Beech Tree News Network

Our title comes from I Corinthians 6:9-11. This text warns against Christians engaging in sin, and reminds us that Christians have been forgiven much. This section also stands as a reminder that it is Christ who has made forgiveness possible. Let us study and learn from the inspired words: “And such were some of you.”

After reading the list of sins from I Corinthians 6:9-10, some might say, “I would never want to be around people like that!” Paul’s statement, “and such were some of you,” reminds the Corinthians that this church was made up of folks who had committed such sins, but were now forgiven (v. 11).

Historically, Corinth was an immoral city. There is no question that the Corinthian Christians had been guilty of various sins (I Cor. 6:9-10)! Sin was encouraged in their society. Yet, Paul preached the gospel there and these people learned better. Many were converted to Christ in the eighteen months Paul was there (Acts 18:8; I Cor. 1:14-16).

The Corinthians were reminded that they “were” in sin, but had received the forgiveness of Christ. No one can erase his past deeds. Paul said he was the “chief” of sinners in his past life (I Tim. 1:15)! In this context, however, “were” is an amazing and powerful word. Though they “were” guilty of sin (Rom. 3:23), Paul declared that they were forgiven by Christ. They repented and had been baptized into Christ (Acts 18:8, 2:38). Can it be said that you “were” guilty of sin and now are not? Are you living in sin? Come out of sin and be baptized and forgiven of sin (Mk. 16:16)!

The word “some” lets us know that the sins listed in I Corinthians 6:9-10 entangled members of the Corinthian church. This is significant for three reasons:

First, it says something about Paul. He was ready to preach the gospel to all people (Rom. 1:16)! He understood that to preach the gospel to “every creature” (Mk. 16:15), meant preaching to folks who have committed the most heinous sins! All need forgiveness. Yet, no one can be forgiven until they obey what Christ commanded to do to be saved (Mk. 16:16). When this happened, folks are “washed”, “sanctified”, and “justified”.

Secondly, it tells us that people engaged in sin can come out of sin and do what is right! God has a standard, and He expects us to come out of sin and live a righteous life. Some tell us that sins are a “disease,” or that they are in our DNA. This is wrong. Regardless of the sin, one can be forgiven when he willingly listens and obeys the gospel of Christ (Acts 18:8; Heb. 5:8-9).

Finally, God considered this church His even though it was made up of former sinners (I Cor. 1:2, 14:37). Truly, God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (II Pet. 3:9). When these folks repented of sins, and were baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38, 18:8), God accepted them and added them to His church (Acts 2:47)!

The last phrase “of you” speaks volumes. No one can say he is sinless (I Jn. 1:10). Therefore, let no one look down upon one who repents of sin and is baptized, or is restored as an erring Christian (Acts 2:38, 8:22; I Jn. 1:9). We need to be “washed … sanctified” and “justified”! This only happens when we do what the Lord says!

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167