1 Corinthians 6:9-10

 

I

 heard a sermon by a well-respected expository pastor that taught verse nine and ten which says, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the sexual immoral (or fornicators), nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God”, declare that the unrighteous here are believers. He went on to say they are in the kingdom, but because of their sinful behavior they will not receive the benefits of the kingdom. He does not describe what these benefits are.

I respectfully disagree with his interpretation. It is tragically misleading and wrong. The unrighteous Paul is referring to are unbelievers. They are the ones that will not inherit the kingdom of God. Translation, those who never profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and never repent of their sins will never see the kingdom of God (John 3:3).

It is essential we understand Paul is differentiating between believers and non-believers. Believers commit sin as well. The difference is that a true believer bemoans their sin and confesses it to God (1 John 1:9). They continue to struggle to conquer it in their lives (Romans 7:1-25). Sin for the true believer is ever present, but it cannot be the hallmark of their lives. Whereas the wicked loves their sin (John 3:19). Sin for them is an addictive drug they cannot get enough of. The unrighteous practice sin which a child of God cannot do (1 John 3:9). Those who practice righteousness prove they are born of God (1 John 2:29).

Concluding, to be clear, those that habitually practice sinful behavior prove they have not been redeemed by Christ. Those who habitually practice righteousness prove they have been redeemed by Christ. Believers cannot continue in sin. The Holy Spirit will bring conviction. The unrighteous sin on a wholesale basis.

Here is the admonition we must follow when we hear anyone speak on God’s word, “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).

We must examine all things. Hold fast to that which is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, instead test the spirits to see whether they are from

God, because many false prophets and teachers have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1).