In his sermon on 1 Corinthians chapter 6, Pastor Jeffrey Johnson addresses the challenge Christians face in balancing the enjoyment of earthly pleasures with the biblical mandate not to love the world or its temptations. He uses personal examples, like his affection for food and his red Jeep, to illustrate the internal conflict between enjoying life's comforts and adhering to spiritual principles. Johnson questions whether such enjoyments are inherently wrong or if they become problematic when they turn into idols that overshadow our devotion to God.
Johnson identifies two extremes in this struggle: legalism, which outright rejects worldly pleasures, and antinomianism, which indulges in them without restraint. He points out that the Corinthians in the Bible veered towards antinomianism, justifying even sexual immorality. Johnson attributes this to their misinterpretation of Christian liberty and their possible influence by proto-Gnosticism, which undervalued the physical in favor of the spiritual.
He then delves into the teachings of Paul in 1 Corinthians 6, emphasizing that while Christians are free to enjoy life, they must do so without being dominated by worldly pleasures or falling into sin. Johnson explains that our bodies are meant for the Lord, not for immorality. He urges believers to recognize the sacredness of their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit and to live in a way that glorifies God. The sermon concludes with Johnson offering practical ways to enjoy earthly blessings while maintaining a godly perspective, stressing the importance of moderation, wisdom, and reverence for God in all aspects of life.
