Bible Chapter: I Corinthians 5

Because the Bible is practical, here are some statements to get you thinking.

1.  Write one or two key thoughts that come from today’s reading.
    A clean house.  Paul talked about the importance of the local church being a clean place.  I was visiting in another country one time and a friend who lives there told of a time when he got lost in a big city and ended up in a very dirty area.  He saw much evidence of sinful activities as well as filth and dirt that was everywhere.  He quickly got out of there.
    The Corinthian church was allowing fornication to exist in their midst.  Sexual sin was openly happening and they were not doing anything about it.  They were tolerating sin.  This leads to the lowering of moral standards and it can easily drag everyone else down with it.  If the church has as much sin in it as the rest of the world it won’t be able to win people to Jesus.  God is holy and He calls His people to be holy as well.
    The destructive effect of sin is so horrible that Paul advised the church to deliver this person over to the domain of Satan.  Get his attention with the desire that he will repent.  Do whatever it takes to make an impact to lead a person to repentance.  God does not play around with sin.

2.  What can I apply in my life from the reading?
    An interesting thought: a little leaven impacts the whole lump.  In my ramblings through life I have seen many believers who don’t seem to think that playing around with sin is that big of a deal.  People in churches are getting more comfortable around sin.  This is a dangerous sign.  Paul wrote to the church in Corinth to reject sinful practices.  Today we see many churches changing their doctrine to not only accept sin but celebrate it. I must not get caught up in that destructive deception.
    One of the deceptions readily accepted today is that we are to never judge another person.  Let them do whatever they want.  Yet, here in verse 12 we are told to judge.  This must not be unjust criticism, but righteous judgement according to the Bible’s clear standards.  Wickedness demands action to bring some change in behavior.

3.  How can I help someone?
    When I see sin happening in the lives of believers, I must have God’s guidance and be willing to speak to them to help them see what they are doing and help them come to a place of repentance. This is a risk, for they might reject what I say and continue in their sin. This is why I must be cautious in the process and seeking God’s help to approach them in the right way.
    The book of James ends with an interesting two verses that speak to this.
James 5:19-20 NIV
19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.