March 20, 2012 (Joshua 7-8; Psalm 69; 1 Corinthians 5)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “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 5:12 NLT
Observation: Paul instructed Christians not to associate with people who claim to be followers of Christ yet indulge in sexual sin, greediness, cheaters, or people who worship idols. Paul was providing clear and direct instruction on how to handle willful sin in the life of a professed believer. Sin must be dealt with, we cannot turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to it. A person found in open rebellion and sin against God and His holy standards should be given the opportunity to repent and be restored. Although it is not our responsibility to judge outsiders, it certainly is our responsibility to judge those within the church.
Application: People are watching our every move, action and response. How we talk and how we walk must match if we want to fulfill our purpose of discipling others in this life. Sin cannot be tolerated in our own life or in the lives of any person who professes Christ as Lord and Savior. It must be dealt with and it must be dealt with now! If allowed to go uncorrected, it will act as yeast spreading throughout the whole church. Sin in the church is like cancer in the body. It must be dealt with and it must be dealt with now! If we are too prideful to be held accountable by our brothers and sisters that love us, then we have become too prideful. Repentance is the only option.
Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me daily. Thank You for the gift of repentance. Cleanse me and make me right within Your site. Father, I nail my sin to the cross of Christ and crucify it there. Help me keep the beam out of my eye so that I can see clearly to help my brothers and sisters. Help me confront sin directly and deal with it according to Your word, yet help me have mercy on others the way You had mercy on me. In Jesus name, Amen!