I don’t have any lower molars in my right jaw. I lost them all some years ago.  Because of that I could not chew food properly on my right side.  I had to get dental implants.  Why did that happen?  I did not brush and floss my teeth properly.  Lots of impurity stuck on my teeth.  Food impurities which caused plaque and decay.  The dentist had to keep patching up decaying molars.  Eventually my lower molars broke up, one after another.   Impurities can have a profound effect in places where there should be purity. Purity is a central characteristic in the Kingdom of God.  Because it is the very nature of God to be pure, to be holy. And hence, God desires His people to live in purity as well.   1 Corinthians is a letter to the church in Corinth.  Corinth was a city full of sexual immorality.  Prostitution, even temple prostitution was rampant.  There were all kinds of sexual perversion.  And these had also crept into the church there.  In many ways our modern Western society share those immoralities and perversions.  And within the Church also has struggled with many of these issues.  Some studies suggest that pornography is almost as prevalent within the Western church as it is in the society.  I am not naïve to think that we are immune to these issues.    As we study the passage of 1 Corinthian 6, we begin to see God’s perspective on purity—and what it means for how we live today. From this text, I want to highlight three key truths that speak directly into our lives.   A KINGDOM FOR THE PURE   1 Corinthians 6:8-11a (NIV) “8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers. 9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.  11 And that is what some of you were.”   Paul launched a strong rebuttal of the Corinthian church’s misplaced perspectives about the Kingdom of God.  However, it raises some controversial issues.  Does “the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God” imply that believers can lose their salvation if they persist in immorality?  Or as some would argue, Paul was only referring to unbelievers who think they are Christians, but are not?  Firstly, allow me to explain what it really is.     A warning for believers (v9a) “Do you not know…? Do not be deceived.”   The entire segment of v1-8 was directed at believers in the Corinthians church.  For the parties in the dispute were referred to as “believers” and “brothers”.  The recipients of the entire epistle were referred to as “saints”.  So this entire epistle was directed at believers.  Here, Paul was challenging the perspectives of the believers.  “Don’t you know this? The wicked will not inherit the Kingdom of God?  Do not be deceived!”   However, in v9-10 Paul was referring to the unbelievers, to highlight how much God’s wrath is upon the wicked, their orientation, their lifestyles.  Paul contrasted the wicked with the current position of the believers in Corinth.  The Corinthians used to be amongst the wicked, but now sanctified, justified in Christ.  In other words, they have been saved from the wrath of God because the righteousness of Christ covers over them.  Unrighteous living dishonours God and what He has done for us.    But, just as God is not pleased with immorality and unrighteous living, He continues to be displeased with such immorality.  It should not be the lifestyle of believers.  Unrighteous living dishonours God and what He has done for us.  You see, we must understand the second thing, that God has His criteria.   God’s criteria for inheritors of His Kingdom (v9a) “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God?”   Paul lists some characteristics of the wicked.  Those who will not inherit the Kingdom of God.  It dealt with immoral behaviour as well as sexual immorality of various kinds. Behaviours and lifestyle which were occurring in the Corinthian church. God will not welcome anyone.  God’s Kingdom is reserved for those righteous before God.    Paul made a crucial point.  God will not welcome anyone.  God’s Kingdom is reserved for those righteous before God.  The unrighteous, the wicked will not inherit God’s Kingdom.  They will not enter in nor participate in its treasures. For God demands righteousness.  True believers are counted righteous in Christ, and therefore welcomed into His Kingdom.  No one outside of Christ will ever be considered righteous enough to enter God’s Kingdom. God transforms people from the inside out—but only those who entrust themselves to Him and choose to follow His way.   Why this distinction?  God transforms people from the inside out—but only those who entrust themselves to Him and choose to follow His way. Every person is corrupted by sin and powerless to change themselves. Those who resist or ignore God cut themselves off from the only One who can make them truly righteous.  It’s like a patient who doesn’t trust their doctor. The doctor prescribes what will heal them, but the patient takes the medicine only occasionally and chases herbal cures, spiritual healers, and old wives’ tales. The doctor cannot help someone who refuses to follow the treatment.   In the same way, God can only transform those who trust Him enough to walk in His way.    A warning for carnal Christians.   Just as Paul sounded a warning, let me sound a warning.  Now I believe we are saved only by God’s grace through faith, as we personally make a choice to trust in Him for our salvation.  Nothing we can do or accomplish can ever earn us merit to get into heaven. I also believe that it is possible to fall away from God, or commit apostasy.  Hebrews 6:4-6 (NIV) “4 It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit, 5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the coming age, 6 if they fall away, to be brought back to repentance, because to their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace.” Salvation has a start point, a journey and a destination to be reached.    It is not what we do or fail to accomplish that causes us to fall way.  Rather it is our choice to wilfully reject Christ.  When we choose to reject God’s grace for salvation.  Salvation is not a once off.  For salvation has past, present and future aspects.  Salvation has a start point, a journey and a destination to be reached.    It is like you have been given a free ticket for a boat cruise with Christ. Until you get to the destination, you can choose to jump off the journey.  The journey itself is guaranteed.  You are in totally safe hands.  But will you trust God enough to reach the destination?  The journey component is the on-going aspect of our lives.  Where God is transforming us, cleaning us up.  Philippians 2:12 (NIV) “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed--not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence--continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling…” Every immoral lifestyle leads people away from God.   How does this relate to what we’re looking at? Every immoral lifestyle leads people away from God. It deceives them into thinking they can live however they want, without Him—which is the opposite of trusting Christ for salvation.  The danger is that deception can grow until some believers no longer see their need for Christ at all. In the end, some may even reject the grace offered to them. It’s like throwing away a free cruise ticket with Christ and saying, “Why bother going to the destination Christ promised?”   Sexual immorality can wear someone down until they believe God cannot help them, or shame drives them from Him. Idolatry replaces God with something else. Greed consumes a person until their desires consume their whole life. Immorality puts people on a slippery path toward embracing wickedness and ultimately rejecting the God who calls them to righteousness.   I am not saying that any believer who sins is instantly in danger of losing salvation. But unrepented sin leads to backsliding, and backsliding can lead toward apostasy—unless we turn back to God in repentance.   THE CROSS AND PURITY   1 Corinthians 6:11 (NIV) “And that is what some of you were. 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.”     Do you realise what God did when you came to Christ? He washed your sins away—completely. He sanctified you, setting you apart as His holy possession. Deuteronomy 14:2 (NIV) “You are a people holy to the LORD… His treasured possession” We are called to a new life—set apart for God.   And He justified you—declaring you righteous because of Christ. The Cross changed your standing before God forever. This is why Paul urged the Corinthians: “You belong to Christ now. You cannot live like the culture around you.” We are called to a new life—set apart for God.  Romans 12:1 (NIV) “Offer your bodies as living sacrifices… holy and pleasing to God”.  This is real worship: a life that is pure, holy, and pleasing to Him.   So how do we live this out?  Romans 6:12 (NIV) “Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.”  So fix your orientation toward God. Turn your attention toward Him. Respond to His voice above every temptation.  From experience, when I choose God first—right at the moment temptation calls—His presence becomes louder than the pull of sin. And that choice, made again and again, shapes a life that truly honours Him.   CALLED TO PRACTICAL PURITY   Let me share from this passage some practical thoughts on purity.   Purity from addictions   1 Corinthians 6:12-13 NIV) “12 "Everything is permissible for me"--but not everything is beneficial. "Everything is permissible for me"--but I will not be mastered by anything. 13 "Food for the stomach and the stomach for food"--but God will destroy them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”   Paul confronted the Corinthian slogan, “Everything is permissible for me,” because it was only half‑true. Yes, we have freedom in Christ—but not everything is beneficial, and nothing must be allowed to master us. We are meant to be mastered by God alone. Luke 16:13 (NIV) “No servant can serve two masters…”  Anything that masters us will eventually oppose God’s work of purifying our lives.   How do you know something has mastered you? When you cannot surrender it to God. “God, You can have anything… except my phone, my money, my relationship, my comfort.” Those “excepts” become roadblocks in our walk with Him.   How else do you know? When you listen to it more than you listen to God. Some listen more to a spouse, a friend, a habit, or a craving than to the voice of the Lord. Choose today not to be mastered by anything but God Himself.   And how do you know you’re addicted? When you cannot lay it down for a extended time—whether it’s alcohol, drugs, smoking, social media, coffee, or your mobile. I have resolved not to be mastered by anything. So I urge you: Choose today not to be mastered by anything but God Himself. Seek help. Confront the addiction. Take responsibility. Honour God.  Don’t believe the lie of the Devil who whispers, “You can get out of it anytime.  Just enjoy it first.”   Purity of our temple   1 Corinthians 6:15-20 (NIV) “15 Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ himself? Shall I then take the members of Christ and unite them with a prostitute? Never! 16 Do you not know that he who unites himself with a prostitute is one with her in body? For it is said, "The two will become one flesh." 17 But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with him in spirit. 18 Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a man commits are outside his body, but he who sins sexually sins against his own body.  19 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20 you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.”   The Corinthians believed it was acceptable to visit prostitutes – that it did not matter. But Paul shows why it absolutely matters.   First, our bodies belong to God. He is our Master. We must not use His property in ways that dishonour Him. It’s like scratching your boss’s car—you simply wouldn’t do it.   Second, our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. They are sacred space. So we must ask: Am I treating my body as something holy and pure before God?   Third, our spirit is united with Christ. How can we join God’s temple to sexual immorality? How can the holy be joined to what is unholy?   Fourth, sexual sin harms our own bodies. It violates their holy purpose and pollutes what God has set apart. Even “casual” sexual relations can create unhealthy emotional and spiritual bonds—leaving unholy marks on the soul.   Scripture is unmistakably clear: Keep God’s temple pure.   Purity by fleeing (v18) “Flee from sexual immorality.”   The best way to avoid sexual immorality is to keep far away from it!  Sexual immorality is not an area where you can say, “I have sufficient self-control.  I can come really close to it.  Examine it, prod it, even live with it and will not fall for it.” But those who do will eventually succumb to it!   The best policy is to get away from it.  Do not allow ourselves to be tempted.  Put some distance between yourself and the temptation. Don’t watch X-rated media.  Don’t click that porn link.  Don’t stay with your girlfriend or boyfriend in the same household – you are only tempting yourselves!  And when you are at your weakest moment – it will pounce on you!   CONCLUSIONS   God’s Kingdom is holy and pure—and His House must reflect His nature. Only those made legally pure in Christ and who actively pursue righteousness will be found in His Kingdom. So let us stay alert to sins that pull us away from God. Instead, embrace your new life in Christ and pursue the holiness He calls you into.   How do we walk this path of purity? Choose today to be mastered by God alone. Guard the purity of His temple—your body. And when temptation comes, don’t negotiate with it. Flee.  Let us honour God with lives that are pure, surrendered, and set apart for His glory.   Copyright©️2026 by Wilson Lim. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

In the Sydney Olympics of 2000, a group of women athletes were chosen to be in the last line to carry the Olympic torch.  The line up was a highly kept secret.  It was a moving scene as we saw women athletes of past and present carrying the torch in the stadium.  One by one, different athletes appeared as the torch was passed on to them.  The final and greatest honour was accorded to Cathy Freeman, the 400m gold medallist - who was the darling of Australia at that time.  What an incredible honour it was for her as she represented Australia in lighting the Olympic cauldron.      When we serve God as leaders, we have been chosen of God to represent Him. 1 Timothy 3:1 (NIV) "Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task."  Paul urges us to the work of leading in God’s church, the most important work in the world.  When our motives are right, this work pays eternal dividends.  It is a tremendous honour to be chosen of God to serve Him.   This topic is important to understand why God chooses someone to be His leader and what kind of leader we should aspire to be.  But maybe you do not aspire to be a leader.  But you should, for that is God’s purpose for every believer.  We are all called to be salt and light in this world – to influence it.  That is leadership!  When we become parents – we are to be leaders in the home.  The issue is not whether we are expected to become leaders.  The issue is what kind of leaders we become.    The issue is not whether we are expected to become leaders.  The issue is what kind of leaders we become.  This article helps us understand some of that.  For followers, it is helpful to understand what kind of leaders we should follow.  We can discover 4 key points from Joshua 4:1-10 in relation to that.   CHOSEN TO ACCOMPLISH GOD’S PLANS   Joshua 4:10 (NIV) “…until everything the Lord had commanded Joshua was done...”   It was clearly recorded that God’s commands were carried out fully – not Joshua’s, nor Moses’. God chooses His leaders to accomplish His plans, not the leaders own. Even Moses was giving instructions to Joshua on behalf of God!  The leader should not seek his own agenda, His own dreams – but God’s.  Jeremiah 45:5 (NIV) "Should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not. ...”   Like a good CEO who implements the direction and scope set by the Board of Directors, leaders implement God’s agenda.  This is why God chooses certain kind of leaders to accomplish His plans.  We examine 2 qualities here.   Accomplish through faithful leadership (v10a) “…until everything…”   We note that Joshua was faithful in making sure that every part of God’s command was carried out.  As leaders we must be faithful to God and in all that He commands us. 1 Corinthian 4:1-2 (NIV) "1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful." God did not choose us primarily because we were so gifted, God chose us to accomplish His task.   Why is faithfulness so important?  Because when God chose leaders, He entrusted to us His plan, His Great Commission. We must be faithful to carry it out.  God did not choose us primarily because we were so gifted, God chose us to accomplish His task. That’s why unfaithful leaders will be removed by God in due time. King Saul was removed by God. 1 Samuel 15:10-11 (NIV) "Then the word of the LORD came to Samuel: 11 "I am grieved that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions."    Jim Bakker, was a famous tele-evangelist who founded PTL (Praise The Lord ministries).  He started right but got caught up in fame and wealth he was exposed to.  In 1989 he was convicted of fraud and served 5 years in prison.   If you want to be a person that will be used of God in the long-term, we should be faithful in our responsibilities now.  If you made a pledge before God, be faithful in it as best as you can.  Be faithful in little things, then you can be faithful in bigger things in God.  Faithfulness in ushering or reception.    When I was a young Christian, I started to serve in the church.  I was involved initially with the tape ministry where we recorded the Sunday service unto cassette tapes! This was decades ago.  Then later, I got involved in the bus ministry where I bused church goers to and from church. In both ministries, I was faithful and carried it out diligently.  That was foundational to my serving in increasingly bigger roles in the church.   As per the parable of talents (Matthew 25:14-30), the faithful will be given responsibility of greater things.  Gideon was faithful to demolish the Asherah pole (Jud 6:25-28) hence God could use him to overthrow the Midianites. It is a tremendous honour to be chosen of God to serve in a leadership capacity – let’s be found faithful.   Accomplish through motivating leadership (v10b) “…was done by the people.”   Joshua was able to motivate all the people to fulfil God’s commands. Consider this. It is easier to carry out God’s commands ourselves than it is to get many others to carry it out.  The latter requires a leadership that motivates.   As leaders we should seek to motivate others towards the will of God.  That is our responsibility.  That is why leaders should grow in their leadership – so that they can inspire, motivate and lead multitudes to God.  Nehemiah was such a man.  Nehemiah 2:18 (NIV) "I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. They replied, "Let us start rebuilding." So they began this good work."  For years no one rebuilt the walls, but Nehemiah motivated them.   But don’t just challenge leaders to motivate us cynically! We should determine to be great followers before God.  Do look at my article “Are You A Great Follower?”   CHOSEN TO PROVIDE CONTINUITY IN LEADERSHIP   Joshua 4:10b “…just as Moses had directed Joshua”.   Note the continuity in leadership.  First Moses, then Joshua – both intent on carrying out the commands of God.     Continuity of God’s purpose despite the leader.   God’s purpose is paramount and He will raise leaders to accomplish it. Judges 2:16 (NIV) "Then the LORD raised up judges, who saved them out of the hands of these raiders."  God will see His purposes fulfilled regardless of the success or failure of the leaders. If a leader is not able to bring it to completion, God will raise another.  Moses was such an anointed leader, yet God raised another who is better equipped, to take his place.  That the Israelites may be led into the Promised Land and to conquer it.  No leaders should think that only they alone could bring God’s purposes to pass.    No leaders should think that only they alone could bring God’s purposes to pass.  We are merely vessels, instruments in God’s hands. God works with and through a leader, using his gifts, qualities and strengths at different stages of His plans.  Moses was important to inspire the people out of Egypt and to lay the prophetic foundations of the nation.  Yet Joshua was better suited to systematically conquer the Promise Land.  Don’t compare Joshua with Moses because God chose them for different purposes. Daniel 2:21 (NIV) "He changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them..."   Should a leader fail, in due time God will raise another.  For example, Eli the priest failed to maintain the priestly standard in God’s temple, so God raised Samuel instead.  That should give a deep assurance to us, that God’s purposes will continue!   Continuity of God’s purpose is the leader’s responsibility.   We are not in a race to see whether our leadership is better than preceding ones. When new leaders take over a responsibility from a previous leader.  Our primary concern should not be for us to make our mark, bring our particular flavour, etc.  Rather it is to ensure God’s purposes are advanced.  We are not in a race to see whether our leadership is better than preceding ones. The test is how faithful we are to God’s purposes.  Joshua did not set out to make his leadership distinctive.  He set out to make sure it was God-centred.  Thank God when our church leadership is God-centred not ego-centric!    CHOSEN TO LEAD THROUGH CHALLENGES   Joshua 4:12-13 (NIV) 12 The men of Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh crossed over, ready for battle, in front of the Israelites, as Moses had directed them. 13 About forty thousand armed for battle crossed over before the Lord to the plains of Jericho for war.   Many challenges lay ahead as they were stepped across towards war in the Promised Land. The Promised Land is theirs to take – if they would face the challenges of war.  What are some challenges leaders faced?   Challenges to unite God’s people (v12).   God calls us to serve Him as a church, not individuals.   Joshua was able to unite the Ruebenites, Gadites and half-tribe of Manasseh with the rest of Israel in this common task of conquering the Promised Land.  Leaders have a responsibility to unite God’s people so that we may be ready to confront the challenges ahead.  We cannot win world by ourselves. That is why the urgency to make disciples and to unite them in God’s purposes.  God calls us to serve Him as a church, not individuals.  The challenge of leadership is to unite for God’s purposes!   Challenges that shake us (v13) “… to the plains of Jordan for war.”   Joshua was chosen to lead the nation into war!  It was going to be tough!  They will face incredible odds that will shake them to their boots!  Leaders have to confront earth-shaking challenges!  Leaders must not turn tail and run!  Leaders are not primarily called to manage.  They are called to advance.  Leadership is not easy – but challenging.  Yet also exciting and fulfilling.  Do you like the exhilaration of Xtreme sports?  Leadership can be like that! God is looking for people He can raise up to advance His kingdom. Leaders who will not run from challenges but confront it by the grace of God!   God is looking for people He can raise up to advance His kingdom. Leaders who will not run from challenges but confront it by the grace of God! The key is to deal with challenges is the way we see it.  Our perspective often determines whether we give up or rise up to the challenge.  The challenges we face are often not the real problem.  The problem lies with us.  Some people can face huge problems in their life but seem to just whistle along.  Others face small problems but are devastated by it.    Consider the example of David & Goliath. 1 Samual 17:45-46 (NIV) "45 David said to the Philistine, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head..."   When leaders dare to face their challenges, they pave the way to victory for others.   CHOSEN TO BE A REVERED EXAMPLE   Joshua 4:14 (NIV) “That day the Lord exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they stood in awe of him all the days of his life, just as they had stood in awe of Moses.   Revered to be followed (v14)   God will exalt His chosen leaders before His people so that the people may honour and follow their leadership. God will exalt His chosen leaders before His people so that the people may honour and follow their leadership. Joshua 3:7 (NIV)  "And the LORD said to Joshua, "Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses." God may do this in different ways, to demonstrate His favour upon a leader.  Often it is through some special successes.  We can sense the anointing! It flows into the things the leader touches!   God will choose as He sees fit.  God’s choice is not according to age or experience.  But according to their heart, their availability and their gifting.  God can choose a 20 year old to lead the 60 year olds.  For example,: Timothy in Ephesian church.  Martin Luther and the Reformation, Bill Bright and Campus Crusade, Loren Cunningham and YWAM, Billy Graham and evangelistic crusades.  They were all under 30 when God started to use them mightily.   Revered but humble   Despite God’s exaltation, leaders must remain humble before God.  Despite God’s exaltation, leaders must remain humble before God.  With humility, God will continue to use us.  James 4:10 (NIV) "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up."  We must always remember – pride unchecked will take us out of the will of God.  Remain humble and we will remain in God’s will.   CONCLUSION   God has an awesome plan for His Church.  And to fulfil His plan, He will choose leaders who will function as His instruments.  It is a tremendous privilege to be called of God into roles of leadership.  Let us be a people that desire to be used of God in such a capacity.  We should not run away from leadership responsibilities but instead seek to be a leader chosen of God – that we may influence others for God.  God will use those who determine to make a difference.  This can be you!   Copyright©️2026 by Wilson Lim. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

Mary came back from shopping one Saturday morning. When she entered the house, she found the house to be a mess.  Her 4 children were running all around the house shrieking in delight and chucking clothes at one another, jumping over chairs, leaving furniture overturned, clothes everywhere. Shocked, she was about to shout out to the kids to stop and warn them that Dad will discipline them.  When suddenly, Tom her husband rushed around the corner and threw clothes at the children and her!  She groaned, “Can I have some maturity in the house?”   Have you ever had anyone look at you and ask, “Can I see some maturity here?”  Or perhaps you have asked that of someone else.  When there is a lack of maturity it can be rather frustrating.  Especially in those who should have become more mature.  The same situation can occur in the church.  In fact, immaturity occurs far too often.  But this issue also occurred in the Early Church such as in the church in Corinth.    The context of 1 Corinthian 6 is the occurrence of disputes between members of the Corinth church.  Disputes which are ending up in the secular courts to find resolution. These came to Paul’s attention, including a specific dispute between one brother against another brother.  We do not know about the nature of the dispute, but it was so bad that it required a legal resolution.     The way Paul addressed the problem, opens our eyes to broader concerns.  As usual Paul was not just concerned about the specific dispute alone.  He was much more concerned about what it revealed about the immaturity in God’s house.   He was also very concerned that God’s church should operate God’s way, especially in the light of what the church is called to be.   So, as we study this passage, it enlightens us on 3 key aspects. Aspects which may challenge us as to our own maturity.    WHEN MATURITY IS LACKING IN GOD’S HOUSE   Apostle Paul was horrified to observe that there was so much immaturity within God’s house at Corinth. You can sense that in the language he was using.  The immaturity was clear in several ways.   Widespread carnal behaviour   1 Corinthians 6:1, 7-8 (NIV) “1 If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? 7 The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? 8 Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.”   Paul was basically saying, “Why have these disputes got so out of hand?  To the point that you even bring it to the courts of law? The fact that it reached there means all of you have completely failed!  Even the one suing.  If you have been wronged, if you have been cheated, then let it be so rather than letting it reach this extent.”   You mean, just let someone cheat and wrong you?  Well, Jesus taught in Matthew 5:38-41 (NIV) 38 "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' 39 But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. It is carnal, worldly thinking for believers to fight for their rights and justice by relying on the world’s way, through the world’s systems.    Paul applied the principle Jesus taught to this situation.  He concluded that it is better to be cheated and wronged than to bring it to the secular courts against another brother.  It is carnal, worldly thinking for believers to fight for their rights and justice by relying on the world’s way, through the world’s systems.  Where is the trust in God and His Church to provide justice?    Now I am not suggesting a blanket avoidance of working through the legal system.  Not at all.  And it is not my intention today to expound all the key principles involved in biblically dealing with the courts of law.  But we must ask ourselves, are we simply falling in step with the world’s way of thinking?  Have we stopped to carefully consider what is the biblical, godly way of dealing with such matters?  Have we prayed and sought God?  Rather than simply running to our lawyers? Cheating another believer is like cheating your own father, or mother, or sibling. Because the church community is meant to be like a family!   Paul went on to point out, “It is bad enough that a member is cheating others.  Worse still he cheats another brother!”  It is such a big thing to Paul because cheating another believer is like cheating your own father, or mother, or sibling.  Because the church community is meant to be like a family!  This is terrible carnality!   When there is lots of immaturity in God’s house, we see all kinds of immature carnal behaviour.  For example, immature people get offended easily.  Just because people are not very careful with their words and put things the wrong way – we get offended!  People forget to invite us to their birthday party – we get offended!  People accidentally overlooked us – we get offended!  There are so many believers who get offended all the time in church and even leave the church.  That is so sad!   When conflicts and disputes are occurring a lot in the church it shows there is considerable immaturity in the church.  A church that my brother once used to attend in Malaysia had so much conflict between one congregation to another.  Between elders to elders.  Over money, over property, over who had more rights.  Absolutely sad!  They could not resolve it objectively, amicably, biblically.  When immaturity is widespread within a church, it is an indication how unhealthy the church is.    When believers wrong another by cheating them or mistreating or discriminating against them and so forth, it is carnality and immaturity.  When immaturity is widespread within a church, it is an indication how unhealthy the church is.  That it is not growing as it should.    Problems cannot be resolved in-house   1 Corinthians 6:5 (NIV) “I say this to shame you. Is it possible that there is nobody among you wise enough to judge a dispute between believers?”   Not only was there considerable immaturity within the church, what saddened Paul even more was that there did not seem to be anyone mature enough, wise enough to judge the dispute.  There was none mature enough!  It was not a case where they have lots of new believers in the church, so it would be understandable that there is still considerable carnality.  But by then here should have been some who have matured enough to handle such situations.  Yet there were none!  What a shameful situation! The Church is intended by God to be the answer to this world’s problems.    Why?  Because the Church is intended by God to be the answer to this world’s problems.  The Church was designed by God to be a righteous community, full of love.  A light on the hill, declaring God’s purposes.  A living demonstration of heaven lived out on earth!  When God’s Church is done God’s way, it should feel like a piece of heaven has come on earth.  Better than freshly baked bread and freshly brewed coffee!  So continual immaturity is a blight on the church. It ought not to be. 1 Corinthians 14:20 (NIV)  Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be adults. When God’s Church is done God’s way, it should feel like a piece of heaven has come on earth.    The sad problem amongst many believers today, is that we are too focussed on resolving issues pragmatically, just like we learnt in the world. Instead, we need to learn to step back and think about God’s way. Think about how Jesus would do it.  Think about how God would view the whole issue.  If each one of us would do just that, it would revolutionise the way we live.  The God’s way would become increasingly evident in God’s Church.  As it ought to be.   Yet the problem in Corinth continued to get worse.   Immaturity was publicised to the world   1 Corinthians 6:6 (NIV) “But instead, one brother goes to law against another--and this in front of unbelievers!”   Paul was appalled that the dirty linen of the church was brought into the world.  In Corinth, such legal disputes are settled in the magistrate courts which usually are held in the middle of the market square.  So anybody and everybody can hear it all.  Imagine if your children one day publicise the dirty linen of your family, the private intimate family matters to the world!  Just tweet it all!  Reality show style like the Kardashians! When the church fails to address problems within, or addresses it terribly, then it is broadcast to the world, it gives the Devil more means to attack the church.    When the church fails to address problems within, or addresses it terribly, then it is broadcast to the world, it gives the Devil more means to attack the church.  It undermines the credibility of Gospel. This was an insult to the Church.  An insult to God!   I am not suggesting that wrongs within the church should ever be hushed up.  It needs to be addressed.  But not in a way that drags down the name of the Church and the name of God.  Imagine if certain very bad things happen in a local church.  It is when the church rises up and deals with problems in a godly, gracious, fair and wise way.  Then the world will sit up and be amazed!  Did you see how the church dealt with this issue?  Our courts would never have resolved it in such a gracious and fair way!   That should be the way!  God’s Church, God’s way.    WHY MATURITY IS DESIRABLE FOR THIS LIFE AND BEYOND   Here Paul briefly gives a reason to the Corinthian church why wisdom, maturity is so important within the church.  Why it is so important for the age to come and also for the present.  From Paul’s explanation we can gather a couple of key principles.   Reflects who we are in Christ   1 Corinthians 6:2a (NIV) “Do you not know that the saints...”  In Christ, we are saints, justified, sanctified, set apart for God.     Paul made the point of referring to the Corinthian believers as saints (the Greek hagios).  For its meaning emphasizes those who have been sanctified unto God as holy.  In Christ, we are saints, justified, sanctified, set apart for God.  And it is precisely because we are saints, our daily lives are meant to increasingly reflect saintliness, godliness.  We are to mature into the very image of Christ.  Romans 8:28-29 (NIV) 28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Because we are saints, our daily lives are meant to increasingly reflect saintliness, godliness.  We are to mature into the very image of Christ.    It is all about growing up!  Not according to the world’s criteria.  But to God’s standard.  To be more like God in character, in our thinking. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)  And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.   One day, Prince George will be the king of England.  In 2015, Prince George was 2 years old.  As he grows up, he should increasingly understand what it means to be a king and conduct himself more and more in a manner befitting a future king.  But what a disaster if he turns out to be a lazy, unreliable, immature, rascal of a person?  He is meant to be a king, but he is unfit to be a king.   What a disaster when Christ-followers are called saints but live in rather unsaintly ways, or even worse, like the devil.  Ephesians 4:1 (NIV) As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.   We are not speaking about putting up a front, a veneer of respectability. So we appear to be saint-like.  Rather I am talking about genuine transformation inside.  Growing in the fruit of the Spirit.  Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. When we grow in the fruit of the Spirit and in understanding of spiritual matters - that is growing in spiritual maturity.   When we grow in the fruit of the Spirit and in understanding of spiritual matters - that is growing in spiritual maturity.  Let’s aspire to that.  Because that is what God has called you to.    Reflects our call to greater roles   1 Corinthians 6:2-3a (NIV) “2 Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? 3  Do you not know that we will judge angels?”.    Paul pointed out the irony of the whole situation.  The church in Corinth had no one competent enough to judge the dispute between the members.  How can this be?  When God’s intent is that believers will one day be involved in judging this world, and even the fallen angels.  These are celestial beings.  Vast multitudes of mighty angelic beings who back in time past, in heaven above – fell into sin when they joined Satan in rebellion against God.       It requires us to judge creatures we have minimal understanding of, in a context we have not even begun to experience yet, in an era way beyond our time. Imagine you were informed that one day you will be appointed to be a judge at the International Court of Justice of the United Nations.  This court deals with legal disputes between countries.  Yet at present you cannot even deal with a dispute involving a minor traffic violation.  It is all simply too difficult!  How can you possibly prepare to be a judge of international stature one day? God has prepared for us huge roles in the Kingdom of God in the coming age.   We need to understand.  Being called to be judges is simply one of many areas that God is planning for us to take bigger roles in the Kingdom of God.  But this gives us a clue about how big the roles can be.  God has prepared for us huge roles in the Kingdom of God in the coming age.   I don’t know about you.  But I want to prepare myself for such roles.  I like the challenge to grow, to mature, to be wiser and be more ready for such roles!  And as we grow towards such huge responsibilities, it will be easier to deal with the issues we face today!   So let’s aspire to grow in maturity, according to God’s call upon our lives.   WHY WE SHOULD DEVELOP IN MATURITY NOW   As part of Paul’s debate with them, he applies it to the present, the now. In effect it gives us a key reason why we should develop in maturity right now!    Present opportunities to mature   1 Corinthians 6:3b-4 (NIV) “How much more the things of this life! 4 Therefore, if you have disputes about such matters, appoint as judges even men of little account in the church!”   Paul made the point that since God intends us to judge the world and even angels, how much more we should be engaged in learning to be competent while we are still in this life.  Let even the men of little stature be given opportunity to learn.  Hebrews 5:12-14 (NIV) 12 In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! 13  Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil. Our time on earth is our opportunity to learn, to gain experiences, to mature for heaven.    In other words, our time on earth is our opportunity to learn, to gain experiences, to mature for heaven.  The challenges, the struggles we have to face can help us grow up.  What happens to the child who attends school but is too busy playing, day-dreaming, doing their own stuff most of the time?  They will not learn what they were meant to. Have you ever thought about the fact that our time on earth is like a big school?  Now is the season of learning and preparation for the bigger responsibilities in the age to come?  I have developed as I have because I have grabbed hold of every opportunity to learn as much as possible.   So how many of us are taking the effort to learn, to experience, to grow in God?  Or are we too focussed on other things?  Things which do not matter that much in eternity?  Let’s refocus on learning and growing into maturity.  Carpe diem.  Sieze the day.  Today!   Rewards for faithfulness.  God will reward us based on how faithful we have been in this present life.   Do you realise that God will reward us based on how faithful we have been in this present life to Him?  It will be according to God’s measure, not the measure of this world. Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) 23  Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24  since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.   Hebrews 10:35-36 (NIV) 35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36  You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.   God’s measure is how faithful we have been to Him.  In our seeking to know Him well as His children.  To serve Him as servants.  To grow in maturity be more like Him. God will reward the faithful!    CONCLUSIONS   God desires maturity in His house, the Church.  For God’s intent is that we mature to the extent that one day in the coming age we will be competent to judge this world and even the angels.  God has incredible responsibilities in store for us but we must prove ourselves faithful by growing up while in this present life.  Will you be one of those today?   Copyright©️2026 by Wilson Lim. All rights reserved. Materials are free to be distributed in whole or part as long as proper acknowledgement is given to the author and not sold for profit.

Welcome to Wilson & Lai Ling's ministry website! We aim to provide practical ministry and biblical insights. To empower Spirit-filled ministry. Our immediate focus will be on leadership, Bible, intercession and prophetic. Wilson & Lai Ling CONNECT Practical Biblical Anointed Practical Biblical Anointed We aim to provide practical ministry and biblical insights. To empower Spirit-filled ministry. Our immediate focus will be on leadership, Bible, intercession and prophetic. About Us Latest Episode P029 Developing In Discernment (Part 1) Intercession Lai Ling True spiritual sensing—as taught in 1 Corinthians 12—empowers believers to distinguish between the Holy Spirit's work, demonic influences, human spirits, and heavenly beings. Unlike natural intuition, which analyzes emotions or interpersonal dynamics, this is God's supernatural gift, revealing spiritual realities beyond the surface. Discover more in this prophetic podcast! Download Leader Guide More episodes Leadership Intercession Leadership Listen & Subscribe Wilson Lim Podcast Available On Listen & Subscribe Lai Ling Lim Podcast Available On Latest Blog Posts Purity In God’s House Wilson Lim 3 days ago 10 min read Leaders Chosen Of God Wilson Lim Apr 8 9 min read Maturity In God’s House Wilson Lim Mar 17 12 min read Subscribe for updates! Be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, blog posts, and more! Your generosity helps further our mission to equip leaders. Ask us anything related to our ministry focuses. Ask Us

Episodes by Lai Ling Episodes Not Found Search using single words or Boolean operators AND/OR i.e. "God AND faith” ALL Leadership Prophetic Intercession 22 Apr 2026 | Developing In Discernment (Part 1) True spiritual sensing—as taught in 1 Corinthians 12—empowers believers to distinguish between the Holy Spirit's work, demonic influences, human spirits, and heavenly beings. Unlike natural intuition, which analyzes emotions or interpersonal dynamics, this is God's supernatural gift, revealing spiritual realities beyond the surface. Discover more in this prophetic podcast! P029 Prophetic Lai Ling Button 17 Mar 2026 | Intercessors Contending For Spiritual Births Intercessors are God's spiritual midwives—standing in the gap, labouring in prayer until lost souls cross from darkness into His marvellous light. 'I planted, Apollos watered, but God causes the growth' (1 Cor 3:6-7). Who's God calling you to contend for today? I029 Intercession Lai Ling Button 17 Feb 2026 | Continual Growth in Spiritual Sensing (1 Corinthians 12:1) Scripture teaches us not to be ignorant about spiritual gifts. Paul urges us to "fan into flame the gift of God" (2 Timothy 1:6) and reminds us that "you can all prophesy" as we learn to hear from the Lord Himself (1 Corinthians 14:31). Let's step out boldly, pursue God's gifts actively, and not let fear or doubt immobilize what He's placed in us. P028 Prophetic Lai Ling Button 18 Jan 2026 | Intercessors praying against injustice God is raising a generation of intercessors who refuse to stay silent while injustice prevails. They carry His heartbeat, pray His Word, and stand in the gap until His righteousness is revealed. I028 Intercession Lai Ling Button 18 Nov 2025 | Impartation The anointing flows where hearts are ready. Impartation isn’t magic—it’s partnership with God’s purpose. Let what’s been planted in you take root and grow! P027 Prophetic Lai Ling Button 21 Oct 2025 | Thriving Prayer List Intercessor Learn how a thriving prayer list intercessor prays with love, discipline, and grace — and why it makes all the difference. I027 Intercession Lai Ling Button 16 Sept 2025 | Prophetic Insights with Ps Denis Lu In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Denis Lu, Senior Pastor of Hope Kuching, Malaysia, to explore his exciting journey into the prophetic ministry. From his baptism in the Holy Spirit as a young believer to life-changing moments of hearing God’s voice, Ps. Denis shares testimonies that reveal how the prophetic works in real life. P026 Prophetic Lai Ling Button 19 Aug 2025 | Discovering sphere of influence in prayer We are all called to pray—but each of us carries a unique sphere of influence in prayer. What’s yours? Discover it. Develop it. Use it for God’s glory. Join us for the new intercession series: Standing in the Gap. I026 Intercession Lai Ling Button 15 Jul 2025 | Understanding Spiritual Senses God has given us spiritual senses—not just to know about Him, but to experience Him. 👀👂💡 As we tune in to His voice, He invites us into deeper partnership in the supernatural—through prophecy, healing, discernment, and more. Are you ready to activate your spiritual senses by faith? P025 Prophetic Lai Ling Button 17 Jun 2025 | Intercession Insights with Ps Mayette Alkuino What a privilege it is to glean from Ps Mayette, the Senior Pastor of Oasis Bangkok Church in Thailand. She has been involved in the intercessory ministry for over three decades. Be encouraged and built up in God as we learn from Ps Mayette's experiences in prayer and intercession. I025 Intercession Lai Ling Button 1 2 3 4 5 1 ... 1 2 3 4 5 6 ... 6 Your generosity helps further our mission to equip leaders. Ask us anything related to our ministry focuses. Ask Us Subscribe for updates! Be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, blog posts, and more!

Episodes by Prophetic Episodes Not Found Search using single words or Boolean operators AND/OR i.e. "God AND faith” ALL Leadership Prophetic Intercession 22 Apr 2026 | Developing In Discernment (Part 1) True spiritual sensing—as taught in 1 Corinthians 12—empowers believers to distinguish between the Holy Spirit's work, demonic influences, human spirits, and heavenly beings. Unlike natural intuition, which analyzes emotions or interpersonal dynamics, this is God's supernatural gift, revealing spiritual realities beyond the surface. Discover more in this prophetic podcast! P029 Prophetic Lai Ling Button 17 Feb 2026 | Continual Growth in Spiritual Sensing (1 Corinthians 12:1) Scripture teaches us not to be ignorant about spiritual gifts. Paul urges us to "fan into flame the gift of God" (2 Timothy 1:6) and reminds us that "you can all prophesy" as we learn to hear from the Lord Himself (1 Corinthians 14:31). Let's step out boldly, pursue God's gifts actively, and not let fear or doubt immobilize what He's placed in us. P028 Prophetic Lai Ling Button 18 Nov 2025 | Impartation The anointing flows where hearts are ready. Impartation isn’t magic—it’s partnership with God’s purpose. Let what’s been planted in you take root and grow! P027 Prophetic Lai Ling Button 16 Sept 2025 | Prophetic Insights with Ps Denis Lu In this episode, we sit down with Pastor Denis Lu, Senior Pastor of Hope Kuching, Malaysia, to explore his exciting journey into the prophetic ministry. From his baptism in the Holy Spirit as a young believer to life-changing moments of hearing God’s voice, Ps. Denis shares testimonies that reveal how the prophetic works in real life. P026 Prophetic Lai Ling Button 15 Jul 2025 | Understanding Spiritual Senses God has given us spiritual senses—not just to know about Him, but to experience Him. 👀👂💡 As we tune in to His voice, He invites us into deeper partnership in the supernatural—through prophecy, healing, discernment, and more. Are you ready to activate your spiritual senses by faith? P025 Prophetic Lai Ling Button 20 May 2025 | Death To Self You’ve had dreams of what you could do for God—and you’ve followed Him through the highs and lows. But what if He asks you to lay those dreams down? Let’s talk about what it really means to die to self. P024 Prophetic Lai Ling Button 18 Mar 2025 | Prophetic Insights with Ps Richard Green God desires for us to grow further in the prophetic. Let's learn from Ps Richard Green of C3 Ryde. Ps Richard brings vast and anointed ministerial experience, having moved in the prophetic for many years as part of his God-given gifting in leadership, missions, and church planting. P023 Prophetic Lai Ling Button 21 Jan 2025 | Discipline and diligence We are often eager to grow in our spiritual lives and develop our gifts. However, we must be diligently disciplined to align with God’s intentions for us. Let us explore how being diligently disciplined can inspire us to fulfill God’s long-term plan for our lives. P022 Prophetic Lai Ling Button 15 Oct 2024 | Dedication towards God Dedication to God is demonstrated by our faithfulness and commitment to fulfilling what He has called us to. Let’s explore how we can pursue a lifestyle of dedication to God because of our love for Him. P021 Prophetic Lai Ling Button 20 Aug 2024 | Being determined in God God has wonderful plans for us. But how determined are we to discover and fulfill what God has designed for us, especially amid the myriad challenges and busyness of everyday life? Let's explore how we can be tenacious in God. P020 Prophetic Lai Ling Button 1 2 3 1 ... 1 2 3 ... 3 Your generosity helps further our mission to equip leaders. Ask us anything related to our ministry focuses. Ask Us Subscribe for updates! Be the first to hear about new podcast episodes, blog posts, and more!