I Corinthians 6:9-11
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God." (I Corinthians 6:9-11)
The Corinthians, in trying to defraud others by lawsuits, were in effect extorting others. Their behaviour was a result of their unspiritual state. They were doing this and other things that were typical of those who were not saved. People who live in such a manner are not saved. Galatians 5: 19-21 reinforces this. "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
When a person becomes a Christian, these things are taken out of our lives, we are pure before God. We become a new person, according to II Corinthians 5:17, "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new." It is not just our standing before God that is changed, but our attitude, our desires, and our understanding according to Ephesians 4:24, and Colossians 3:10.
Galatians 2:20 states that we are dead with Christ, so that Our life now is to be controlled by Christ by faith. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Romans 6:6-14 re-iterates this, and says that we need to recognize it as a truth, that sin no longer has power over us. We do not need to allow sin to control our lives. "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him: Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God."
We must simply yield ourselves to God, letting him take control. Faith that does not enable this is dead faith, and cannot save, as James 2 tells us. As Galatians 5:25 tells us, "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
Recognizing what we have and acting on it will prevent falling into sin. Paul says "This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh." We are no longer those adulterers, or drunks , or other things, and should not continue in them, if we have recieved the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:8-10 sums it up, "So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness." If the Holy spirit is not there, the person is not a Christian, not saved.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Friday, March 6, 2009
No Job for Lawyers
I Corinthians 6:1-8
Several years ago, a new Baptist church moved into a town. The old Baptist church, more than 100 years old, was named the First Baptist Church. The new church was associated with a group which has often used the name on their churches, and has claimed the name as their denomiations property. They proceeded to sue the old church for using the name, even though the older church was in fact the first Baptist church in town.
The suit made national news, and many people were disgusted by the petty attitude displayed. It brought a reproach on the cause of Christ and made Christians, especially Baptists, look quite petty. Apparently, the church at Corinth was having some similar strife, although we do not know the details. It was obviously a result of their unspiritual condition, just as the suit between the two Baptist churches was. Paul addresses the issue in I Corinthians 6.
"Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren." (I Corinthians 6:1-8)
To bring such matters to the world's courts clearly demonstrated a lack of unity, and of Christian love before the world. I also implied that there was no one of sufficient common sense among them to settle even minor disputes. One day Christians will be in a position of judging very important matters. It would be wise to practice a little before the time comes.
For the matters pertaining to this life, the weakest and most unqualified Christian should be able to make a valid judgement. It should not be neccessary for one of the leaders to deal with such issues. Most of the issues that arise, such as the church name, really make very little difference, and are not worth the cost or the noteriety. It would be far better to forgive and forget, even if you are right, and are losing something as a result. God has promised to straighten out these things, and repay those who have suffered for doing right. The strife is proof, once again carnality.
Most lawsuits are more about taking advantage of the other person, than about correcting a wrong. Rarely does one sue for the damage one has suffered, but for more as a way of getting even. The defendant usually ends up trying to get out of any compensation. A prime exampl of this is the case of the woman in albuquerque who spilled coffee on herself and sued McDonalds for 4 million dollars. Even if it had been McDonalds fault, her damages were not more than a few hundred dollars. Her lawyers ripped off McDonalds. using the courts. This is what was happening in Corinth. They were using the courts to cheat each other. There is nothing Christian about such behaviour, it is Satanic.
The case of the two churches fighting over the church name clearly illustrates the lack of spirituality in many churches today, and the resulting lack of interest in what God has directed us to do in the Bible. It shows in every area of modern Christianity. Paul explains how to deal with each of the situations in a Godly, spiritual manner. As he says in I Corinthians 14:37-38, a truly spiritual person will recognize these things as being God's commands. Anyone who does not is ignorant of the things of God.
Spiritual people, following the teachings of God, will never have a conflict requiring a court action between them.
Several years ago, a new Baptist church moved into a town. The old Baptist church, more than 100 years old, was named the First Baptist Church. The new church was associated with a group which has often used the name on their churches, and has claimed the name as their denomiations property. They proceeded to sue the old church for using the name, even though the older church was in fact the first Baptist church in town.
The suit made national news, and many people were disgusted by the petty attitude displayed. It brought a reproach on the cause of Christ and made Christians, especially Baptists, look quite petty. Apparently, the church at Corinth was having some similar strife, although we do not know the details. It was obviously a result of their unspiritual condition, just as the suit between the two Baptist churches was. Paul addresses the issue in I Corinthians 6.
"Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?
If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? But brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.
Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? Nay, ye do wrong, and defraud, and that your brethren." (I Corinthians 6:1-8)
To bring such matters to the world's courts clearly demonstrated a lack of unity, and of Christian love before the world. I also implied that there was no one of sufficient common sense among them to settle even minor disputes. One day Christians will be in a position of judging very important matters. It would be wise to practice a little before the time comes.
For the matters pertaining to this life, the weakest and most unqualified Christian should be able to make a valid judgement. It should not be neccessary for one of the leaders to deal with such issues. Most of the issues that arise, such as the church name, really make very little difference, and are not worth the cost or the noteriety. It would be far better to forgive and forget, even if you are right, and are losing something as a result. God has promised to straighten out these things, and repay those who have suffered for doing right. The strife is proof, once again carnality.
Most lawsuits are more about taking advantage of the other person, than about correcting a wrong. Rarely does one sue for the damage one has suffered, but for more as a way of getting even. The defendant usually ends up trying to get out of any compensation. A prime exampl of this is the case of the woman in albuquerque who spilled coffee on herself and sued McDonalds for 4 million dollars. Even if it had been McDonalds fault, her damages were not more than a few hundred dollars. Her lawyers ripped off McDonalds. using the courts. This is what was happening in Corinth. They were using the courts to cheat each other. There is nothing Christian about such behaviour, it is Satanic.
The case of the two churches fighting over the church name clearly illustrates the lack of spirituality in many churches today, and the resulting lack of interest in what God has directed us to do in the Bible. It shows in every area of modern Christianity. Paul explains how to deal with each of the situations in a Godly, spiritual manner. As he says in I Corinthians 14:37-38, a truly spiritual person will recognize these things as being God's commands. Anyone who does not is ignorant of the things of God.
Spiritual people, following the teachings of God, will never have a conflict requiring a court action between them.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
With Such an One, Do Not Eat
I Corinthians 5:9-13
Many groups have established compounds or monasteries where they can separate themselves from the temptations of the world. The idea is that we will thus be able to serve God more completely. Unfortunately, it seems that what coes on inside the monasteries and compounds is worse than what is on the outside. Wayne Bent's compound in Northern New Mexico is a prime example. He was convicted of sexual contactr with a minor, although he insisted it was a purely spiritual experience. Sadly, many parents have discovered the same problem in Christian schools. Paul addresses how the church should deal with overt sin in the following passage.
"I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person." (I Corinthians 5:9-13)
It is not the Christian's place to not have contact with the world, though that may seem desirable. Christ came into the world to save sinners. He was accused of associating with sinners. Paul makes it clear that we are not to isolate ourselves from the unsaved world. It is not our place to force them to adapt to our standards either. We are to preach the gospel to every creature, and we can't if we isolate ourselves.
On the other hand, as Christians, we are to avoid becoming entangled with those who do not believe in God. II Corinthians 6:14-18 is very specific about this, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."
We are to be different from those who do not believe in God. We are not to associate with any person who claims to be a Christian if he "be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat." We are not to place our approval on the sin these are committing by fellowshipping with them as Christians. In Fact Paul directs that they are to be put out of the church. It would be better for kids to be in a secular school than in a so called Christian school where such behaviour is ignored.
Jesus said that if they were put out of the church, they were to be treated as a publican, or a heathen man, not as an enemy. In other words, they are to be treated as an unsaved person. Galatians 5:19-21 makes it clear that those who live in such a fashion are not Christians. "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
Clearly, from Jesus teaching in Matthew 18, when he instructs us to try to get them to change before putting them out of the church, it is possible for a Christian to commit these sins, but if he persists, his salvation is in doubt. We are to treat him as if he is not saved. If we have followed Christ's instructions, he has been given 3 occasions to repent before being put out. God will judge those outside the church.
The behaviour Paul lists as requiring separatuion from is instructive. They are as follows "a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner." The word fornicator refers to one who is engaged in overt sexual sin. Covetous desires other peoples property, and Galatians 5:5 defines it as a form of idolatry.
I Corinthians 10:21 makes it clear "Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils." You cannot be a Christian and worship other gods. Practicing anothe religion requires that one be put out of the church.
A railer is one who rails on people. One who is abusive, either physically or verbally is to be excluded from the church. A drunkard, one who habitually gets drunk must be excluded. An extortioner, one who cheats financially, is also to be excluded, but none are to be excluded without a chance to repent, or on a single persons complaint.
Unspiritual people avoid putting out the guilty, hoping to change them. Instead, others are encouraged to go into the same sin, as I have observed repeatedly. Failure to follow God's directions in excluding sinners has prevented many from being restored, turning even saved people further into sin. II Corinthians 2:5-8 shows that when God's plan is followed, it can result in even those who totally rebelled being turning to Christ, which is the ultimate goal.
Many groups have established compounds or monasteries where they can separate themselves from the temptations of the world. The idea is that we will thus be able to serve God more completely. Unfortunately, it seems that what coes on inside the monasteries and compounds is worse than what is on the outside. Wayne Bent's compound in Northern New Mexico is a prime example. He was convicted of sexual contactr with a minor, although he insisted it was a purely spiritual experience. Sadly, many parents have discovered the same problem in Christian schools. Paul addresses how the church should deal with overt sin in the following passage.
"I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person." (I Corinthians 5:9-13)
It is not the Christian's place to not have contact with the world, though that may seem desirable. Christ came into the world to save sinners. He was accused of associating with sinners. Paul makes it clear that we are not to isolate ourselves from the unsaved world. It is not our place to force them to adapt to our standards either. We are to preach the gospel to every creature, and we can't if we isolate ourselves.
On the other hand, as Christians, we are to avoid becoming entangled with those who do not believe in God. II Corinthians 6:14-18 is very specific about this, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."
We are to be different from those who do not believe in God. We are not to associate with any person who claims to be a Christian if he "be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat." We are not to place our approval on the sin these are committing by fellowshipping with them as Christians. In Fact Paul directs that they are to be put out of the church. It would be better for kids to be in a secular school than in a so called Christian school where such behaviour is ignored.
Jesus said that if they were put out of the church, they were to be treated as a publican, or a heathen man, not as an enemy. In other words, they are to be treated as an unsaved person. Galatians 5:19-21 makes it clear that those who live in such a fashion are not Christians. "Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God."
Clearly, from Jesus teaching in Matthew 18, when he instructs us to try to get them to change before putting them out of the church, it is possible for a Christian to commit these sins, but if he persists, his salvation is in doubt. We are to treat him as if he is not saved. If we have followed Christ's instructions, he has been given 3 occasions to repent before being put out. God will judge those outside the church.
The behaviour Paul lists as requiring separatuion from is instructive. They are as follows "a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner." The word fornicator refers to one who is engaged in overt sexual sin. Covetous desires other peoples property, and Galatians 5:5 defines it as a form of idolatry.
I Corinthians 10:21 makes it clear "Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils." You cannot be a Christian and worship other gods. Practicing anothe religion requires that one be put out of the church.
A railer is one who rails on people. One who is abusive, either physically or verbally is to be excluded from the church. A drunkard, one who habitually gets drunk must be excluded. An extortioner, one who cheats financially, is also to be excluded, but none are to be excluded without a chance to repent, or on a single persons complaint.
Unspiritual people avoid putting out the guilty, hoping to change them. Instead, others are encouraged to go into the same sin, as I have observed repeatedly. Failure to follow God's directions in excluding sinners has prevented many from being restored, turning even saved people further into sin. II Corinthians 2:5-8 shows that when God's plan is followed, it can result in even those who totally rebelled being turning to Christ, which is the ultimate goal.
But We Aren't to Judge, or Are We
I Corinthians 5:1-9
Church discipline has become a real issue at the present time. On one hand is a group who says the Bible says we are not to judge, but to give a second chance. and quote supporting scripture. Qthers are very quick to put people out of the church, and present scripture to support their position.
There are 2 primary passages relating to church discipline, with the passage in I Corinthians 5 being the most commonly quoted. I would like to examine the first part of the chapter, then compare it to the other passage, believing that this will settle many of the problems.
"It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." (I Corinthians 5:1-9)
Fornication, or sexual sin was being openly practiced by an individual in the church. This was not just an affair, but an affair that even the idolatrous Gentiles around them, whose religion expected women, whether married or not, to periodically serve as prostitutes in their temple as part of their religious duty, considered absolutely taboo. To the Jews around them, it was almost the ultimate in wickedness, and deserving of the death penalty. A man was committing adultery with his own stepmother.
The church was proud of their tolerance, that they were able to overlook his sin. Paul rebukes them for their pride. It is a result, as we see in chapters 3 & 4, of their unspiritual condition. While we are not to be judges of one another, as we have seen earlier in the book, we are expected to follow Gods judgement. When God's word specifically condemns something, it is not us doing the judging, but the word of God. John 12:48 explains this. "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." To ignore such judgement is to treat God's judgement as meaningless, to imply that God doesn't matter.
Based on what he knows, Paul says that they must, to please God, come together as a church, and put the man out. They should have been saddened by the neccessity, but the action is essential to prevent the spread of sin in the church, and the loss of their testimony before the world.
Jesus gave a step by step process for dealing with such problems in Matthew 18:15-17. "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican."
The goal is not to get the person out of the church, but to get him to bring his life into a pattern fitting with the churches belief in Christ. Galatians 6:1Instructs us, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." To not follow these steps in trying to restore one who is in sin is just as unspiritual as ignoring the problem. Only after the person has been made aware of their sin, and of the entire churches rejection of it is he to be put out of the church.
A person who has grown up in a culture where certain things are accepted may not reckognize them as a serious problem or sin. this the reason for Pauls statement about the Cretians in Titus 1:12-13. Their culture has approved such behaviour, and they must be taught that it is unacceptable. It is not a racial slur, but a recognition of a problem in their culture. They can learn not to behave in that manner. To simply ignore it perpetuates the practice.
Notice that in I Corinthians, the guilty party is aware of their sin, and that it is unacceptable. not only the church, but also the both Jews and gentiles have condemned it. The man has chosen to deliberately do what he knows is wrong. The intent of the process has been achieved to this point. Sadly, at this point, the church is forced to take the final step. Failure to do so is to rebel against God. Paul gives a list of problems in which church discipline is required later in the chapter.
A person who has progressed this far, and is still unrepentant is to be treated as an unsaved person because their actions indicate that they may be unsaved, and thus qualified as a member of the church. The fact that they can continue as members if they correct the sin, implies that the sin does not cause them to lose their salvation, but that rather they never had it. As James tells us. faith that doesn't produce works is dead, powerless to save. Their faith is just like that of the devils, believing God's power, yet never obeying.
In both passages, it is stressed that the church as a whole is to take action. The pastor is not authorized to do so alone. Many churches have adopted a system whereby the pastor and a group of Deacons or other s designated by the church are authorized to put an individual out. This ignores the purpose of the process, of restoring such a one, or preventing the spread of sin. Paul instructed Timothy, 'Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." (I Timothy 5:20) While it may appear a better choice, it does not meet God's instructions, and is a rejection of God's authority. It is God's church, and should be run according to his direction.
Church discipline has become a real issue at the present time. On one hand is a group who says the Bible says we are not to judge, but to give a second chance. and quote supporting scripture. Qthers are very quick to put people out of the church, and present scripture to support their position.
There are 2 primary passages relating to church discipline, with the passage in I Corinthians 5 being the most commonly quoted. I would like to examine the first part of the chapter, then compare it to the other passage, believing that this will settle many of the problems.
"It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." (I Corinthians 5:1-9)
Fornication, or sexual sin was being openly practiced by an individual in the church. This was not just an affair, but an affair that even the idolatrous Gentiles around them, whose religion expected women, whether married or not, to periodically serve as prostitutes in their temple as part of their religious duty, considered absolutely taboo. To the Jews around them, it was almost the ultimate in wickedness, and deserving of the death penalty. A man was committing adultery with his own stepmother.
The church was proud of their tolerance, that they were able to overlook his sin. Paul rebukes them for their pride. It is a result, as we see in chapters 3 & 4, of their unspiritual condition. While we are not to be judges of one another, as we have seen earlier in the book, we are expected to follow Gods judgement. When God's word specifically condemns something, it is not us doing the judging, but the word of God. John 12:48 explains this. "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." To ignore such judgement is to treat God's judgement as meaningless, to imply that God doesn't matter.
Based on what he knows, Paul says that they must, to please God, come together as a church, and put the man out. They should have been saddened by the neccessity, but the action is essential to prevent the spread of sin in the church, and the loss of their testimony before the world.
Jesus gave a step by step process for dealing with such problems in Matthew 18:15-17. "Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican."
The goal is not to get the person out of the church, but to get him to bring his life into a pattern fitting with the churches belief in Christ. Galatians 6:1Instructs us, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted." To not follow these steps in trying to restore one who is in sin is just as unspiritual as ignoring the problem. Only after the person has been made aware of their sin, and of the entire churches rejection of it is he to be put out of the church.
A person who has grown up in a culture where certain things are accepted may not reckognize them as a serious problem or sin. this the reason for Pauls statement about the Cretians in Titus 1:12-13. Their culture has approved such behaviour, and they must be taught that it is unacceptable. It is not a racial slur, but a recognition of a problem in their culture. They can learn not to behave in that manner. To simply ignore it perpetuates the practice.
Notice that in I Corinthians, the guilty party is aware of their sin, and that it is unacceptable. not only the church, but also the both Jews and gentiles have condemned it. The man has chosen to deliberately do what he knows is wrong. The intent of the process has been achieved to this point. Sadly, at this point, the church is forced to take the final step. Failure to do so is to rebel against God. Paul gives a list of problems in which church discipline is required later in the chapter.
A person who has progressed this far, and is still unrepentant is to be treated as an unsaved person because their actions indicate that they may be unsaved, and thus qualified as a member of the church. The fact that they can continue as members if they correct the sin, implies that the sin does not cause them to lose their salvation, but that rather they never had it. As James tells us. faith that doesn't produce works is dead, powerless to save. Their faith is just like that of the devils, believing God's power, yet never obeying.
In both passages, it is stressed that the church as a whole is to take action. The pastor is not authorized to do so alone. Many churches have adopted a system whereby the pastor and a group of Deacons or other s designated by the church are authorized to put an individual out. This ignores the purpose of the process, of restoring such a one, or preventing the spread of sin. Paul instructed Timothy, 'Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear." (I Timothy 5:20) While it may appear a better choice, it does not meet God's instructions, and is a rejection of God's authority. It is God's church, and should be run according to his direction.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Not in Word, But in Power
I Corinthians 4:18-21
Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? (I Corinthians 4:18-21)
The puffer fish is a small fish, which when it feels threatened, is capable of inflating certain parts of its body, thus making it appear larger and more formidable than it is. The goal is to cause it's enemies to look elsewhere for food. To make it work, the fish also has to exhibit a fearless, confident aspect. If attacked, however, he is easily deflated and the truth becomes apparent.
Like the puffer fish. some of the Christians in Corinth had become puffed up in their pride, having gotten their own way and were lording it over others. This was a direct result of their unspiritual condition, and was the primary source of conflict in the church. They believe they caqn continue because there is no one to challenge their authority. They are depending on Paul not to come so they can remain in power.
Diotrophes was behaving in a similar manner, and John Warns that what he was doing was evil in III John 9-11, as follows: "I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." He implies that they should follow Demetrius instead, and will take action against Diotrophes when he comes, if it is needed.
Paul implies the same thing, saying that if he comes, he will know the power behind them, because "the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." Acts 1:8 tells us "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:" Unspiritual men lack that power, even though saved. and Paul will know the reaslity and take appropriate action. The big claims and posturing mean nothing.
Paul then asks would they rather he come in power and take vigorous action, or with a meek and loving spirit. He can come either way, and they can either straighten out the problems or face the consequences. God enables people to remove those who will not follow him, whether pastor or church member. It is his church, not ours, and the things that are done must be in accordance with his will.
Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness? (I Corinthians 4:18-21)
The puffer fish is a small fish, which when it feels threatened, is capable of inflating certain parts of its body, thus making it appear larger and more formidable than it is. The goal is to cause it's enemies to look elsewhere for food. To make it work, the fish also has to exhibit a fearless, confident aspect. If attacked, however, he is easily deflated and the truth becomes apparent.
Like the puffer fish. some of the Christians in Corinth had become puffed up in their pride, having gotten their own way and were lording it over others. This was a direct result of their unspiritual condition, and was the primary source of conflict in the church. They believe they caqn continue because there is no one to challenge their authority. They are depending on Paul not to come so they can remain in power.
Diotrophes was behaving in a similar manner, and John Warns that what he was doing was evil in III John 9-11, as follows: "I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church. Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God." He implies that they should follow Demetrius instead, and will take action against Diotrophes when he comes, if it is needed.
Paul implies the same thing, saying that if he comes, he will know the power behind them, because "the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." Acts 1:8 tells us "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you:" Unspiritual men lack that power, even though saved. and Paul will know the reaslity and take appropriate action. The big claims and posturing mean nothing.
Paul then asks would they rather he come in power and take vigorous action, or with a meek and loving spirit. He can come either way, and they can either straighten out the problems or face the consequences. God enables people to remove those who will not follow him, whether pastor or church member. It is his church, not ours, and the things that are done must be in accordance with his will.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
A Spectacle Unto The World
I Corinthians 4:8-17
"You have to live enough above the people to earn their respect." That was the answer of a Philipine missionary when asked why he needed $4,000 per month support in a country where $15 per month was considered a high paying job.
"You should never buy a dress costing less than $200, if you are going to be a pastor or missionary wife." This was declaimed by a Bible college professor to a class of potential pastor and missionary wives, at time when top wages were around $6 per hour.
"You ladies need to go to a beautician at least once a week, and more if there are special things going on." So said the secretary of a famous pastor teaching a seminar for pastors wives.
"The pastor should be paid at least twice as much as any man in the church. The Bible says he is to be counted worthy of double honor." This was by an Evangelist speaking at a large conference.
"The pastor should never do any physical work, nor should he become too close to his people. He is to devote himself to study and prayer." This from a Bible college president speaking to an pastors conference.
What a contrast with Paul's description of the Apostles and their ministry. They were clearly living below the standard of the people to whom they ministered. Paul says he wished the people were actually as high as they appeared by comparison, as it would mean that the Apostles could then liv at the standard their people lived at. Read what he says.
Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. (I Corinthians 4:8-17)
Paul, and the other Apostles, in going through these things, lacking physical things, working to support themselves, constantly disrespected, without even a home of their own, are the ones God has chosen to bring the gospel to the world. Paul begs the church to follow his example, sending Timothy back to remind them what the example and teaching had been.
Jesus had said that a person who was not willing to go through these things could not be his disciple. If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26) Looking at the meaning of the word disciple, and what this passage is teaching, they literally cannot even be saved. Their present life means too much to them.
It is impossible to lead anyone anywhere without going yourself. By refusing to give up those things to reach others, we cannot lead them to humble themselves to truly recieve Christ. They see no example. God has chosen to weak things and the things which are not, not the things which are great and mighty.
It would appear that those who teach and practice the philosophy of those I quoted are, in fact, not serving God, and Paul warns us against following their example.
"You have to live enough above the people to earn their respect." That was the answer of a Philipine missionary when asked why he needed $4,000 per month support in a country where $15 per month was considered a high paying job.
"You should never buy a dress costing less than $200, if you are going to be a pastor or missionary wife." This was declaimed by a Bible college professor to a class of potential pastor and missionary wives, at time when top wages were around $6 per hour.
"You ladies need to go to a beautician at least once a week, and more if there are special things going on." So said the secretary of a famous pastor teaching a seminar for pastors wives.
"The pastor should be paid at least twice as much as any man in the church. The Bible says he is to be counted worthy of double honor." This was by an Evangelist speaking at a large conference.
"The pastor should never do any physical work, nor should he become too close to his people. He is to devote himself to study and prayer." This from a Bible college president speaking to an pastors conference.
What a contrast with Paul's description of the Apostles and their ministry. They were clearly living below the standard of the people to whom they ministered. Paul says he wished the people were actually as high as they appeared by comparison, as it would mean that the Apostles could then liv at the standard their people lived at. Read what he says.
Now ye are full, now ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us: and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you. For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwellingplace; And labour, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: Being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.
I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. (I Corinthians 4:8-17)
Paul, and the other Apostles, in going through these things, lacking physical things, working to support themselves, constantly disrespected, without even a home of their own, are the ones God has chosen to bring the gospel to the world. Paul begs the church to follow his example, sending Timothy back to remind them what the example and teaching had been.
Jesus had said that a person who was not willing to go through these things could not be his disciple. If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26) Looking at the meaning of the word disciple, and what this passage is teaching, they literally cannot even be saved. Their present life means too much to them.
It is impossible to lead anyone anywhere without going yourself. By refusing to give up those things to reach others, we cannot lead them to humble themselves to truly recieve Christ. They see no example. God has chosen to weak things and the things which are not, not the things which are great and mighty.
It would appear that those who teach and practice the philosophy of those I quoted are, in fact, not serving God, and Paul warns us against following their example.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Judge Nothing Before the Time
I Corinthians 4:1-7
Before attending Baptist Bible College, I earned a math degree at a secular college. A number of the required classes promoted an atheistic and evolutionary philosophy as the only possible truth. Several well known authors writings were read and discussed as definitely supporting Darwins Origin of Species. One writer, a doctor who had spent several years in Africa was especially stressed. His viewpoint was definitely atheistic, and very racially prejudiced.
Afte completing my degree, I went to Bible college, enrolling in the missions course. One of the requirements was to read four specific books about some of the greatest missionaries to increase our understanding and burden for missions. Imagine my surprise when one of the books turned out to ber about a missionary doctor by the same name who had served for several years in Africa. The missions department would never recommend such a man as a missionary, so it had to be sombody of the same name.
After completing the book, I did further research and discovered that the dates of service in Africa were the same, and he mentioned several of the same events. The real shocker was discovering that the missionary was sponsored by the same organisation. It appeared to be the same man. I was troubled that such a man was named as one of the greatest missionaries of all time.
Years later, I ran across a copy of the journal of a second of those "greatest missionaries". In it, the missionary constantly complained about having to work among such an inferior people who were unable to cook what he considered proper meals or launder his clothes in a fashion he was accustomed to. There were numerous days in which he reported praying for 4-6 hours and "the skies were brass and the Lord did not answer." Deuteronomy 28:23 is the only reference to this condition, when God warns that if they get so far from God, he will cause the heaven to be like brass and God will not hear them. Perhaps obedience would have made his prayers more effective.
I suspect that those wo selcted these two as great missionaries had never checked beyond the superficial reporting to discover what they had actually done, and as Proverbs 18:13 says, "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him."
In I Corinthians 4:1-5, Paul makes the following instructions. "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
We cannot make valid judgements when we lack sufficient information. How can we judge what a man has done, without knowing more than we know about him. He is a minister of Christ and as long as he is faithful, we really have no way of judging, as we do not know his exact job, as Romans 14:4 points out. God is the only one qualified to judge him.
Paul says that the peoples judgement means very little, as he is unable to even judge himself, much less anyone else. A valid judgement will not be possible until God shows us the things we can't see. Havingserved as a missionary for several years, I can state definitly that some of those who are promoted as the greatest have never even spent time on the field, merely taking credit for other men's labour. Others have done serious harm to the mission work.
Christians in the church, whether pastor, teacher, or just church goer, are equally difficult to judge. How many so called "Great Christians" have turned out to be abusive, or adulterers, or embezzlers? Remember that the Lord looks on the heart, not the outward appearance. Appearance is not everything. Such judgements prove our own lack of spiritual discernment. Needless to say, I cannot recommend David Brainerd and David Livingstone as the greatest missionary examples. I don't know what they actually did, but I have reason to question their claims. I am no better qualified to judge other's claims. This is exactly what Paul tells us in the next two verses.
"And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? (I Corinthians 4:6-7)
Before attending Baptist Bible College, I earned a math degree at a secular college. A number of the required classes promoted an atheistic and evolutionary philosophy as the only possible truth. Several well known authors writings were read and discussed as definitely supporting Darwins Origin of Species. One writer, a doctor who had spent several years in Africa was especially stressed. His viewpoint was definitely atheistic, and very racially prejudiced.
Afte completing my degree, I went to Bible college, enrolling in the missions course. One of the requirements was to read four specific books about some of the greatest missionaries to increase our understanding and burden for missions. Imagine my surprise when one of the books turned out to ber about a missionary doctor by the same name who had served for several years in Africa. The missions department would never recommend such a man as a missionary, so it had to be sombody of the same name.
After completing the book, I did further research and discovered that the dates of service in Africa were the same, and he mentioned several of the same events. The real shocker was discovering that the missionary was sponsored by the same organisation. It appeared to be the same man. I was troubled that such a man was named as one of the greatest missionaries of all time.
Years later, I ran across a copy of the journal of a second of those "greatest missionaries". In it, the missionary constantly complained about having to work among such an inferior people who were unable to cook what he considered proper meals or launder his clothes in a fashion he was accustomed to. There were numerous days in which he reported praying for 4-6 hours and "the skies were brass and the Lord did not answer." Deuteronomy 28:23 is the only reference to this condition, when God warns that if they get so far from God, he will cause the heaven to be like brass and God will not hear them. Perhaps obedience would have made his prayers more effective.
I suspect that those wo selcted these two as great missionaries had never checked beyond the superficial reporting to discover what they had actually done, and as Proverbs 18:13 says, "He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him."
In I Corinthians 4:1-5, Paul makes the following instructions. "Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord. Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
We cannot make valid judgements when we lack sufficient information. How can we judge what a man has done, without knowing more than we know about him. He is a minister of Christ and as long as he is faithful, we really have no way of judging, as we do not know his exact job, as Romans 14:4 points out. God is the only one qualified to judge him.
Paul says that the peoples judgement means very little, as he is unable to even judge himself, much less anyone else. A valid judgement will not be possible until God shows us the things we can't see. Havingserved as a missionary for several years, I can state definitly that some of those who are promoted as the greatest have never even spent time on the field, merely taking credit for other men's labour. Others have done serious harm to the mission work.
Christians in the church, whether pastor, teacher, or just church goer, are equally difficult to judge. How many so called "Great Christians" have turned out to be abusive, or adulterers, or embezzlers? Remember that the Lord looks on the heart, not the outward appearance. Appearance is not everything. Such judgements prove our own lack of spiritual discernment. Needless to say, I cannot recommend David Brainerd and David Livingstone as the greatest missionary examples. I don't know what they actually did, but I have reason to question their claims. I am no better qualified to judge other's claims. This is exactly what Paul tells us in the next two verses.
"And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another. For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it? (I Corinthians 4:6-7)
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