1 Corinthians 5 - 10.28.24

Scripture

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭12‬-‭13‬a ‭NLT

“It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside;”

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Observation

Paul is writing to the Corinthian church here and scolding them for allowing a man who is proudly living in sexual sin, to continue to be part of their church and fellowship. He urges them that they need to kick him out of their church because this man’s sinfulness may spread to others in the church. The church shouldn’t be acting like non-believers do. They know better and are held to a higher standard, so they better start living according to God’s Way!

Application

“Judge not, lest ye be judged.”

It’s a verse that Christians and Non-Christians like to throw around a lot. We either like to quote that one, or we like to use the phrase, “Don’t judge me. Only God can judge me.” They are phrases often misused by the Christian and Non-Christian alike. But, in this chapter Paul instructs the reader that there is a proper time and place that we as Christians need to judge.

You see, often time Christians will judge non believers for their sinfulness, pointing their finger at them, telling them they’re going to Hell. But we as Christians shouldn’t expect non-believers to be living godly lives when they may not know any better. Paul says in verses 12-13 that it isn’t his responsibility to judge those outside the church, that’s for God to handle. Instead, it is our responsibility as Christians to judge those inside the church who are sinning. Just remember, we must do it in a loving and gentle way.

“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.”-Galatians‬ ‭6‬:‭1‬

Listen, no one likes to be called out for their wrongdoings, but we need to remember that God has called His bride/His Church to a higher standard of living. We are to be holy, set apart, and we are to be living godly lives. If we get called out for our wrongdoings, and it’s true, admit it. Ask for God’s forgiveness and turn away from our sins. If we see a brother or sister in Christ struggling in sin, approach them humbly, gently, and lovingly. Correct them and bring them back to living godly lives. We are to be a light and set the example of how Christian living should be to those around us.

Prayer

Father God, please forgive me of any arrogance and pride. Forgive me for ever thinking that I’m never in the wrong. Forgive me if I ever carry a “holier than thou” attitude towards others. Help me to not judge non believers so harshly. Let me remember that I was once in their shoes, but ONLY through Your grace, I was saved. Help me to point others, (Christians and Non-Christians) back to You. Give me the words to do it in a loving and gentle way. May Your Church continue to grow, thrive, and be what You called us to be in this world. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. 🙏🏽

-Moses Gaddi

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