Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 6:9–11

Introduction

A. Change is not only difficult, but it can also be very expensive.

B. In fact, unpredictable cost is one of the reasons that people are so resistant to change, even if they know it is for the better.

Discussion

I. Many lives were changed for the better in Corinth and Ephesus.

A. Many sick people were healed (Acts 19:11–12).

B. There were many Jews who obeyed the gospel (Acts 18:8).

C. There were also many Gentiles who were converted to Christ (Acts 18:6; 19:8–10; 1 Corinthians 16:9).

D. We also read of some disciples of Jesus who needed to make some changes (Acts 18:24–26; 19:1–7).

II. The cost of change was high for some of these individuals.

A. Some had to give up their position in society and their means of livelihood (Acts 18:8).

B. Some gave up valued possessions (Acts 19:19).

C. Many gave up cherished beliefs (Acts 18:26–28).

D. They made radical changes of lifestyle (1 Corinthians 6:9–11).

Conclusion

A. Are there changes you know you need to make in your life? Is there anything you are afraid to give up for the sake of following Jesus? Nobody said it would always be easy (Matthew 7:14).

B. If you think you are finished making changes in your life, just remember that Paul said that even he had not yet achieved the perfection he sought (Philippians 3:12–16).

C. If nothing was too great for Jesus to surrender (Philippians 2:5–7), what could possibly be too much for us?