Such Were Some Of You

Sometime we will see a sign that reads…

• Columbia Baptist Temple

• Cayce First Baptist Church

• Lake Murray Baptist Church

• Lexington First Baptist Church

• Lykesland First Baptist Church

These churches were named after the community in which they dwell.

But you will never see on a church sign that says, First Corinthian Baptist Church.

This church was so corrupt no church would want to name their church after the Corinthian church.

Illus: This would be equivalent to having a little girl and naming her Jezebel!!!

Who would do such a thing to a child!!!

This church was so corrupt if you wanted to insult someone you would call them a CORINTHIAN!!!

Paul deeply cared for the Corinthian Church. However, no church that Paul had founded gave him so much cause for concern as this one.

Here are some of the reasons that troubled the apostle Paul:

1-False Prophets

2- Church’s Division

3- The Presence of the Immoral Member

4-The Church’s Failure to Discipline

5-Members Going to Pagan Courts to Settle Disputes

6-Members Defiling the Lord’s Supper

7-False Zeal for Spiritual Gifts

Paul in this passage of scripture is writing to this corrupt church in Corinth.

It is obvious in his writing he had some concerns if they were really saved or not.

Let us look at…

I. A SOLEMN CONCERN

For example, this passage of scripture starts off by asking a question, and I might say a very alarming question.

• Look at the question in verse 9; do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?

• Also notice, after asking the question we read, do not be deceived.

The Lord tells us in these verse two things:

1) First, the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

2) Secondly, do not be deceived (Evidently, they were, or else Paul would not be writing to them about this letter)

WHAT IS ALARMING ABOUT THIS QUESTION?

This question that Paul is writing to these Corinthians it is possible to be DECEIVED ABOUT PEOPLE WHO THINK THEY ARE GOING TO HEAVEN.

There are other scriptures in the Bible teaches us this also.

This makes me think of Matthew 7:13-14 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Notice the word few. This tells us MANY THINKS THEY ARE GOING TO HEAVEN BUT THEY ARE DECEIVING THEMSELVES. BUT ONLY A FEW ARE GOING TO BE SAVED.

Illus: If the rapture of the church was to take place in some churches you would be surprised WHO IS RAPTURED ANDWHO IS LEFT BEHIND!!!

None of us like to be deceived about anything. BUT WHEN IT COMES TO SALVATION WHERE I AM GOING TO SPEND ETERNITY IN HEAVEN OR HELL WE CERTAINLY DO NOT WANT TO BE DECEIVED.

God’s Word TELL US WHO WILL BE THERE AND ALSO IT TELLS US WHO WILL NOT BE THERE!

Look at I Corinthian 6:9, we read, know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

If you fall into one of these categories I just read to you, you do not have to wonder anymore about whether or not you are going to heaven. GOD SAYS THE UNRIGHTOUS WILL NOT BE IN HEAVEN.

And He names who they are.

If God’s Word is true, AND IT IS, you have a serious problem if you are one of these on this list.

Illus: Suppose I come to you and say, I want you to do me a favor, I know of someone in need, and they need a place to stay for a few days, and I want you to take this individual into your home and let them live with you.

But I need to tell you about this person:

• He is a fornicator,

• He is an Idolaters,

• He is a Homosexual

• He is Immoral

• He is a reviler

• He is an extortioner

• He is covetous

• He is a Thief

• He is a Liar

Will you allow this individual to live in your house for a few days?

I am certain, you would say, Preacher, have you lost your mind, and you want me to take this individual in my home…NO WAY!!!

I would not let such a person stay in my home!!! Nor would you!!!

But why do some people think God is so dumb He would want such people in His heaven.