From Bill Muehlenberg:
It does not take much for my mind to engage in a bit of lateral thinking, and for me to see biblical applications everywhere. I could get a full time job just offering the busy pastor helpful and up-to-date sermon illustrations! Every day the connections easily come to me.
Let me give you an example from just today. This morning I was reading in Galatians, and I again noted a “sin list” which is found so often in the New Testament. Found in Galatians 5:19-21, it is a typical list of sinful behaviours which the believer should flee from:
“The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
Here are some other such lists:
Mark 7:21-22
Romans 1:24-31
Rom 13:13
1 Cor 5:10-11
1 Cor 6:9-10
2 Cor 12:20
Eph 4:19, 31
Eph 5:3-5
Col 3:5-9
1 Tim 1:9-10
1 Tim 6:3-5
2 Tim 3:1-5
Tit 3:3
Rev 21:8
Note here that Paul says those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Yet far too many duped believers today will tell you that it does not matter what you do or don’t do – it is all about relationship. To be worried about dos and don’ts we are told is legalism, and we should just focus on loving God.
