August 1: SPIRITUAL IMPLICATIONS
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. Revelation 21:8
The unsavory variety of behaviors that dogged the Corinthian church strongly resembles the above list of character descriptions (see 1 Corinthians 6:1-10). Paul wrote quite a few explicit instructions for them — and for us, by the way — in the confident hope that they (we) would follow through with a genuine commitment to the Lord. He reminded them of the saving power of Christ: And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11).
To be cowardly here does not mean timidity or shyness; it’s just that commitment to the Savior is in second place while the opinion of others takes top priority. The enemy of souls is manifesting an insidious form of pressure to go against the word of God through social media. Peter’s prayer provides a strategy for overcoming the threats of misguided social pressure: “Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word” (Acts 4:29)
The word of God identifies the unbelieving to themselves by simply exposing the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12 – see also Daniel 2:30). If there is any part of His word that you reject, you would do well to rely upon the Holy Spirit’s leading as you study out the subject in question. Pray beforehand for the Lord’s power to live up to what He is showing you, regardless of whether or not you fully understand the divine reasoning. The Lord sees what we cannot. His instructions are entirely trustworthy. Examples abound of those who obeyed first, and later reaped wisdom and understanding. Such obedience is a positive witness in this confused world.
Many of the practices that the LORD views as abominable came from those who did not know better – but then became accepted among the professed people of God who should know better (see James 4:17). This is the exact opposite of God’s intended role for His people: to be a light to the heathen who know not God! He told Isaiah: Just as they have chosen their own ways, And their soul delights in their abominations, so I will choose their delusions (Isaiah 66:3b-4a).
It is important to understand what is meant by sorcery. It is connected to drugs and the use of poisons that alter the mind, but it also refers to spiritual practices that contradict God’ word. Both the physical and spiritual side of sorcery involve counterfeit messages and bogus “cures”; the ultimate sorcery being a false gospel. Satan’s perversion of the gospel message, a.k.a. the water of life, turned it into a deadly spiritual poison and many men died from the water (Revelation 8:11) for lack of sanctification which comes only by the Holy Spirit’s power at work in hearts. Do not confuse the effect with the cause. The effect includes inexpressible gratitude, service, prayer, obedience, and joy for the miraculous transformation wrought by the Holy Spirit of God.
“If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” Luke 11:13