November 6, 2021 — 1 Corinthians 5:1 – 13

“It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not found even among pagans; for a man is living with his father’s wife. And you are arrogant! Should you not rather have mourned, so that he who has done this would have been removed from among you? For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present I have already pronounced judgment in the name of the Lord Jesus on the man who has done such a thing. When you are assembled, and my spirit is present with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.

Your boasting is not a good thing. Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Clean out the old yeast so that you may be a new batch, as you really are unleavened. For our paschal lamb, Christ, has been sacrificed. Therefore, let us celebrate the festival, not with the old yeast, the yeast of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral persons— not at all meaning the immoral of this world, or the greedy and robbers, or idolaters, since you would then need to go out of the world. But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother or sister who is sexually immoral or greedy, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or robber. Do not even eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging those outside? Is it not those who are inside that you are to judge? God will judge those outside. “Drive out the wicked person from among you.” 1 Cor. 5:1-13

As we have seen over the last few years, the issues in the Catholic Church involving sexual improprieties by their priests (and of course every church has its problems with pastors and indiscretions), is indeed troubling.  Spiritual pride along with false teachings can tend to allow such scandals to exist — if not perpetuate. Sin is sin — and the devil reigns where Christ does not. And when we are not in Christ, then we try to live by our own man-made rules and regulations — which when compared to the kingdom, is a poor, broken and fallible example indeed.

The bad example of leaders in the church is very grievous; it spreads far and wide — and its influence can be systemic. Corrupt principles and examples, if not corrected, will hurt the whole church. Believers must have new hearts, and lead new lives — we are to be transformed and renewed by the Gospel.

Let us Pray,

Lord Christ, help me to have conversations and do deeds today that are holy — or at least have holy intent. Help me to remember that to live by faith in Christ requires a righteousness, humbleness and integrity modeled by Christ.

Pastor Dave

November 5, 2021 — 1 Corinthians 4:1 – 21

“Think of us in this way, as servants of Christ and stewards of God’s mysteries. Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by any human court. I do not even judge myself. I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive commendation from God. I have applied all this to Apollos and myself for your benefit, brothers and sisters, so that you may learn through us the meaning of the saying, “Nothing beyond what is written,” so that none of you will be puffed up in favor of one against another. For who sees anything different in you? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?” 1 Corinthians 4:1-7

Paul was trying to make the point that Apostles were no more than servants of Christ, and that the gifts they had were just that — gifts. They had been entrusted with something great, and for that reason, had an office that separated them from others, but had no place to be judging others.

It is a comfort, is it not, that we will not be standing in front of our fellow servants as our final judges. And it is not judging well of ourselves, or justifying ourselves, that will prove anything for us. Our own judgment will not be dependent upon any measure of our true faithfulness; nor are our own works to be any measure for our justification.

There is a day coming, that will bring all secret sins into the light, and will uncover the secrets of our hearts. Then every slandered believer will be justified, and every faithful servant approved and rewarded. The word of G-d is the best rule by which to judge all people.

Let us Pray,

Lord Christ, our conceit often contributes to an undue esteem of our ourselves. Help me not to be puffed up — instead help me remember that we are all instruments of G-d’s creating intelligence, the Son’s redeeming presence, and the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Pastor Dave