“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.” (1 Corinthians 6:11)
I have known many people who match the description of who Paul is talking about in this “in-your-face” section of his letter to the Corinthian church. This world provides plenty of examples of people I am so glad I’m not like. The sexually immoral, the greedy, idolaters, a drunkard or two, and even brothers who have taken each other before the courts. What a list! Who’d want to be associated with people like that?
Then I need to pause for a moment and admit that some aspects of these people’s lives reflect some aspects of my life in times gone by. Come to think of it, those times have gone by rather recently — sadly. I have been guilty of having idols — putting things ahead of God, wanting my own way above what God wants. Oh, yes, and then there’s the moment in my life when I have been greedy in wanting more than I need instead of sharing or leaving something for others. And who wants to talk about sexual sins these days anyway? Everyone has done something “less than pure” in their life, so I’ll not be the first to mention it if you don’t.
I love that Paul encourages this young, problem-filled church with that small past tense word “were”.
Being washed clean through the waters of baptism, sanctified (being made holy) and justified (being put right with God) in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit working in us, has meant that our past doesn’t need to define us into the future. Thank God for new beginnings through Jesus’ forgiveness and presence in your life.
How well prepared are you to meet Jesus, should this life’s deadline come tomorrow?
Prayer
Father, I thank You for the mercy you granted me through forgiveness. Please continue to be merciful when I fail, and help me continue to be sanctified and justified in Your sight. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
