City Life Starter

I. The Word: I Corinthians 5:9-11

9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.

By Blesson C Selvanesan

Paul the apostle uses strong words to correct the church at Corinth for its toleration of incest. In Corinthian culture, during Paul’s days, it was common to have sexually perverted acts and relationships among people and even during their worship. When Paul ministered and started a Church at Corinth, he intended it to be set apart in holiness, unlike the surrounding pagan culture. This church was built on solid foundation and was intended to be counter-cultural. However, the bad culture crept inside the church and to his horror, the church even tolerated sinful and immoral people within the church.

Paul urges the church to exercise its authority on its members. He urges the church to act against the erring ‘believer’. He cautions them that the standard of the outside world is different from the standards of being a believer in a church. Worldly people may be sexually immoral, greedy, worshipping idols and indulged in drunkenness and swindling, but there is no place for such people to be in a church and to call themselves a believer. Paul instructs the church not to approve of such behavior or be in the fellowship which such people rather isolate them, warn them and lead them to repentance.

Application

Our world today is no different than Corinth. In fact, it may be worse! There are many churches that tolerate and celebrate any sort of perverted behavior that Paul is condemning about. Worse still, others are also expected to celebrate, if they don’t they will be judged as bigots! Christ and Christianity had nothing to do with such churches. Paul is direct! “purge the evil,” he says and do not associate with such people. It is important to remember, that we do not celebrate such sinful behavior, especially within the church. And yes, it involves judging! Judging based on the Word of God. Do not be fooled by thinking that we should never judge. What Bible warns about is not to be
hypocritical while judging. Feel good, lullaby singing, no judging, happiness assuring ‘churches’ do need this word from Paul. If there is no difference in the moral standard of the world and your church, it is sad. If there is no one to point it out and call for correction, it is worse! If the leaders and members celebrate such conformity to the world, Run! Bible-believing churches may not be popular, in the sight of God, popularity is not important, purity is!

Prayer

Dear heavenly father, thank you for this new day. Help me Lord to be holy and lead a life that is different than the world. Help me not to cause ill repute to my church by my behavior, rather help me to lead an exemplary life that will cause people to come to know you. I confess my sins and seek your forgiveness for all my shortcomings. Help me to follow you in holiness. In Christy Jesus. Amen.