Today's full reading: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you." (1 Corinthians 5:12-13 NIV)
First, let me say that this is a text I have not heard many sermons from. Maybe it's too clear or straight forward, but I doubt that is the reason. I grew up around Christians and have attended church services weekly my entire life. In all likelihood, the reason my pastors and teachers conveniently skipped or skimmed this text is how challenging it truly is.
On this subject I will add very little commentary at this time. However, upon reading the text closely and asking the basic question, "What does this mean I should do?", one will quickly see that Paul is in fact teaching us to "make a judgment call" toward "fellow Christians" who do not practice what they preach. He says we are not to associate with them.
I agree with Paul and believe this should be done for the sake of the witness of the Church - the bride of Christ, and for the individual who has been deceived. Read it for yourself. What do you think?
"But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat." (1 Corinthians 5:11 NIV)
Today, as an act of worship, respond to the Lord by thanking him for his word. Ask the Lord for wisdom to obediently live out his word.
No comments:
Post a Comment