The Kingdom Come

So far in this weekly study, we have examined why and how we became Christians, perhaps the next question is what does this mean to our interactions with other people. Can we just go on like we did before we we're Christians? Does it mean we are suddenly going to be "goodie-goodies"?

First, I'd like to look at some biblical accounts that discuss the contrast between who we were before we became Christians as opposed to being Christians.

SOME OF YOU WERE...

"Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 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 Cor 6:9-11

NEW CREATURE/CREATION

"Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." -- 2 Cor 5:16-17

GO, AND SIN NO MORE

"Afterward Jesus found him [a man Jesus healed] in the temple, and said to him, 'See, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you.'" -- John 5:14

"...And Jesus said to her [a woman caught in adultery], “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.” -- John 8:11

NON-CHRISTIANS vs CHRISTIANS

Are we smarter or better than non-Christians? Is that what makes us different? Should we look down on them?

• Judgmentalism

Luke 18:9-14 -- Arrogant vs Humble

• Different/Higher Standard

1 Cor 5:9-13 -- Judge, but only among "brothers"

• Mixed Company

2 Cor 6:14 -- Consider your friends
1 Cor 15:33-34 -- Consider influences

To conclude, might we say the the main purpose for Christians to interact with non-Christians is to evangelize them; either via words or actions. Whereas interactions among Christians are to help support them and keep them from falling back into the old "creature/creation".