Scripture:
[8] But you yourselves wrong and defraud – even your own brothers!
[9] Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, [10] nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. [11] And such were some of you. 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 saying to Christinas that, not only should you not wrong and defraud unbelievers, but it is shocking you do that to your own brothers in Christ. He is like.. Really, you are doing this? You are rejecting the will of God by continually doing such things without repentance, which then questions your true salvation and whether you will spend eternity with God.
Further Paul reminds them that even those who may be following God’s will, came from the same filth he was describing. From the same sinful idolaters, adulterers, drunkards, and swindlers. But in spite of their sin, God chose them individually. They have been washed clean of their sins and set apart from others.
Application:
Am I in that group who wrong and degrade others, including my own Christian brothers by cheating them, by lying to them, or by wronging them in some other way? I pray not, and with the strength living in me, I will not be.
God’s power is brought to us in our weakness, not in our strength. He chose us in our sin and knows our hearts. When I handed my life over to the Lord, I was cleansed and set apart. I have the strength of the Holy Spirit living in me. That is a wonderful feeling. Not in my own strength, but in God’s strength, I can fight off my sinful nature. And in his strength I can fend off the enemy when I’m tempted with sins of commission as well as sins of omission.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for choosing me. I was broken and sinful and didn’t deserve your grace and mercy. Sanctify me. Lead me with your Spirit to follow your will. Help me to glorify your holy name in all I do. In Jesus mighty name I pray, amen.