Such Were Some Of You

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. But ye are washed

2. But ye are sanctified

3. But ye are justified

Remarks.

1. In this lesson today we will be discussing the theme: “Such were some of you.” The beloved apostles wrote to remind these Corinthians; that they were once unworthy of the kingdom of God. He wrote: “Know you 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. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Here he means, the Holy Spirit.

2. First, we will discuss Paul’s first reminder, to these saints: “But ye are washed.” The idea here is that these saints were washed, and thus, “such were some of you.” The apostle first beings his discussions of their past life; by acknowledging that they were wash from their sins, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of their God. They were once unrighteous and unworthy of the kingdom of God; but, now as a result of their washing, they are now saints in the church of God, 1 Corinthians 1:2.

3. Second, we will consider Paul’s second reminder, to these saints: “But ye are sanctified.” Paul continues his address to these saints by reminding them that they also were sanctified; as a result of their washing from their sins, whether, fornicators, idolaters, adulterers or drunkards. They are now the: “Sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, and with all that (are) in every place call(ing) upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord,” 1 Corinthians 1:2. To be “sanctified” is to be “set apart” for the service of God. Paul wrote: “Know you not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s,” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

4. Lastly, we will investigate Paul’s last reminder, to these saints: “But ye are justified.” He notes that they are now justified in Christ. They were once unworthy of the kingdom of God; but, now they have been: “Justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of their God,” 1 Corinthians 6:11. Justification is, being made righteous in the eyes of God. These saints were no longer “unworthy” but, now made “righteous” in Christ Jesus. To the Romans Paul wrote: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God though our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in (the) hope of the glory of God,” Romans 5:1-2. With this brief introduction, let’s consider our first point in this lesson.

BODY OF LESSON

I BUT YE ARE WASHED

A. Paul begins our lesson with: “Know you 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,” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. He outlines the acts of unrighteousness. Consider....

1. First, he lists all the sexual sins, of unrighteousness:

a. Fornication, in Gr., is pornos or po'r-nos, which means a (male) prostitute (as venal), i.e. (by analogy) a debauchee (libertine):—fornicator, whoremonger. This refers to the temple prostitutes, both male and female.

1) Unlawful acts of sexual immorality. This is the word that makes up our English word: pornography.

2) This form of sexual behavior was associated with pagan temple worship. These all fall under the sin of fornication:

b. Homosexuals: The word effeminate, in Gr., is malakos or mä-lä-ko's, which means, of uncertain affinity; soft, i.e., fine (clothing); figuratively, a catamite:—effeminate, or soft.

1) This refers to men that abuse young boys sexually.

2) A catamite is a boy kept by a man for sexual (intercourse) pleasure.

c. Abusers of themselves with mankind. Abuser, in Gr., is arsenokoites or är-se-no-koi'-tas, which means, a sodomite:—abuser of (that defile) self with mankind. This is one who lies with a male as with a female, a sodomite. Paul includes all these sexual acts and behaviors as “fornication.”

d. Adultery, in Gr., is moichos or moi-kho's, which means, perhaps a primary word; a (male) paramour; figuratively, apostate:—adulterer. These include both male and females. It also includes faithlessness toward God, ungodliness. It includes both the whoremonger and adulterers, Hebrews 13:4; James 4:4. Before concluding this sin; it is needful to discuss the ways one can commit adultery. Are you ready for this church? Observe....