WHICH DO YOU WANT FIRST: THE BAD NEWS OR THE REALLY BAD NEWS?
- Key Verse
For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. "Purge the evil person from among you." (1 Corinthians 5:12-13 ESV)
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Central Truth
As committed believers, we’re commanded to deal responsibly and effectively with habitual sin in the Body of Christ as in our own lives.
Reflections
In all honesty, I wish they hadn’t sent me this section of Scripture. Of all the encounters out there, I abhor confrontations; but, sometimes they’re unavoidable, especially if you see a loved one racing headlong into a brick wall at 100 miles per hour—only they don’t know the wall’s there.
I think we’ve all known people who could keep at bay attempts to be confronted either by their charm, by their explosive anger or even by appearing withdrawn. Sadly these relationships remain superficial and without much accountability.
When I became a believer, I quickly discovered the rebuke, which some delivered much more severely than others. For a long time, I protested to the Lord and determined I would avoid this unpleasant side, complaining that things obviously weren’t said in love anyway. I became angry toward some, fearful toward others. Proverbs 29:25 says, “The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.” And Psalm 141:5 says, “Let the righteous smite me in kindness and reprove me; It is oil upon the head; Do not let my head refuse it, For still my prayer is against their wicked deeds.” These verses became real to me because my attitude of anger manifested itself outwardly and other believers became less and less eager to share the insights that God had given them—insights I really needed to continue to walk in the light. As I continued in my life, I made some poor choices, all because I had isolated myself from the correction of other believers.
These days, if a fellow believer who confronts me has a bad attitude, then I need to respond to that according to Scripture; but, I’m not going to ignore their comments because of their attitude. “It is oil upon the head; Do not let my head refuse it, For still my prayer is against their wicked deeds.” One of the ways God speaks to us is through other believers. I pray that I am mature enough to hear.
Discussion Questions
1. Read Deuteronomy 17:2-7; Deuteronomy 13:1-5; Deuteronomy 19:11-13. What pattern do you see here?2. Read 1 Corinthians 5:6 and Galatians 5:9. What happens to sin that is not dealt with in the Body?
3. Read 1 Samuel 15:23. Why is repentance important?
Becky Milne
April 28, 2010 07:14 AM
This is straight from the Lord, Stephanie! I was dealing with this issue the very minute before I read your comments. Be blessed to know that your struggles have been used by Jesus to encourage others! Keep sharing your insights!
Jon
April 28, 2010 07:33 AM
Nice job Stephanie !! I always think this passage when I think of Church health. I must ask myself if I was caught in sin whould I be confronted by the brethren in love or would my sin be merely passed around via prayer request? Would my sin be pointed out or pointed at? And I must ask myself, do I Love my God enough to accept the admonition whether right or wrong with grace? Am I healthy enough and have reputation enough to confront a brothers sin with out being called hipocrit? Do I even care enough to confront?
Linda Knox
April 28, 2010 08:11 AM
Great words Steph - something I need to hear and to heed! Thanks for sharing.
melody wong
April 28, 2010 10:41 AM
hey stephanie - great insights!!
David
April 30, 2010 12:01 PM
Great word! I also struggle when a fellow believer lifts the mirror in front of me and I'm forced to look inwardly at my reflection. Thanks for the encouragement! I needed to hear it today, God's timing is awesome.