City Life Starter

Written by Efe Abbe

The Word

 9 “Yes, I am the gate. Those who come in through me will be saved. They will come and go freely and will find good pastures. 10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28 I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, 29 for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. 30 The Father and I are one.”

John 10:9-10; 27-30 NLT

9 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. 10 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. 11 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. 12 It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. 13 God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”

1 Corinthians 5:9-13 NLT

Reflection

Jesus makes it very clear that following Him and remaining connected to His Church is our choice. While our conversion experiences are diverse, there are no incidental Christians.

We choose to enter into the church through Jesus (“the gate” John 10:9) and choose to remain in community with Jesus and the church by listening to Jesus’ voice (John 10:16) and following Him (John 10:27). Where The Shepherd calls and leads, the flock follows by choice.

But what if one chooses to stop listening to Jesus and following after Him?

In a letter to the early church at Corinth, Paul gives instructions on the church’s obligation to confront unrepentant disobedience among its members (1 Corinthians 5). If his instructions appear harsh, it’s because the stakes couldn’t be higher. In summary Paul’s instructions are to give the unrepentant disobedient member what they have already chosen: separation from The Shepherd and the flock. We cannot choose Jesus and sin simultaneously and we as the church community are to hold one another accountable, in love.

Application

Remaining in community with our brothers and sisters in Christ isn’t simply about gathering together, although that’s a huge aspect; it is an intentional choice we each make to obey Jesus, together. If we miss the mark, Jesus’ kindness leads us to repentance and restoration back to Himself and His people – if we choose to receive it.

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, please give me a willing heart to listen to and obey Your Son Jesus, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, amen.