Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be deceived:  No sexually immoral people, idolaters, adulterers, or anyone practicing homosexuality, no thieves, greedy people, drunkards, verbally abusive people, or swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom.  1 Corinthians 6:9-10 HCSB

This scripture passage is not confusing, but some of us will read it and go on and think, “Oh, that’s not me.”  Well, read it again and be sure, because if your behavior is listed here, it clearly states that you will not inherit God’s kingdom.  So, this is the most important thing we need to be focused on right now. This is a list that you definitely don’t want to make.

Let’s start with sexually immoral people. Now we like to look down our noses and think that this does not apply to us, but consider this carefully. Our sexual behavior is considered to be immoral if it causes us to sin. Sex between a husband and a wife is all that is allowed. Sex between two people of the same sex is addressed in this scripture passage as well. So don’t think that if you are not having relations with small children, the same sex, or animals that you are okay. If you are lusting after someone who is not your spouse, you have a problem (Matthew 5:28). Watching pornography even with adults is sexually immoral behavior. So let’s say you can check this one off, you are good and can honestly say that you have no sexually immoral behavior. But know that God knows what you do even behind closed doors.

We are told that idolaters will not get in. This is not talking about worshiping statues, this is referring to anything that we put before God. This can refer to our work, our hobbies, our television watching, our social media, anything that ranks higher than spending quality time with God. We better carefully consider this one before we check it off our list.

I think we covered adultery and homosexuality in the beginning so let’s move on to thieves. Now some of you may be feeling pretty confident here. You are not a thief, you don’t steal from anyone. But I must ask you to consider. Do you steal time at work? Are you paid to work 8 hours, but give your employer 5 on a good day? Do you steal from God? In Malachi 3:8-10 we are very clearly told that we rob God when we do not return a tenth of what God gives us to His storehouse. We are told that thieves will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Are you greedy? Do you hold on to what you have rather than help someone in need? Do you want more and more? Is enough never enough? We are clearly told that greedy people will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Are you a drunkard? Ephesians 5:18 tells us not to get drunk with wine for that is debauchery, but instead be filled with the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 20:1 tells us that wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, whoever is led astray by it is not wise. The bible clearly tells us that drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Are you verbally abusive? Do you have to have the last word? Do you strive to cut people to the bone with your comments? Let me assure you of one thing, God is always going to have the last word. We are told in Hebrews 4:12 that God’s word is sharper than any double edged sword. We are told in Revelation 19:15 that from his mouth will come a sharp sword with which to strike down nations. Ephesians 4:29 tells us that no corrupting talk should come from our mouths and that our speech should uplift others and give grace to those that hear. We are clearly told that verbally abusive people will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Last but not least, Paul mentioned the swindlers. Do you swindle others? Do you try to gain a profit from the works that others do? If you are not a swindler, be careful that you are not taken in by one. We must pray for God’s wisdom and discernment in these matters. We are clearly told that the swindlers will not inherit the kingdom of God.

I ask you to carefully consider these behaviors, did any of your behaviors make this list? If so, all is not lost. You can turn to God and He can cleanse you of your sin. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), but God is merciful and graceful and faithful to forgive us of our sins if we are only willing to confess them (1John 1:9). We can ask Him to send His Holy Spirit to dwell within us and help us to resist temptation.

If you made the list, there is a way out. If you did not make the list, but could remember back to a time when you did, well, we will be talking about that tomorrow. I hope you can join us.

Have a great day!