Ezra 8:21-9:15 + 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 + Psalm 31:1-8 + Proverbs 21:1-2
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Old Testament – Today in Ezra chapter 8 we read about Ezra & crew’s return from the exile in Babylon to Jerusalem. And below are some very artistic 🙂 scenes from this journey (well, except keep in mind that the Temple had already been rebuilt by the time Ezra & crew arrive – this image would have been better for the early chapters in Ezra…) –
Below is an image for Ezra chapter 9 verses 1 through 3: “But then the Jewish leaders came to me and said, “Many of the people of Israel, and even some of the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the other peoples living in the land. They have taken up the detestable practices of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites. For the men of Israel have married women from these people and have taken them as wives for their sons… To make matters worse, the officials and leaders are some of the worst offenders.” When I heard this, I tore my clothing, pulled hair from my head and beard, and sat down utterly shocked.” And then a wonderful prayer of repentance from Ezra on behalf of the Israelites comes forth in the remainder of chapter 9 today. When is the last time you prayed a prayer of repentance? Should we pray prayers of repentance regularly?
New Testament – Wow… there is a lot going on in Paul’s words in First Corinthians chapter 5 today. The first half of verse 6 stands out: “How terrible that you should boast about your spirituality, and yet you let this sort of thing go on.” This is such a trap I think for many of us – boasting about our spirituality. It is a very dangerous trap too. Why do you suppose Paul would say this is a terrible thing to boast about your spirituality? I think it is because when you boast about your spirituality, you have lost humility and you have in a sense put yourself in the place of God. You’ve elevated yourself too high. And Jesus says we are to be humble. Here comes a tangent – 🙂 – I was listening to talk radio recently and I heard some guy talking about Kabala – the Jewish mysticism religion that is very popular these days – particularly with some Hollywood celebrities. Well, I won’t say that this guy was boasting about his spirituality… but maybe he was. 🙂 The great thing I thought was then a guy studying to be a rabbi called in and basically went off on this guy. The caller said that this guy was far too confident and boastful in his discussions of who God is and how God works. And the caller said that he had studied the Torah for all of his life and he still considered himself only a student. I wish I could remember his exact words – but he said something along the lines that “one will always be a student of the Torah. Never it’s master.” Something like that. I loved it! It was so humble and true. And I think you and I would do well to realize that we will always be students of the Bible – never its master. And we need to realize how terrible it truly is for us to boast about our spirituality in any way – either publicly or in our own minds. As this image says below, “Boast only in the cross.” Amen…
The second half of verse 6 is powerful for us to consider as well – “Don’t you realize that if even one person is allowed to go on sinning, soon all will be affected?” This is so true. Sin is an infection that will infect others. Or, another way to look at this – when we sin we are affecting / infecting others. Nobody sins in a vacuum. It affects the whole community. It affects everyone you know in some way. Paul goes on later in this chapter to say in verse 12 – “It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your job to judge those inside the church who are sinning in these ways.” Paul really has what will appear to our modern ears to be some strong / harsh words for Christians who sin in the ways listed in verse 11 – “What I meant was that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a Christian yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler.” I think there is truth in his words – but we need to walk a fine line. There are people who are Christian who do struggle with sin – sin that indeed will infect / affect others. And I think we are absolutely called to speak the truth in love into those Christians lives to point out their sin and encourage them to repentance. But… I think there does come a point where we may have to realize that someone simply will not or does not want to repent of their sin. And then it may be time to prayerfully follow Paul’s words about avoiding and removing that type of person from your church. I don’t know – let me know what you think? How / when do we draw the line of speaking the truth in love to a Christian stuck in sin? And when do we avoid and/or remove them from our churches? Is this too harsh? Are Paul’s word’s too harsh? Even if they are harsh, are they true?
Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in First Corinthians titled “Church Discipline: Taking Sin Seriously” is at this link.
Psalms – Psalm 31 verse 1 is such a powerful start to this powerful Psalm of David’s – “O LORD, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be put to shame. Rescue me, for you always do what is right.” In your life today, do you need protection from something? If so, will you run to God for your protection? Do you believe that God can rescue you? Do you believe that God can save you from shame? Do you believe that God always does what is right? Did you catch that verse 5 from this Psalm were Jesus’ last words on the cross…. “Into your hands I commit my spirit.” (NIV) Here it is from Luke 23:46 – “Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.”
Proverbs – Proverbs 21 verse 2 is so true – “People may think they are doing what is right, but the LORD examines the heart.” Interesting Proverb to meditate upon. Do you suppose it is possible that we may think we are doing what is right, but that it’s not really right? Why would this happen? Do you believe that God examines your heart? I am so thankful that he does examine our hearts! I am afraid that at times we may deceive ourselves. We may start down a path or course that we think is right – or that our friends or the world tells us is right – but it’s not. The “governor” (in both senses of the word) that can keep us from continuing down this foolish path is God. God constantly examines our heart. And he can instantly see if our motives are not pure. Then, the trick becomes for us to actually listen to God. This can be the challenge. I heard a sermon recently at church about how God came to the prophet Elijah in a whisper. And that God comes to us today oftentimes in a whisper – in that still small voice. All this to say – I hope you are thankful that God examines your heart. And – I hope you find time to really be still before God and let him tell you if the motives of your heart are not pure. Let him tell you if you are doing something that you think is right, but that is not. Who better is there to truly examine your heart than God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit?
Worship Video: Today’s readings reminded me of Phil Wickham’s song “Hymn of Heaven:”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjB0mkj0XaM
Do you know the hymn of heaven? Click here to sing in heaven forevermore!
Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture this week: “But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with any who claim to be fellow believers but are sexually immoral or greedy, idolaters or slanderers, drunkards or swindlers. With such persons do not even eat.” 1 Corinthians 5:11 TNIV
Prayer Point: Pray for those in your church who claim to be believers, but who are sexually immoral, greedy, idolaters, slanderers, drunkards or swindlers. Pray for their repentance and restoration to the fellowship. Pray for church discipline, if necessary. Pray you won’t ever be lead astray by those living in sin.
Comments from You: What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings? Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!
God bless,
Mike
p.s. Download our monthly Small Group study notes for our Bible readings at this link.
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BLOG READERS HISTORICAL COMMUNITY COMMENTS:
(our Group Bible Study is below! : )
======= Ramona:
Ezra 8:21-9:15
Ezra so spoke up about His God that he was caught by his words. I don’t think that is a bad thing but a good thing. Saying that our God is all that is a very good thing, but allowing Him to be all that is another matter.
When our words force us to walk in “faith” not only do we show others the power of God but we also show ourselves that God is faithful. God told Joshua to mediate on the “Book of the Law” day and night so that he would have success (Joshua 1:8) The words we speak out loud will either cause us to commit to the words we have spoken or we become hypocrites and are seen as all talk and no action. So that we will speak the Words of God and know the Words of God, we must mediate on the Word He has given us.
To Mediate: H1897 (Strong’s Number)
הגה
hâgâh
haw-gaw’
A primitive root (compare H1901); to murmur (in pleasure or anger); by implication to ponder: – imagine, meditate, mourn, mutter, roar, X sore, speak, study, talk, utter.
In chapter nine we read about the danger of “being unequally yoked together with unbelievers,” again. Solomon had joined himself with strange foreign woman, all those “ites,” and had been led astray to worship and make idols of all the gods of the wives he married. Judah had just returned from exile after falling into sin, yet she fell into the same ‘ole traps.
Yesterday or was it the day before yesterday, Vance mentioned the humility of Paul and today we see the humility of Ezra. The Western cultural, at least in the United States, sees humility as a weakness, it is not considered an admirable trait especially in the business world. Moses was a humble man as measured by God’s standard (Num 12:3) and I’ve wrestled with that and tried to figure out what made him so. Ezra and Moses did two things the samethat may be the common denominator, the prayed for the people.
Maybe humility, biblical humility, is when you identify yourself with the sin of the people even when you personally have not done what you are praying for are repenting of. Ezra used the word “we” instead of them. Is the sign of humility the innate propensity to say us instead of them?
I Corinthians 5:1-13
I’m not sure if this is correct biblical theology but I believe when we allow “sin” to live among us, we protect the sinner from the immediate consequences of his or her behavior thus shielding them from the need to repent, a deadly and dangerous state. . However, the effects of the sin on the entire body begin destroying the group from within and not from without. That is seen in today’s reading of Ezra and in the history of Judah and Israel. Paul states,
A little yeast makes the whole batch of dough rise! (Gal 5:9 NET.)
Psalm 31:1-8
Time and time again our readings from different books written at different times, deal with the same thingsor theme, almost.
In the seventh verse, David says how he hates those who worship worthless idols. When a person makes the choice to walk righteously and not to join in the worship of those who are into idolatry, they will make enemies and those enemies will try to entrap them. The same battles David had, Ezra had and the church at Corinth.
I hate those who serve worthless idols, but I trust in the Lord. I will be happy and rejoice in your faithfulness, because you notice my pain and you are aware of how distressed I am. You do not deliver me over to the power of the enemy; you enable me to stand in a wide open place.
(Psa 31:6-8 NET.)
Proverbs 21:1-2
All of a person’s ways seem right in his own opinion, but the Lord evaluates the motivations. (Pro 21:2 NET.)
These exact words are also written in the second verse of Proverbs 16. They must be very important. God is the only one who truly knows our heart and its intent. We don’t even know all the time why we do and say the things we do and say because past hurts and grudges color our thinking and make us self-deceived,
Grace and peace,
Ramona
======= Charlie:
Mike:
Thanks for the daily comments on the One Year Bible passages! You’re a tremendous help along the way!
The passage that jumps out at me today is Ezra 8:21-23, where Ezra considers the journey back to Jerusalem. He talks about fasting and praying for God’s protection and provision, because he had already declared to anyone who would listen that God’s hand would be upon them. He says he was ashamed to ask the king for any more favors or his protection. WOW! How often do we boldly declare God’s hand is upon us, then depend on our own efforts or the efforts and resources we can see, rather than depending humbly on God’s good hand?
Thanks again for the good stuff!
Charlie
====== Jan:
First Corinthians 5:6 “How terrible that you should boast about your spirituality, and yet you let this sort of thing go on.”
I perceive this to mean that how can we boast of being Christians & live like “hell,” like the pagan do?!?!?! I percieve that you must take the whole verse, instead of just the first of it to understand what is being said here. It is about not walking the talk – or actions speaking louder than words. It’s like leadership being caught with their hands in the cookie jar type of thing – in other words, how can you get up & teach/preach what you do (boast) & then let sin go on in the camp?!?!? As far as I’m concerned there is no church discipline in this time & day – if there were, the churches would probably be empty?!?!!? BUT…there may be a reckoning day of repentance like not seen before & true disciples would be made & the Gospel would go out in Spirit & Truth & be effective once more.
BTW: I just lived out these verses in I Corinthians 5:6-12: I was going to fly with a CFI/Certified Flight Instructor that had taken me on as a mentee through a program with AOPA. I kept having a check in my spirit about getting into the cockpit/aircraft with him. I asked him if he had a personal relationship with Christ & he said yes to my face(I have been lied to so many times by men that profess to be Christians when they are not). The Lord gave me this scripture to give to him & he would never answer my questions about his private life (purity), but I knew what the Lord was telling me. I flew with him one time & he made a major mistake in the preflight & then in the air. My warnings from the Lord were right on & I knew it & so did he – he recused himself after that flight, as well he should have. This verse is a hard one to follow, but it keeps us pure & holy & separated from wolves in sheeps clothing.
Jan
======= Jenny:
Paul’s writings regarding a brother fallen into sin is very relevant. God is the same yesterday today and forever and intolerant of sin…tho the world and some churches are becoming lax in their tolerance of sin. There is another passage that says if a brother has fallen in sin, confront him, if he doesnt heed, confront him again, then if he still wont heed, get him out of the church. This is actually a loving thing. There is in this action a hope that this brother will repent and come to their senses. That is the desired outcome. Not to mention it sets an example for others.
Important to note, there is a difference between someone struggling with a sin and actually fallen into willful sin. A struggle implies a fight, a battle they are waging against the flesh…we all have struggles. but to be fallen into sin, one is blinded and bound. I think heavy action is needed…its loving, its necessary. I have seen/heard a lot about this..i have seen ppl in high positions removed and its so sad, but we pray for them. We are all capable of falling.
Prov. 21:2 “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, But the LORD weighs the hearts.” how true is this!!
I was just so overwhelmed by some of the things I’ve been seeing/hearing…such evil in this world, and I just was praying for God to restore me and i opened to my Ezra readings and God just spoke these words to me:
v 22: “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who forsake Him.”
v. 31 “And the hand of our God was upon us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy and from ambush along the road”
I really was feeling ch 9, the deep pain Ezra felt wen he learned wat had happened with the marriages.
Psalms really spoke to me! “For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, Lead me and guide me. Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength.”
thank you Lord God for hearing my prayer, for lifting me up and restoring my soul. thank you for your love mercy and protection. Keep us from falling by the traps of the enemy. restore and revive us oh Lord. Help us to seek your face and your mercies. Thank you for revealing your truth and glory! We are not worthy, but you are so gracious. thank you God for your loving hand of protection and preservation. keep us and guide us in your ways oh Lord. thank you for your blessings and your mercy. In Jesus’ precious name.
Jenny
====== Melanie:
I know with regard to the issue of sin, Jesus tells us to (and He Himself did) deal mercifully with those that are repentant or broken over their sin, and to deal very differently with those who are not. God gives grace to the humble.
The thing that stood out for me as I read was in Ezra, where the writer says “you have punished us less than our iniquities deserve….” if it was in reality or the perception of the writer, it is evidence of Gods mercy. I find this often to be the case in my own life in not having the harsh repercussions from sin that I know I should expect. God, in our weakness, is merciful. He is not waiting in the wings to lower the boom. No question — He deals with sin and there are consequences of sin, but He is our great God of mercy as well.
God bless you and all who read!
Melanie
====== Pat:
I continue to enjoy daily the blog and the encouragement that I receive from it. When I was in the hospital several times this year, I had to really dig deep to keep up later. But I am up to date.
I am a little conerned if I understood your question about Paul when you ask us if you think he is telling the truth about separating ourselves from those who refuse to change and yet they are dragging the name of Christ in the mud; by claiming it and not living it. We all sin. We all fall short of the glory of God – but there are people who use their church and the name of Christian for their own means and to line their pockets. We are called to be a separated people – and if we don’t make a distinction between those who are called and those who are faking it for whatever reason; then we will all look alike to the world and I think that is what has happened. We have worked at blending into the world more than being separate from the world.
Of course, what Paul says is true. Either all the Bible is true or none of it is. I find it so easy into day’s world to water down the scriture to fit our own ideas of what to believe in the Bible and what not to. It is amazing how we can explain away things that we don’t agree with; while embracing those that don’t cost us too much. I think the Bible says it all and plainly; and I think we as Christians have acted in reverse – we need to be the example and stop making excuses because we are sinners as if that makes what we do okay. God called us to measure ourselves against His standards and not each others. And when we fail, we confess, repent, and move on to a closer walk with God. Bragging about our spirituality is a two sided thing – we are not to brag about what Christ did and His work on the cross what has made us His followers and provided eternal life as if it were something we did; but I don’t see how we could experience such great love and know the Lord; and not brag about what He has done in our lives – once I was weak; but now I am stron – many times Christians are not the spiritual giants that God wants us to be because we are always making excuses for who we are and what we are doing rather than change who we are and what we are doing. It is easy to talk the talk; but a little harder to walk the walk; and that is what God wants us to do. I fear we spend far too much time explainig away the Bible when we need to apply it.
Pat
====== Iona:
Proverbs 21 verse 2 “People may think they are doing what is right, but the LORD examines the heart.” Of course, we can think we are doing right and still be sinning. Another scripture points this out- “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked– who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9 We definitely need the Holy Spirit to correct us.
Iona
======== Robert:
Hello humble teacher,
Removing a person from a local assembly is a tough call, the ministry I have been with removes only those who become a distaction to the message. You know, the types of sin that draws attention away from Jesus and to self. It made sense to me, still does…
Robert
====== Greg:
Hi Mike. First off thank you for this site. I’ve been reading through the one year Bible for 5 years now and my wife and I enjoy this site so much.
As for church discipline, I’m all for it and it is very important..if not Paul wouldn’t have mentioned it. I had to study it’s meaning and practice when I became a member of my church (Metropolitan Bible Church) in Ottawa. Churches today are too afraid to offend anyone and like Pastor Paul Washer stated “we are too thin skinned” as Christians.
Greg
====== Rebekah:
In the ESV version of Cor 5, it seems the Corinthians were boasting in the sin that was among them, the sin of sexual immorality. Or maybe they were boasting in their “tolerance” of people who sin and still worship in their midst. I agree that boasting in our spirituality is very wrong, arrogant, but in this case I think the scripture is pointing to the specific sin of boasting in the tolerance of sin.
Along that line, I have atteneded different churches (air force brat) where church discipline was practiced different ways. The most effective way I have observed in the church I now attend. The church follows the New Testament practice of going to the sinner and showing him through Scripture the sin and asking him to repent and get guidance. Then if that didn’t work, going with 3 others, mainly the elders, and doing the same. If that doesn’t work (and this is usually over a period of time, not like 2 or 3 days) then the sinner is given a letter explaining why he isn’t allowed back in the church, but that by repenting he would be allowed back and the letter is read to the church body to understand what is going on. I have seen 2 cases of people coming to repentence and being brought back into wonderful fellowship with the Lord and the church body, and one instance where the sinner is still living in sin.
This action does two things, one it brings to the sinners mind (and I use that term loosely as I know we are all still sinners saved by grace ! 🙂 his sin and hopefully the Spirit convicts, and it brings a little fear and understanding on the congregation of how horrible sin is. I am talking about sins like sexual immorality, drunkeness, gambling, etc.
Lastly, I have loved having this blog to keep up with the daily Bible readings. Thank you for putting this together and keeping it up. My children now follow the daily bible as I have shown them the pictures and we listen to the worship songs. I pray God keeps you in the Word and in His faith,
Rebekah
======= Amy:
I have been reading my One Year Bible for about 10 years. Everyday. The thing that gets me everyday, is that I have read this everyday, but when I open up my Bible to read each day, it’s like I have never seen it before. There are “new” verses, “new” insights, “new” meaning. God gives me his word fresh every morning. It is a wonderful thing.
I just found this site today, but I will be “here” everyday. I love the commentary that comes with the reading. I love the worship song at the end that ties it all together.
Amy
====== Art:
Welcome to the site, Ammie! Welcome to be here “everyday”. As we read the Word, hear the Word on the audio, review the Word, and discuss the Word in this Comments section, it seems to open new worlds for many of us. It is a blessing for us at this site to feel your presence with us. Be sure to comment often as the Spirit moves you.
Art
======= Bob:
I thought I would paraphrase a little today as I take this passage and refine it and focus what it says about my family situation. I have a teen that is stressing our family and maybe these are the words of guidance for us.
Expel the Immoral (1Corinthians 5)
It has been seen that there is deception among this family, and of a kind that does not occur even among non Christians. A son takes advantage of his father, and you are proud. Shouldn’t you be filled with grief and not accept this attitude. From those that see this from the outside, it is a sign that action must be taken. In Church the power of God is understood and total reliance on His ability to make things right. Turn this man out into the World and leave him be. It is for his own good, to make his decisions alone. Only this way can he learn that his salvation comes from the Lord.
His boasting is not good for the family. Don’t you know that a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast – as you really are. For Christ has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival of Easter., not with the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with bread without yeast, the bread of sincerity and truth.
Paul says we should not associate with the immoral people of the world who are greedy, swindlers dunkers, slanders or idolaters. They are impossible to disassociate from, but don’t even fellowship or eat with them.
Don’t judge people outside the church. It’s not our business. Only judge those that are Christian and need counsel. God judges those outside, those that aren’t Christians. “Expel the wicked man from among you.” (Deut. 17:7, 19:19, 24:7)
Bob
====== Robert:
Everything is Connected
Wow, great readings today that thread together the themes of humility, pride, idols, and our heart. I think I had one of those days yesterday where things that happened were tests to make me examine my thoughts and actions. Things happened in church, with my wife and even my business that left me with that queer feeling that something was wrong. I have to go to the Lord with this and see what he wants me to see. I think it comes down to what he wants me to see in myself. I bet the readings in the next few days will be very important to me. Exciting!
Robert
====== Nancy:
In connection to church discipline, I think the key is if it’s habitual. Different than someone trying to change, looking to God for help.
I John 3.9 Those who have been born into God’s family do not make a practice of sinning because God’s life is in them. So they can’t keep on sinning, because they are children of God.
The habitual person isn’t trying to change but continues on in it. Feels no shame & may even brag about it. The other person is open to correction & follows thru. They desire to chage.
Nancy
====== Dee:
It is sad when we have lost our way and act as the world and not set apart. However to have someone like Ezra fill the gap by prayer. That is a wonderful thing.
We have to be careful we don’t boast in our ways and only boast in the Lord and His goodness. It is He who sets us apart..not ourselves..be careful not to fall in the trap of Me-ism..
Love , hope and truth in the Lord. He leads me through anything and he protects me.
The Lord knows our hearts..he sees us! He examines the heart and He only!
Dee
======= John:
Ezra 8:21-9:15
After so short a time the Israel nation is disobeying God again. Maybe the intermarriages happened because:
-the women were beautiful, exotic, or different.
-it was a way to get land or riches.
-to ensure peace between the neighbors.
Regardless the intermarrying violated God’s command.
In the past, intermarriage led to worshipping false gods. My guess – it will lead to those practices again.
Yet, not everybody disobeyed God, there was a remnant within the remnant.
I was struck by the end of Ezra’s prayer that “we” are before you in gulit…”not one of us” can stand in your presence. God’s promises were made to the nation of Israel, and in the eyes of Ezra the nation had let God down. (those that married, and perhaps those that tacitly approved by their silence, and those same people not stopping the intermarriage actively??????)
Interesting how this might complement Paul’s talk of “unity” in Romans and 1 Corinthians???? Or the silence, winking and nodding, and tacit approval going on in todays reading of 1Cor5.
John
====== John:
1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Sexual Sin in the Church
Interesting how Paul spends very little time on the sin, but in addressing the “church” regarding the sin.
By the Greek verb tense, the sin is an ongoing relationship, not a onetime fling. The reaction of the Corinthian Christians – they were puffed up, proud? Perhaps this means they were so enamored with the idea of possessing spiritual gifts and still attached to the idea of man’s wisdom – that they could rationalize this act.
As Ramona said regarding possible reasons for Solomon’s downfall – perhaps the Corinthians thought in this area they knew better or that they were above it. Sexual freedom had been a way of life in Corinth for so long, maybe they thought it was really outside the scope of religion????
“…one of the most dramatic places where the ethics of Greek culture clashed with the ethics of Jesus. Sexual immorality was an accepted fact of life for the common person in Greek culture, but it was not to be so among the followers of Jesus….It wasn’t hard for a Corinthian to think you could be religious, yet still act any way you pleased when it came to sex….. More than anything, the Corinthian Christians were probably allowing this in the name of “tolerance.” They probably were saying to themselves, “Look how loving we are. We are accepting this brother just as he is. Look how open-minded we are!” We should never underestimate what people will allow in the name of “open-mindedness.” – David Guzik
http://www.enduringword.com/commentaries/4605.htm
They should have grieved over it:
-for the man
-for themselves -because they did not confront the sinner
-and for the church – that attitude and committing of sin may spread, for if this is allowed, what else may be allowed? Much less how this reflects on God.
Paul has already established his right as an apostle and as a spiritual father to the church: not being there, in spirit Paul has already passed judgment on the man.
WHOA! What about the sermon on the mount…’judge not, lest you be judged.’
Paul is not being disobedient in the slightest way. Jesus’ command in Matthew 7:1-5 forbids hypocritical judgment, and judging others by a standard that we ourselves do not want to be judged by. Paul is perfectly willing to apply the same standards to himself that he is applying to the Corinthian Christians. – David Guzik
Some judgment is permitted, and some is not. “While Christians are not to judge one another’s motives or ministries, we are certainly expected to be honest about each other’s conduct.” (Wiersbe)
Jesus in Matthew 18 addresses this issue of sin of a brother, much less continual sin. Confront him individually, if not resolved with two or three others, if not resolved:
MAtt 18:17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. NIV
[NOTE: (an aside) There was no church in Jesus’ day. The church Jesus mentions is “ekklesia” meaning an assembly or gathering of people (with common interest like citizens of city or Christians). It in no way here or in epistles refers to “a building” or “institution”.]
That is have nothing to do with them (like pagans and tax collectors). I believe that Jesus is not talking about judging the man, but rather in restitution and restoration of brotherhood. If it cannot be acheived, then “shunning” is appropriate. It is not that we are not to have anything to do with pagans or tax collectors (Paul says as much in 1 Co 5:10) – we share, love and pray for them. BUT as non-believers they are not to be a part of the church. That is the way they are to treat the sinner in ! Cor 5.
I kind of disagree with David Guzik. Personally, I think Paul is not judging him in place of God, nor as God will judge him, but assessing and determining in the spirit what his sin is doing to the church – how the sinners conduct reflects on the Church and God.
So what is Paul’s solution? If the man is continuosly sinning in this affair, does not repent – how do we deal with this guy?
So what is Paul’s solution? If the man is continuosly sinning in this affair, does not repent – how do we deal with this guy?
The same way Jesus advised.
1Cor5:5 hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord. NIV
[There is also precedent in that Job was turned over to Satan – and he passed that test. Satan asked to sift Peter as wheat. Peter was turned over to Satan – Peter hated what he did (denying Jesus) and repented. Also mentioned in 1Tim1:18.
This is a hard concept, and I can only trust in the Lord, that for a believer it is what is needed to bring him back in line with the Holy Spirit. For a non-believer, it is necessary so that the body of Christ not be mocked.]
This is a very difficult passage to interpret. Not the expelling of the sinner from the church, but the implications of what will happen to the man. I am open to other’s thoughts.
Paul spent a lot of time in Romans talking about the security of “salvation”. So what is going on here?
The man is a member of the church – a brother. So although we may assume he is saved, we, as readers, really do not know. The man should know. Definately God knows.
If saved: Then the man is released to the world (Satan), and in Corinth wallows in the sexual sin. Like the Prodigal son wallowed with the pigs! The man by the power of the Spirit will realize how low he has sunk and realize what he is missing from being banned from Church – and come back in repentance. Like the father in prodigal son, the church should receive him back after repentance. Remember the prodigal son did not regain or become a “son” to the Father, he never lost his “sonship”.
If he does not repent and come back, then he will die in his flesh in the earthly pleasures, but yet his spirit will be saved on the day of the Lord. His rewards at that time though will be insignificant or possibly nothing.
If not saved: then by handing over to the World, Satan can buffet him like Job.Or he can sink so low and be so broken, that he may truly turn back to the Lord, repent and actually be saved. The idea being God was drawing him originally when he joined church (even if not saved), and if “chosen” this man will be worked on by God through the “world” until he is broken and repents. For our God is a faithful God who will complete his works.
Personally, I lean to the “saved” version, but Truthfully – I do not know.
John
====== Vance:
I REALLY enjoyed the comment from the Jewish rabbi on the radio that, in effect, was:
“You will never be the master of the Torah– God’s Word– only the student.”
I don’t know about you, but I find that my flesh, my humanity gets tired of always wanting to learn and grow… tired of always needing to go out of my comfort zone and grow.
Well… I will just have to bring this to the Lord!
Speakiing of our wonderful Jewish roots, I was reading the “Tehillim” which means “Psalms”. I was reading Psalm 114:9.
Below is the English translation of this verse in the “Tehillim”, along with a comment about this verse that really challenged me.
“Rescue me from my enemies, HASHEM (God of Mercy),
I hid my plight from all but you.”
This is the comment on the SECOND PART of the verse,
“I hid my plight from all but you” :
“The Psalmist says that despite all his tribulations, he keeps his troubles hidden from everyone, because no human beings can help him. Only to God does he pour out his heart.”
The next comment REALLY blessed me —
“David immersed his soul in Divine love and ‘concealed himself’ in the Almighty. This positive attitude is expressed by King Solomon (Proverbs 10:12): ‘And love covers over all sins.’
ISN’T THAT EXCELLENT ?? !
~~~~~~~
For myself, I thank God for James 5:16 —
“Confess your sins (weaknesses, faults) one to another so that you may be healed.”
This verse obviously tells me that, according to His will and design, God ministers to me directly.
However, also according to His will and design, God will also speak through believers who are yielded to Him and filled with His Spirit.
“The manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (I Cor. 12:7)
I need to listen to James 5:15 as well as other passages (Romans 12,
I Corinthians 12, Ephesians 4, etc.)
~~~~~~~
So.. how do I put the verse in Psalms to only to God and also to the body of Christ (“Where two or more are gathered in My Name, there I am in the mdist of them”)?
I do it by hearing in my head the challenge of my wife. We need to go to God for ourselves and receive from him. She often tells me that people go to church expecting to receive from men what only God can give.
HOW TRUE !
So..
I THANK GOD for this challenge to “IMMERSE MY SOUL IN DIVINE LOVE AND CONCEAL MYSELF IN THE ALMIGHTY.”
I do not want my lips to “sound” close to God, yet my heart be “far” from Him.
So…
God ALONE is my Source.
What I give, I give to Him FIRST out of love. This is a seed of love that I sow.
“What I sow to the Spirit, I will reap.” (Galatians 6)
Vance
======= Vance:
Ezra 9 (NKJV)
5
At the evening sacrifice I arose from my fasting; and having torn my garment and my robe, I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the LORD my God.
6
And I said: “O my God, I am too ashamed and humiliated to lift up my face to You, my God; for our iniquities have risen higher than our heads, and our guilt has grown up to the heavens.
I Corinthians 5 (NKJV)
6
Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?
7
Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us.
8
Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
11
But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.
Psalm 31 (NKJV)
5
Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O LORD God of truth.
6
I have hated those who regard useless idols; but I trust in the LORD.
Proverbs 21 (NKJV)
2
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.
NOTE:
May we have the truest spirit of being “poor in spirit” and of true, lasting, and deep repentance.
Not just because we need to see where we have sinned, and not just because sin is wicked—though this is true.
This verse keeps ringing in my spirit—the true substance and reality of who we are IN CHRIST:
Colossians 3 (NKJV)
1
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God.
2
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.
3
For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4
When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
5
Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
YES…
I need to repent so God can show me any way I have displeased and dishonored Him. I need to repent for any sin I have committed.
YOU AND I ARE COMPLETE IN CHRIST, and we truly “have died” and our life is “truly hidden with Christ in God”, and Christ “is our life”.
It is NOT true to our new nature in the Spirit to live in sin.
PEOPLE NEED TO SEE THE TRUE MAGNIFICENT GLORY OF THE FATHER AND JESUS in us. The Lord Jesus longs to manifest HIS CHARACTER THROUGH US. May that ALSO be a reason for me – for you – to repent.
Romans 6:4 (NKJV)
4
Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
GREEK: Buried – sunthapto {soon-thap’-to} – to bury together with
Through baptism believers “thereby declare that they put faith in the expiatory death of Christ for the pardon of their past sins; therefore Paul likens baptism to a burial by which the former sinfulness is buried, i.e. utterly taken away.
GREEK: Glory – doxa {dox’-ah}
1.
splendour, brightness
a.
magnificence, excellence, preeminence, dignity, grace – of God, of Jesus
b.
kingly majesty which belongs to him as supreme ruler, majesty in the sense of the absolute perfection of the deity
c.
the absolutely perfect inward or personal excellency of Christ; the majesty
d.
a most glorious condition, most exalted state
e.
weighty substance—eternal, true, of true value
~~~
As Jesus was physically, literally raised from the dead by the magnificent splendor, moral excellence, and true substance of the Father—
So we are called to walk in newness of life by the glory of the Father.
Jesus has made provision for us to do that.
~~~
WE WILL NEVER ARRIVE FULLY IN THIS LIFE—and the more I learn the more questions I have.
But, also by grace, the more I want to GROW!
Philippians 3 (NKJV)
12
Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me.
13
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,
14
I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
YET… in the middle of real longing and real questions—we ARE COMPLETE IN CHRIST
Colossians 2 (Amplified Bible)
9
For in Him the whole fullness of Deity (the Godhead) continues to dwell in bodily form [giving complete expression of the divine nature].
10
And you are in Him, made full and having come to fullness of life [in Christ you too are filled with the Godhead–Father, Son and Holy Spirit–and reach full spiritual stature]. And He is the Head of all rule and authority [of every angelic principality and power].
11
In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, but in a [spiritual] circumcision [performed by] Christ by stripping off the body of the flesh (the whole corrupt, carnal nature with its passions and lusts).
12
[Thus you were circumcised when] you were buried with Him in [your] baptism, in which you were also raised with Him [to a new life] through [your] faith in the working of God [as displayed] when He raised Him up from the dead.
13
And you who were dead in trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your flesh (your sensuality, your sinful carnal nature), [God] brought to life together with [Christ], having [freely] forgiven us all our transgressions,
14
Having cancelled and blotted out and wiped away the handwriting of the note (bond) with its legal decrees and demands which was in force and stood against us (hostile to us). This [note with its regulations, decrees, and demands] He set aside and cleared completely out of our way by nailing it to [His] cross.
15
[God] disarmed the principalities and powers that were ranged against us and made a bold display and public example of them, in triumphing over them in Him and in it [the cross].
Vance
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