How can we help others avoid the sins listed in 1 Corinthians 6:10? Seeing the Danger Clearly • 1 Corinthians 6:10 names five specific sins—“thieves, the greedy, drunkards, verbal abusers, and swindlers”—and states plainly that those who persist in them “will not inherit the kingdom of God”. • Because Scripture is accurate and literal, our call to help others avoid these pitfalls is urgent and loving, not optional. Let Truth Illuminate the Heart • Share 1 Corinthians 6:10 alongside passages that expose each sin’s true cost: – Theft: Ephesians 4:28—“He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work…” – Greed: Hebrews 13:5—“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content…” – Drunkenness: Proverbs 23:20-21—“Do not join those who drink too much wine…” – Verbal abuse: Ephesians 4:29—“Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths…” – Swindling: 1 Thessalonians 4:6—“that no one should defraud or take advantage of his brother…” • When people see Scripture’s clarity, excuses lose their grip and conviction can take root (Psalm 19:7-11). Nurture Affection for Christ, Not Just Aversion to Sin • Help friends savor better treasures than the counterfeit offers of sin (Matthew 13:44). • Encourage daily engagement with the Word (Psalm 119:11) and worship that stirs deeper love. • Point to Christ’s sufficient grace—He not only forgives but satisfies (John 6:35). Build Honest, Accountable Relationships • Galatians 6:1-2 sets the pattern: restore “in a spirit of gentleness,” carry each other’s burdens. • Suggest practical steps: – Regular check-ins (in person or by phone). – Shared confession (James 5:16). – Celebrations of progress, not just confrontations over failure. • Accountability is protective, not punitive; it keeps temptation in the light where it loses power (1 John 1:7). Offer Tangible Help and Clear Boundaries • For theft and greed: connect individuals with financial counseling, budgeting tools, or job-skill training. • For drunkenness: accompany them to recovery groups, remove alcohol from shared spaces, plan sober social activities. • For verbal abuse: practice new communication patterns together—pause, pray, then speak (Proverbs 15:1). • For swindling: recommend reputable mentoring in ethical business practices; review contracts or deals with them before signing. • Boundaries matter—1 Corinthians 15:33 warns, “Bad company corrupts good character.” Model the Life You’re Inviting Them Into • Let generosity replace greed in your own finances (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). • Speak words that build up, not tear down (Proverbs 16:24). • Show hospitality that’s joyfully sober and content (Romans 12:13). • When they see authentic freedom in you, hope feels attainable (Matthew 5:16). Depend on the Spirit’s Power, Not Human Resolve • 1 Corinthians 10:13 promises God provides an escape from every temptation. Remind them—and yourself—often. • Encourage ongoing surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leading (Galatians 5:16-18). • Victories, small and large, are credited to God’s work, keeping pride at bay and gratitude alive (Philippians 2:13). Celebrate Redeemed Stories • 1 Corinthians 6:11 follows the warning with triumph: “And that is what some of you were. But you were washed…” • Mark milestones of deliverance—days sober, debts repaid, reconciled relationships. • Testimonies strengthen the weary and spotlight the gospel’s power (Revelation 12:11). Helping others avoid these sins is an act of courageous love, grounded in the unchanging truth of God’s Word and empowered by His Spirit. |
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