[!NOTE] Primary Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:9-14
I. The Corinthian Christian situation
A. Corinth (map)
B. Corinth was a Greek city on an important isthmus whose location contributed to its commercial wealth
C. The north-south link between southern Achaia and what is now Europe
D. The east-west route between the Adriatic and Agean seas
E. Captains preferred to transport their ships the 5-6 mile overland trip instead of taking the 200 mile journey around Greece and encountering the treacherous waters of south Greece. Corinth had three good harbors in a region that contained few harbors at all. It was the capital of the Roman province of Achaia which further exalted its position in the region.
F. Corinth had a very large cosmopolitan culture
G. The population was about 500,000-700,000
H. 1/3 of that number were slaves Large Jewish population The Corinthians were generally very intelligent and inventive
I. The city was renown for its artists
J. The city had a theater and a concert hall The architecture was well-regarded, especially in Rome The painters and bronze workers were highly esteemed; a valued gate of the Jerusalem temple was made of Corinthian bronze. They were sports enthusiasts and hosted the Isthmus games between the Olympic Games in nearby Athens.
K. Corinth was very immoral
L. Corinth was an idolatrous city
M. There were temples to various Greek gods and goddesses. The chief temple honored Aphrodite and 1,000 temple prostitutes were available for “worship” to this goddess
N. Corinth was well known for its immorality
O. ISBE: “the city of vice par excellence in the Roman World” Matthew Henry: “It was in a particular manner noted for fornication, insomuch that a Corinthian woman was a proverbial phrase for a strumpet, and korinthiazein, korinthiasesthai— to play the Corinthian, is to play the whore, or indulge whorish inclinations. (Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible : Complete and Unabridged in One Volume. Peabody: Hendrickson, 1996, c1991. Corinth was a materialistic and immoral commercial city that exalted the arts and sports and was filled with sexual immorality and drunkenness—a society not very different from our own.
P. In the midst of this immoral culture, Paul was able to establish a church.
Q. As we might expect, Paul had to admonish the church to put off immoral, materialistic, and selfish characteristics in their personal lives and in their interactions as Christians. Though many had played the Corinthian God could cleanse their sin.
II. Cleansed from unrighteousness (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)
A. “The unrighteous will not enter the kingdom of God”
B. No unclean thing can enter the glorious and pure kingdom of God
C. Examples of unrighteousness
D. Sexually immoral
E. Paul listed four unique categories of sexual sin fornication being the most general and inclusive of these. Idolatry in this context probably refers to the relations with male or female temple prostitutes. Paul warns against sexual immorality in four areas of 1 Corinthians Materialistic: The commercial materialistic culture contained its own temptations such as theft, covetousness, and extortion. Indulgent: decadent features of the culture would tempt men into drunkenness and abusive behavior (reviling).
F. “Such were some of you”
G. Not only did these vile sins characterize the Corinthian culture it also described the past of the Corinthian Christians. They repented (‘were”) and renounced the depraved behavior.
H. They were washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of Jesus by the Spirit.
I. These were not three different actions but were parts of their conversion.
J. Washed
K. They were cleansed from the filthiness of sins. Acts 22:16: “Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins” Hebrews 9:14 – cleansed from dead works to serve God
L. Sanctified
M. Being sanctified is less about being “set apart” and has more to do with being dedicated to God for His purposes. In the Old Testament, the furniture of the temple was ceremonially cleansed for use in worship to God. Ephesians 2:10 – created for good works The Corinthian Christians, having been cleansed from their sins, were now dedicated to God’s use and for His glory.
N. Justified
O. The Corinthians were guilty of depraved behavior but, through the sacrifice of Jesus, were declared righteous by God. Romans 3:21-26 Through the blood of Jesus and sanctification of the Spirit, those guilty of sin can be treated as if they were innocent because Jesus who was innocent paid the penalty for our sin as if He were guilty.
P. No matter the sin, if we truly repent God will cleanse us.
III. Process of Conversion
A. Conversion is the process by which we are cleansed (Chart: Before and Now)
B. Through conversion we are moved from the world of sin to God’s kingdom
C. Jesus is the only means and way one can move from sin to the kingdom
D. Colossians 1:12-14 – conveyed us to the kingdom of light redeeming us
E. (Chart: Transferred to God’s Kingdom)
IV. Conclusion: Will you be cleansed of your sins? Paul urged in 2 Corinthians 7:1: “let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.” Do not be held by sin but repent and be cleansed so that you may inherit the kingdom of God. As, Peter implored his readers, I implore you “Be saved from this perverse generation.” Be saved today; won’t you come while we stand and sing?
V. Before and Now Chart
| Before | Now |
|---|---|
| Stained with sin and filthy | Washed and whiter than snow |
| Dedicated to serving self in unholy ways | Dedicated for God’s purposes and holy |
| God’s judgment: unrighteous | God’s judgment: declared righteous |