September 13–Renew a Right Spirit
In this 5th chapter of I Corinthians Paul must deal with the church as a whole because it has tolerated and even celebrated blatant sin.
“It’s been widely reported that there is gross sexual immorality among you—the kind of immorality that’s so revolting it’s not even tolerated by the social norms of unbelievers. Are you proud of the fact that one of your men is having sex with his stepmother? Shouldn’t this heartbreaking scandal bring you to your knees in tears? You must remove the offender from among you!” 1 Corinthians 5:1-2 TPT
The purity of our minds and bodies is a major concern in Scripture. We are responsible (with the power of the Holy Spirit) to keep ourselves pure and to encourage such purity in each other. We are called to be like Christ— to live such godly lives that others will be able to see a reflection, however slight, of the goodness and purity of Christ. We simply cannot live any way we please. Sin is serious business. It offends God and harms the sinner, the person(s) sinned against, the church, and the witness of the gospel.
Sometimes church discipline is necessary to protect the integrity and witness of the church. When it has to happen, the goal is always restoration and healing.
“When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning.”
1 Corinthians 5:9-12 NLT
I think it’s particularly interesting that we are called to judge those who claim to be Christians. Once we claim to be of Christ, our brothers and sisters have not a right, but an obligation to call us out when they see us sinning, and not for the purpose of embarrassing us but because they love us. And we should do the same because we love them for as Paul says:
“...in hope that his spirit may be rescued and restored in the day of the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 5:5 TPT
Like he told the church at Ephesus,
“Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”
Ephesians 4:15-16 NLT
If we want to know Christ more intimately, and serve Him more diligently, we must strive to live a life free of sin. Is that possible this side of heaven? I don’t think so. But shouldn’t purity be our ultimate goal? Of course and when those around us, those who know us best offer correction, let’s take is and bless them for the courage and love it took them to offer that.
Father God help us to live a pure and blameless life. And when we stumble, please put a brother or sister in our life to call us out and help us to take that that truth spoken in love graciously and correct ourselves. And likewise, teach us to be ever watchful for others you have placed in our care. If we see reason for concern, help us to lovingly speak truth over them so they can correct their course. We know Father that only one degree off course can sometimes take us far from where we want to be. This morning Lord, we are burdened over our family and friends who are struggling with sickness and disease. Touch them Father, you are Jehovah Rapha. Surround us this day Lord and fight our battles for us. We are weak, but you are strong. Amen and amen.
Love you dear one,
Pam
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