Day 182/260: Read 1 Corinthians 6

Brothers take care of brothers. Brothers settle disputes. Paul tells the church in Corinth that they need to keep their disputes internal, and deal with them internally. Do not bring the unrighteous world in to judge matters between the saints.

At one time, before they obeyed the gospel, those who were now called saints were unrighteous themselves. But when they obeyed, those former descriptions no longer fit. They were no longer “fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners.” They had put those improper activities away. Now, they were “washed…sanctified …justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” Why would believers put themselves in a position to be judged by non-believers?

Sometimes, it is difficult to let go of the past. Sometimes it is difficult to forgive ourselves of the things we did before we understood the eternal ramifications. But we need to understand this: God forgives. And when God forgives, He takes away the eternal consequence.

I am justified. That is, I am seen by God just if I’d never sinned in the first place. Not because I’ve done anything of merit, but because of the blood of Jesus I can be forgiven.

Memory (Copy into a notebook 5-10 times)

1 Corinthians 6:20. For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

Pray

Pray a prayer of thanksgiving if you have accepted the truth of the gospel and have put away the former self; thank God for His grace, mercy, and forgiveness.