43. Inheritance of the Kingdom 1 Corinthians 6:7–11

The context here is simple; How to solve disagreements in the church. The people in the church were having arguments, and the Apostle Paul wanted to help them make peace. He shared vital advice to show them how to improve things and work together. Paul talks about how believing in Jesus can change them, helping them leave behind their fights and become more united as a group.

Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?

The question raised—"Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated?"—may seem puzzling at first glance. However, it underscores the significance of prioritizing unity and love within the Christian community. Paul intends not to suggest a universal principle of accepting wrongdoing or being taken advantage of in all circumstances. Instead, he addresses a specific situation where believers took each other to court over disagreements that ideally should have been resolved within the church family.

This teaching aligns with the broader principles Jesus taught! For instance, Jesus taught about forgiveness, turning the other cheek, and seeking reconciliation (Matthew 5:38-48). So, the counsel in this text is consistent with Jesus' teachings in the context of resolving disputes within the church.

So, while the immediate situation and wording might seem counterintuitive, the underlying message is about prioritizing love, unity, and reconciliation within the Christian community rather than pursuing legal disputes that damage relationships and hinder the testimony of believers. It's not necessarily an innovation of Paul but rather an application of Jesus' teachings in a specific context.

Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?

We find it interesting that Paul uses the phrase “will not inherit the kingdom of God.” It does not say “will not go to heaven,” yet this is how we have read this text before. However, we would argue that the concept of "heaven," as understood in modern Western Christian culture, is not always directly equivalent to how it was understood in the ancient biblical and Jewish context.

The kingdom of God is a broader concept that encompasses God's rule and reign over all creation, and the idea of inheriting it reflects a deeper connection to God's plan for humanity. The phrase "inherit the kingdom of God" carries a broader theological emphasis on the overall state of righteousness and relationship with God rather than just a physical destination. It encompasses the idea that those who are unrighteous, practicing ungodly behaviors, and not living by God's principles will not experience His kingdom's fullness, including God's blessings and presence, regardless of whether that is understood as heaven or a new state of existence.

The concept of "inheritance" is a common biblical theme, especially in the context of God's covenant with His people. Inheritances are passed down from one generation to another. "Inherit the kingdom of God" implies a more profound sense of receiving the promises and blessings of God's covenant rather than simply gaining access to a physical place like "heaven."

Again, Paul describes those “who will not inherit God’s kingdom” and, perhaps not a definitive list, undoubtedly culturally relevant.

· Fornicators: People who engage in sexual activity outside of marriage.

· Idolaters: Individuals who worship or devote excessively to idols or false gods.

· Adulterers: Those who engage in sexual relations with someone other than their spouse while married.

· Homosexuals: People attracted to or engaging in romantic and sexual relationships with members of the same sex.

· Sodomites: Individuals involved in same-sex sexual practices, often used as a historical term.

· Thieves: Those who steal or take things that do not belong to them.

· Covetous: People who intensely desire something that belongs to someone else.

· Drunkards: Individuals who habitually drink alcohol to excess.

· Revilers: People who speak or insult others harshly or violently.

· Extortioners: Those who obtain something from others through threats or force.

Initially, we believed the terms "Homosexual" and "Sodomite" might be redundant. However, upon further reflection, we might have a broader categorization of actions followed by a definition encompassing other behaviors. This could include actions like bisexual behavior or sexual conduct that falls outside the bounds of relationships between men and women.

"Sodomy" is a term that historically referred to a range of sexual behaviors considered non-procreative or outside of traditional heterosexual intercourse. The exact definition of sodomy has evolved over time and can vary based on cultural, legal, and religious contexts. In some historical and legal contexts, sodomy expressly referred to anal or oral intercourse, particularly between individuals of the same sex or between humans and animals.

Note that each of these terms is a noun describing actions people do, not Pro-nouns! They are actions, activities in which people engage and are not descriptive of people's total identity, in the sense that their DNA is predisposed to such actions.

And such were some of you.

The evidence that our last statement is truthful and consistent with a biblical worldview is that Paul reminds the church that some were exactly these types of people before entering the kingdom of God. But now they are not. This means that even if people have genetic dispositions to these actions, in Christ, we become new creations. Reminding People of where they came from and what they have come out of seems to be a common practice of Paul’s.

· Ephesians 2:1-5: In the letter to the Ephesians, Paul speaks of the believers' past state of being "dead in trespasses and sins," highlighting the contrast between their former condition and their new life in Christ.

· Colossians 3:5-11: Paul writes to the Colossians, urging them to put off their old sinful practices and put on the new self in Christ.

· Titus 3:3-7: In this passage, Paul speaks to Titus about the transformation brought about by God's mercy and grace, emphasizing that believers were once "foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures."

· Galatians 5:19-25: While not explicitly stating their past condition, Paul contrasts the "works of the flesh" with the "fruit of the Spirit," indicating a transformation from sinful behaviors to a life characterized by the Spirit's influence.

But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

Paul now affirms their present state after describing what they used to be like. He uses terms like “washed,” “sanctified,” and justified. While it would undoubtedly be worth describing each of these terms in length today, time does not permit. However, we shall give a fundamental definition.

· Washed – This means our sins have been removed, and we are no longer dirty or stained in God's eyes.

· Justified – This means the “bad blood” between God the Father and us has been removed. God is not mad at us, he is not giving us silent treatment, and He is not holding a grudge.

· Sanctified – This means God has chosen and dedicated us for a particular purpose. We have been set apart for use for that particular purpose.

Today, our explored passage implores us to prioritize unity, love, and reconciliation within the Christian community. It encourages us to embrace transformative faith in Christ, leaving behind past conflicts and entering a new way of living that aligns with God's overarching plan for His people.