“That is what some of you WERE”

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders (10) nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. (11) And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Observation:

Paul is describing characteristics of unbelievers. He doesn't mean that all those who have indulged in sexual sin or who have been idol worshipers, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, abusers, and swindlers are automatically and irrevocably excluded from heaven. Christians come out of all kinds of different backgrounds, including these. They may still struggle with evil desires, but they should not continue in these practices. In v. 11, Paul clearly states that even those who sin in these ways can have their lives changed by Christ. However, those who say that they are Christians but persist in these practices with no sign of remorse will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Such people need to reevaluate their lives to see if they truly believe in Christ.

In a permissive society it is easy for Christians to overlook or tolerate some immoral behavior (greed, drunkenness, etc.) while remaining outraged at others (homosexuality, thievery). We must not participate in sin or condone it in any way; we cannot be selective about what we condemn or excuse. Staying away from more "acceptable" forms of sin is difficult, but it is no harder for us than it was for the Corinthians. God expects his followers in any age to have high standards.

Application:

Paul emphasizes God's action in making believers new people. The three aspects of God's work are all part of our salvation: Our sins were washed away, we were set apart for special use (sanctified), and we have been made right with God (justified).

I am so thankful that it can be said of me, "And that is what you WERE..." But, thank God, I have now been washed, sanctified, justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now I need to live like it! I love verse 11 in the Message translation:

1 Corinthians 6:11 A number of you know from experience what I'm talking about, for not so long ago you were on that list. Since then, you've been cleaned up and given a fresh start by Jesus, our Master, our Messiah, and by our God present in us, the Spirit.

I am so thankful that I have been given a fresh start by Jesus! I am a new creature in Christ. I am not the same as I used to be. At one time I had a "potty" mouth. Now when I hear someone cursing, it makes me cringe. Why? Because I'm not that same person anymore. I want to please the Lord by every aspect of my life. I fall short often of that, but I keep on striving to become all that the Lord dreams and longs for me to become. Today, I want to meditate on the thought that "that is what some of you WERE" I need to remember today the change that Jesus has brought into my life. I need to make a commitment RIGHT NOW to act, live, talk like it is what I WAS and not what I am now. I am changed by the power of the Word, and the blood of Jesus. Praise be to the Lord!

Prayer:

"Lord, I am so thankful that you brought me out of bondage in my life. I am so thankful that I can relate to what our text says, "and that is what some of you WERE" What a powerful word. WERE...not anymore. I have been changed. I thank You, Lord for that change. I choose today to act, talk and live like a changed person. TODAY I am a new creature through you. I want all of my decisions to reflect that. In Jesus' name, amen!"