In the middle of this chapter (vv 9-11), Paul warns the Corinthians of many great evils of which they were formerly guilty. He does this with great force because they were a people who considered themselves above others in wisdom and knowledge. And because of this, some among the Corinthians were taking liberty, in Christ, to say, "All things are lawful for me" (vs 12). Paul says this is not the right approach.
He reminds them that all unrighteousness is sin. And any sin committed, and not repented of, keeps them from doing the will of God. Still they (and we) are inclined to think that they can live in sin, yet die in Christ, and then go to heaven. "Do not be deceived," Paul says. One cannot sow to the flesh and expect to reap eternal life.
So too do we need reminding, that the blood of Christ has washed us clean and taken away our guilt. But this does not free us to live as we please. For in the same way that our justification is owed to the work of Christ, our sanctification is owed to the work of the Spirit. We were made righteous the moment we put our faith in Christ; however, we are being made holy by the grace of God in a process which will take place for the rest of our lives.
Do you ever feel that you are "better" than others because of the wisdom and knowledge you have of God? This is a constant battle for me. It's easy to look down on others because they need what I have. Instead, I try to remember that I only have salvation because it was given to me, and that I was (and still am) desperately in need of God's grace in my life to make me holy.
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