Soul Ties: Sex, the Bond & Belonging – 1 Corinthians 6:13-7:9
Our world often cheapens sex, treating it as casual and consequence-free. But in 1 Corinthians, Paul reveals a deeper truth about our bodies and sexuality. We all have daily needs, like hunger for food. Paul compares this to another God-given desire: sexual intimacy.
1 Corinthians 6:13 (CSB)
“‘Food is for the stomach and the stomach for food,’ and God will do away with both of them. However, the body is not for sexual immorality but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”
While our need for food is temporary, our bodies—and their desires—have a higher purpose: to honor the Lord. Paul then unveils the sacred nature of our bodies and the profound connection formed through sex.
1 Corinthians 6:15-17 (CSB)
“Don’t you know that your bodies are a part of Christ’s body? So should I take a part of Christ’s body and make it part of a prostitute? Absolutely not! Don’t you know that anyone joined to a prostitute is one body with her? For Scripture says, The two will become one flesh. But anyone joined to the Lord is one spirit with him.”
This “one flesh” union creates a powerful bond—soul ties—with deep spiritual implications. Sexual intimacy outside God’s design conflicts with our union with Christ. Later, Paul addresses how to fulfill this desire rightly.
1 Corinthians 7:2-5 (CSB)
“But because sexual immorality is so common, each man should have sexual relations with his own wife, and each woman should have sexual relations with her own husband. A husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise a wife to her husband… Do not deprive each other, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time… so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
For the unmarried, he adds:
1 Corinthians 7:8-9 (CSB)
“I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain as I am. But if they cannot control themselves, they should get married; for it is better to marry than to burn with sexual desire.”
Paul acknowledges the powerful nature of sexual desire, yet firmly establishes marriage as the exclusive context for its expression, designed by God to forge an unbreakable “one flesh” union. This passage challenges us to move beyond the world’s casual view of sex and recognize its sacred purpose within the committed covenant of marriage. When we honor God with our bodies in this way, we align ourselves with His perfect design and experience genuine belonging.
Let’s prayerfully consider: Are we truly honoring God’s clear boundaries for sexual intimacy, and are we aware of the deeper spiritual implications of our choices in this vital area of our lives?
