1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Introduction:

1. This series will trace the flow of Scripture from lost sinners to glorified saints.

2. We begin with this text because it condenses this program into one brief passage.

Discussion:

I. The Plight of Sinners

A. Paul did not mince words in this passage concerning the plight of sinners.

B. He simply stated that such have no part in the kingdom of God (6:9-10).

1. This being written to Christians, the church is not in view here (Colossians 1:13).

2. The kingdom of God to be inherited is heaven itself (1 Peter 1:3-5).

3. This is the consistent view of Scripture regarding sin (Isaiah 59:1-2; Luke 13:1-5).

II. Such Were Some of You

A. Lest the Corinthians (or we) be confused, Paul brought the warning to their door.

B. Some among them (us) had previously been involved in the types of sins listed.

C. If not these sins, they (we) certainly partook of others, and the ends of remaining in sin is the same (Romans 3:9, 23; 6:23; Galatians 5:19-21; Ephesians 2:1-3; 5:5-6; James 1:15).

III. But You Were…

A. Thankfully, God transforms doomed sinners into glorified saints by the gospel.

B. Notice the language of transformation in 1 Corinthians 6:11:

1. They were washed, purified of the uncleanness of past sin.

2. They were sanctified; this verb is related to the noun saint, and it means one who is set apart for a holy purpose.

3. They were justified, declared innocent of the guilt they once bore.

C. Similar tones permeate the other declarations of Christ removing sin’s consequences above (Romans 3:21-26; 6:23b; Ephesians 2:4-10; 5:7-10).

Conclusion:

1. Throughout this series, this will be the paradigm through which we view the whole.

2. Along the way, we will consider the various elements involved in transformation.

3. Each step should highlight the rich and beautiful panorama of Scripture.

Further Food for Thought

1. How often do you reflect on your transformation from sinner to saint?

2. How do we reconcile the fact that Christians still do commit sin with the fact that we are no longer called sinners in the Bible? (cf. 1 John 1:5-10; 3:4-8, esp. the ESV).

3. Do you ever struggle with the tension represented in question two above?