Faith is not just about what we believe—it’s about how we live. As you work through these devotionals, my prayer is that you will grow stronger, stand firmer, and live bolder for Christ. No matter what comes, you can remain unshaken because your foundation is in Him. – John O’Malley
Below is an excerpt from Bro. John O’Malley’s book, Unshaken: Strengthening Your Faith. If you would like to read the book in its entirety, please click here.
1 Corinthians 6:9-11
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.”
Learn About It
Paul delivers a strong warning: those who live in unrepentant sin will not inherit the kingdom of God. He lists several sinful lifestyles, including sexual immorality, idolatry, theft, greed, and drunkenness, emphasizing that those who practice such things apart from repentance and salvation are separated from God.
However, the passage does not end in condemnation. Paul follows this warning with a message of hope and transformation: “And such were some of you.” The Corinthian believers had lived in these sins, but through Christ, they had been:
• Washed—cleansed from their past sins
• Sanctified—set apart for God’s holy purpose
• Justified—declared righteous through faith in Christ
This passage reminds us that the gospel is powerful enough to change lives completely. No matter how deep someone has been in sin, through Jesus Christ, they can be made new.
Apply It to Me
Sexual purity is a major struggle in today’s world. Culture normalizes and even celebrates immorality, just as it did in Corinth. But God calls believers to live differently—to walk in holiness, not according to the desires of the flesh.
• Do I take sexual purity seriously, or do I allow culture to influence my standards?
• Have I fully embraced my identity in Christ, or do I still carry the weight of past sin?
• Am I mindful of what I allow into my heart and mind, or do I compromise in small ways?
The good news of the gospel is that sin does not define us—Christ does. If you are struggling, God offers forgiveness and transformation. Through Him, we can live in purity and walk in the newness of life.
Talk to God About It
Lord, thank You for washing, sanctifying, and justifying me through Christ. Help me to walk in purity, resisting the temptations of this world. Remind me that my identity is in You, not in my past or in what the world promotes. Strengthen me to honor You in my thoughts, my actions, and my relationships. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Act on It
Evaluate one area of your life where you may have allowed cultural influences to lower your standards of holiness. Whether it’s entertainment, relationships, or personal habits, take a step this week to align that area with God’s call to purity.
John O’Malley
If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. O’Malley to let him know.