March 20, 2014 (Joshua 7-8; Psalm 69; 1 Corinthians 5)
From the Life Journal of Adam Proux:
Scripture: “Even though I am not with you in person, I am with you in Spirit. And as though I were there, I have already passed judgment on this man in the name of the Lord Jesus. You must call a meeting of the church. I will be present with you in spirit, and so will the power of our Lord Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 5:3-4 NLT
Observation: Paul could hardly believe the report he was hearing about the sin taking place in the Corinthian church. A member was having an affair with his stepmother and this behavior was being openly accepted and tolerated! Paul wasted no time passing a righteous judgment on this man, and the church people, addressing the issue of sin head on. He reprimanded the people and told them their pride should be turned into sorrow and shame, and this man should be removed from the church. He was not to be removed out of revenge or hate, but rather because of the great love for his soul. He needed the people of the congregation to serve him in a manner that would lead him to repentance, not acceptance. Notice also that the church people did not rebuke Paul and tell him “he was not their judge” or “Only God can judge me”. No they submitted to the authority given Paul by the Lord Jesus Christ and removed this shame from His assembly.
Application: We live in a society that firmly believes no one can judge them. There is no longer a clear right and wrong, only gray. If it is openly accepted by the culture then it should be tolerated by the church is the prevailing thought. In the world these things may be, but let it not be so in the church. The Assembly of God’s people should be separated from the world and be different. The church submits to the authority of Christ and operates according to His righteous standards. The church is no place for sin to reign; it is a place where sins are washed away. Imagine what rebuke Paul would administer to the church world today! My friends it would be the same rebuke he administered to the Corinthian church. Paul would pass a righteous judgment on these detestable sins and demand they be removed from the fellowship. People desperately need the church to serve them in this righteous way in our day. The only hope for people that openly sin and refuse to repent is for them to be handed over to satan so that their sinful nature will be exposed, realized and destroyed. The eternal destiny of their soul is at risk and our acceptance and tolerance of their sin only catapults them toward an eternal hell.
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us! Too many churches have accepted and tolerated sin openly. Help us understand the importance of purity in Your church. Teach us to be strong and courageous and stand up for what You say is right. Clear the clutter of our minds and empower us to live in a manner that pleases You. In Jesus name, Amen!