Sunday, October 10, 2010
BIBLE IN A YEAR: Proverbs 6-8 & 2 Corinthians 5
THANKFUL SUBMISSION – Submission to the Church
SCRIPTURE READING
1 Corinthians 5:1, 3-5 (NIV); “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you… Even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. And I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present. When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan, so that the sinful nature may be destroyed and his spirit saved on the day of the Lord.”
This was an extreme case of immorality in the Corinthian church, but it nevertheless points out an important responsibility of Christians. While we are not to be judgmental towards others, there are times when we ARE to confront others lovingly. Of course, confrontation must always be done prayerfully and sensitively and must be instigated and guided by the Spirit. Not all issues are necessary or serious enough to confront. We also have to be very careful to look at ourselves and our own motives – are we confronting out of genuine love for the person, or do we have a personal agenda or a “bone to pick”? We have to make sure that we ourselves are spiritually equipped enough and called to confront someone. We must also consider our relationship with them. It’s often a good idea to bring the issue to their leader first. Seeking direction and discernment from leadership before you act out is a test of humility and will reveal your own motives. Sometimes what we think the Spirit is telling us to do needs to be affirmed by those above us in leadership. Too much damage has been done by people running around confronting anyone they choose because “the Spirit told them to.” Love must be our motive and we must spend time in prayer, searching our own hearts and asking for wisdom and discernment regarding the issue.
PRAYER & MEDITATION
1. Are you being confronted about anything in particular? Take time now to come before Jesus, defenses down, and ask Him if there is any truth to the accusation. If there truly is none, ask Him how He wants to use the situation for good in your life anyways.
2. Is there anyone you want to confront? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your own motives. Ask Him to convict you of sin. Ask Him to bring you to a leader who you can talk and pray with for discernment.
