Resisting Temptation
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of
God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters
nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men nor thieves
nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the
kingdom of God. 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.
This passage tells us
that the Kingdom of God is not for sinners and then gives a list of examples of
sins which I am fairly certain is not all inclusive but three types of sexual impurity
is mentioned making sexual purity something that should be taken seriously.
Paul then goes on to mention that some of them were practicing these sins. I
believe if Paul continued to list more sins the ‘some’ would go to ‘most’ then
to ‘all’. Paul then continues and reminds us that He has washed us, sanctified
us, and justified us by His Spirit.
I have the desire to
be in the Kingdom of God but the tension comes when I know I am tempted. I knew
a good young man, Ben, about to graduate high school was going to the same
church we were attending faithfully along with his whole family including his
father and grandfather. Ben had a good relationship with his grandfather and
confided in him that he struggled with impure thoughts and asked his
grandfather if he struggled with any impure thoughts to which he replied, “I am
not dead yet.” Ben related this story to our Men’s accountability group I was
in with Ben’s father.
What should we do?
Remember the Gospel. Repent and receive God’s Grace for we never walk so
perfectly that we do not need God’s grace and we never fall too far to where we
cannot be reached by God’s grace. Be confident that as we walk and are filled
with His Spirit God will sanctify us. Sin is a lifelong struggle and we should
be willing to take measures to remain pure. Find someone you have found you can
trust and hold each other accountably.
Bob Lippincott, 5
years At Hope Church, currently serving Hope church as one of the elders.
No comments:
Post a Comment