April 12, 2013 (1 Samuel 13; 1 Chronicles 2-3; 2 Corinthians 12)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior.” 2 Corinthians 12:20 NLT
Observation: Paul had already made two visits to Corinth. On the first visit the church was established, on the second visit Paul had to issue a warning of correction. Now as he plans to make a third visit he is concerned about what he might find going on. The church at Corinth was really struggling keeping sin out of their assembly. The people obviously struggled with sin and repentance. He had instructed them the first and second time he was there and the third time he was going to deal openly with any that refused to repent and heed his instruction. Paul was afraid he would be grieved by what he found because many of them had not given up their old sins. They simply failed to understand the importance of repentance.
Application: I believe today’s modern church is a fine replica of the Corinthian church. Far too many churches today embrace sin and tolerate it within their assemblies. Sin is no longer dealt with openly and publicly by a lot of churches because sin has infiltrated the church leadership. It is very difficult to deal with the issue of sin when those that are in charge of dealing with it are living in it. As the church goes, so goes the people. If sin is tolerated and allowed to remain within the church why should it not be tolerated and allowed to remain within the people? The standard for Christian living has been established by God and His church is to be the leading example that the people follow. No time in history has repentance been needed more, and it seems no time in history has the importance of repentance been ignored more by the church than now.
Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank You for this day. Thank You for Your mercy and grace that provide and protect me every day. Remind me often of the importance of repentance. Keep me from becoming comfortable with sin. Cleanse me and help me walk uprightly pleasing You in all I do. Purge sin from my life so that I may be an example worth following, bringing You all the honor and glory You deserve, in Jesus name, Amen!