We All Need Jesus – August 26, 2016

1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (ESV)

“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, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 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.”

It is a shame when we lose sight of the forgiving mercy and saving grace of our God. Puffed-up pride and spirits of criticism creep into our hearts. We look at the differences in our beliefs and practices and find ourselves feeling superior to and condemning others, who don’t think and behave the way we do. We take credit for the transforming grace of God that empowers us to turn from sin and self-centeredness, and we disparage those who fail to meet our standards. Something people in the church can quickly lose sight of is that we don’t change people. God’s gospel grace changes people. This is a problem local churches have been dealing with since the beginning of churches.

The context of the passage above is one where the Apostle Paul is taking issue with members of the church in Corinth. They are taking other members of the church to court to settle their disputes and differences. Selfishness flourished and loving concern withered.

Paul’s point is not that ungodliness doesn’t matter. It matters a great deal. No one whose life is characterized by any sin will inherit in the eternal blessing of God. They don’t lose their salvation. Their lack of transformations shows they never had it, no matter how many professions of faith they make. Ungodliness matters.

Paul’s issue is with their lack of patience and trust in God’s power to change His people. Paul presents a list of sins that to one degree or another characterized the behavior of those in the church in Corinth prior to their salvation – “And such were some of you.” Yet they have no humility and take personal credit for the transformation their lives are experiencing. They don’t care about people that don’t look and act just like them.

Such arrogance is a mockery of the gospel of Jesus Christ. God’s grace alone cleanses, sets apart, and provides righteousness. God does this through the work of Jesus Christ – His righteous life on earth, His substitutionary death on the cross, and His victorious resurrection from the tomb. This gospel work is made effectual by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit who brings life and changes lives. There is no place to boast or to feel superior. God desires His children to humbly love and help one another as grateful receivers of grace.

If you have a critical and condemning spirit, ask God to help you remember where He has brought you from and how sin and selfishness have gloriously become less prominent by His grace. If you are overwhelmed by guilt because of your sin; if you know you need help to be made right with God; if you long for new desires and direction, cry out to Jesus. He is all you need!

[Pastor Mark Landess]