NOVEMBER 29 – Reading 333

by Marcia Rainey | November 29

“MADE NEW – AND BEING MADE NEW”
(1 Corinthians 4:1–7:40)

“And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:11

Paul’s letter to the Corinthians exposes a church with serious internal factions. There was division based on loyalty to their favorite leaders, as well as believers suing each other. These disputes were not only damaging their fellowship but also dishonoring the name of Christ before the watching world. As if that were not enough, Paul also addresses blatant sexual immorality—a man living with his father’s wife and others engaging in prostitution, possibly continuing to participate in this common practice at the idol temples. These actions contradicted their confession of faith.

Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 6:11 shine as one of the most beautiful pictures of redemption in the New Testament. After listing a series of sins that separated people from God—sexual immorality, idolatry, greed, drunkenness, slander, and more—Paul pauses to declare, “And that is what some of you were.” He uses the past tense verb, “were”, reminding them and us that sin once defined us—but not anymore. The gospel doesn’t end with forgiveness; it transforms by the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within! 

Paul declares they were washed—cleansed from their sin and shame by God’s mercy. They were sanctified—set apart to live in purity and sincerity of heart. They were justified—declared righteous, not because of their deeds, but by the work of Christ on the cross. 

This transformation was not just a spiritual status; it is to reshape how they lived. Having been washed, sanctified, and justified, the Corinthians were called to live out the reality of that new identity. Paul urged them to cooperate with the indwelling Holy Spirit to pursue sexual purity in a culture of indulgence, to act with sincerity and truth in a world of deceit, and to seek unity where pride had sown division. He even challenged them to accept being wronged and cheated by a fellow believer rather than pursue their legitimate rights in court. Why such a hard request? Because the name of Christ and the witness of the church matter more than personal vindication and benefit.  

The Spirit’s work in us still calls for that same humility and holiness. He makes us new so that every word, action, and relationship reflects the One who redeemed us.

Simple Truth:
We have already been made holy in Christ, and the Holy Spirit continues His work to make us live lives that reflect our righteous Savior Jesus Christ. 

Reflection Questions:

• Where have you seen the Holy Spirit reshape your integrity and choices to reflect Christ?

   

• Where is the Holy Spirit still helping you pursue purity, sincerity, humility, and reconciliation in your relationships, actions, and integrity?

   

• Do you need to surrender being right or surrender a right for the sake of unity in Christ’s body?

   

• Reflect on the work of Jesus to wash, sanctify, and justify you. How can Jesus’ sacrifice and suffering motivate your daily choices?

   

Application Points:

1. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where your actions or attitudes need to reflect Christ more fully.

    

2. Thank God that He has made you new—washed, sanctified, and justified and now indwelt by His Spirit.

    

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You alone are worthy of my worship. Thank you for the gift of salvation, that I have been washed, sanctified, and justified because of the work of Your Son Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit to draw me to You. Forgive me for choosing my own selfish desires over Your holiness. Strengthen me, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, so that my thoughts, words, and actions reflect the reality of who I am in Christ. May You be glorified in me and through me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.