and, as Paul wrote, “one spirit with him” (v. 17). We’re interconnected to Jesus Himself! Submit your life to Him … every day. If you are tempted or feel trapped by sin, remember that He is with you and you can call on Him and receive His power to help you.

You have choices about what you do, where you go, and what you allow into your mind. Don’t move back into the realm of the flesh or allow the world to control you. Make Jesus Lord in everything you do and say.

Everything on earth is temporary. Live for the Kingdom that will last and bring eternal rewards. Willingly submit your life to Jesus.

Reflection Question: What temporary things or attitudes may be holding you back?

Frequently Asked Questions

What situation in Corinth prompted Paul’s “all things are lawful” statement?

Corinth was known for its comparatively permissive culture‚ including associations with sexual immorality (v. 15–18). Some believers apparently used Christian freedom as an excuse for old habits; Paul counters that freedom isn’t the same as benefit.

What does it mean to be “one spirit” with the Lord (v. 17)?

Paul draws a contrast with physical union (v. 16) to describe the believer’s spiritual union with Christ—an intimate‚ permanent joining that Paul uses as the basis for his appeal to sexual purity and self-control.