Happy New Year, everyone!! How’s your year going so far? The year on my end is just starting cause January was quite a reflective time. For most of January, you’d have found me reading 1st Corinthians. One of the emphasis within the book is “Dear Believer, you’re not a sinner. Stop acting like one.” Let’s analyse this together.
In 1 Corinthians 15:1-5, Apostle Paul reminds the saints of the Gospel which was preached to them, they received and “in which you stand.”
Here’s a Gospel recap: According to Scriptures, Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose on the third day.
What makes a saint a believer? The fact that he/she has believed the Gospel of Jesus. You can read more here: Understanding the Gospel of Jesus
Why would Apostle Paul emphasise that the believer is not a sinner?
Considering their belief in Jesus, Apostle Paul used every opportunity to remind the Corinth Church of who they’ve become in Christ. Why?
The believers in Corinth were in divisions, idolatry, immorality, etc. Characters not in line with Saints in Christ.
Why address the Church and not the person in sin? Once the congregation collectively understood who they are in Christ, they would be able to restore each other as Galatians 6:1 says.
Galatians 6:1 ERV
[1] Brothers and sisters, someone in your group might do something wrong. You who are following the Spirit should go to the one who is sinning. Help make that person right again, and do it in a gentle way. …
How do we live this out in 2025?
1. If you find yourself acting like someone who hasn’t believed the Gospel, fix your heart on who God says you are. Romans 12:2 calls it “Transformation by the renewal of your mind.”
As you constantly remind yourself of God’s word and stay reading it, it’ll be hard to shift from it.
One of my favourite verses in 1st Corinthians is 1Cor.6:20. In correcting against sexual immorality, Apostle Paul asks the Church to remember this:
I Corinthians 6:20 NKJV
[20] For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
2. Repent of your actions.
In 2 Corinthians 7:9-10, Apostle Paul emphasises that godly sorrow produces repentance. Your actions may have been contrary to that of a believer, but you can always repent from it.
How does one get godly sorrow? Knowing what God’s word says about you produces conviction and re-alignment because you easily see where you’re not aligned with it.
[10] For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.
3. Pray acknowledging the finished work of Jesus on the cross for you.
You didn’t (& don’t have to) work for the salvation you receive in Jesus. The joy is knowing that Jesus isn’t waiting for you to err to collect His salvation from you. Read: Can I lose my salvation?
You aren’t a sinner in need of God’s mercy. So pray thanking God for His mercy to you because you already attained it in salvation.
Psalms 103:12 says ‘As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions (sins) from us.’
Finally, Dear Believer
Ultimately, my Pastor says it’s pride to read God’s word and decide what He says doesn’t apply to you.
Your actions may not be consistent with being a Believer, but that’s your call to re-align with who God says you, a Believer, are. Repent and stay on God’s word!
God is able to keep you standing in the faith, so you aren’t doing it yourself. Thank Him for that.
Jude 1:24 ERV
[24] God is strong and can keep you from falling. He can bring you before his glory without any wrong in you and give you great joy.
Survey time!
This year, my desire is to answer the burning questions you have about God. The survey isn’t just for Christians, it’s for everyone who has a curiosity/question about God.
Please help fill out the survey & share with friends and all: What questions do you have about God?
Thank you for reading & Welcome to 2025.
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