WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Revelation 21:8

"Know ye not that the unrighteous
shall not inherit the kingdom of God?"

THE GODLY AND THE UNGODLY CONTRASTED (I)

Paul contrasted the character of unbelievers with that of true believers. His purpose was to show how unsuitable it was to have unbelievers judge "the smallest matters" (1 Cor 6:2) between Christian brethren. One simple truth to consider, which should be known by all the Corinthian Christians, was that unbelievers will never inherit the kingdom of God. Those who cannot enter heaven are grouped into the following two groups:

1. "…fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind" (1 Cor 6:9). These refer to those who are involved in sexual immorality. Idolaters are included in this list because many of the temples had temple priestesses who, as part of their worship of their false gods, would engage in all forms of sexual immorality with devotees.

2. "…thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners…" (1 Cor 6:10). These refer to those who abuse or harm others in order to get material gain.

We must understand, however, that Paul was not saying that those who committed such sins would be barred from salvation. Those who repent from their sins and believe in Christ as their Lord and Saviour will find salvation in Him. Those who do not repent, but persist in their sins, will surely not be able to enter into heaven.

By the mercies of God, the Corinthian Christians were delivered from such sins when they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. They had become new creatures in the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:17). If any were fit to judge the matters of the church, it would have to be the saints!

THOUGHT: I must not be characterised by the sins of the ungodly.
PRAYER: Lord, help me not to be found in the way of the ungodly.