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November 30th

The bible reading today is in 1 Corinthians chapters 5-8.

God used Paul to teach the young Corinthian church several things in our reading today.

For instance...

#1. How was the church to deal with immorality inside the church family? The Holy Spirit led Paul to write his brethren in Corinth...“It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭5:1-2‬

How was he supposed to deal with it? Mourn...not arrogantly dismissing it like it really didn't matter...humbly taking responsibility to help the brother or sister that finds themselves away from Jesus and in need of spiritual rescue. And discipline the wayward brother or sister if needed...that is, if they don't repent and turn back to the Lord and His will.

Paul dealt with this question...

#2. Are civil lawsuits the best way for Church members to settle their offenses?

No...because “their testimony” for Christ is more important than getting even...or getting reparations for damages.

“To have lawsuits at all with one another is already a “defeat” for you. Why not rather suffer wrong? Why not rather be defrauded?”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭6:7‬‬‬

#3. Does God elevate singleness over marriage?

No....“I Paul say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and “to secure your “undivided devotion” to the Lord”.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭7:35‬

Paul was teaching that neither marriage nor singleness was the goal. But rather “undivided devotion” to Jesus. So if you and your fiance are committing yourselves to doing life with Christ...and you are making a commitment to a “Christ centered” marriage...and you both are free to marry...then amen and God’s blessing upon you.

But if you are single, God is blessing you with time and undistracted “Jesus devotion” to purposefully serve Christ and his church enthusiastically and joyfully...single-minded...toward the Lord... until He brings a life partner your way. God’s continued blessing upon you.

And it is every bit OK to desire marriage...praying for a Godly partner on mission with you for Christ’s sake is good Just don't give God a deadline. He’s good at bringing his people together for marriage.

And...#4. In chapter 8, we read where Paul counsels the Corinthian church concerning division in the body over what could and could not be eaten by believers in Jesus.

Some were judging others for taking liberties that they believed Jesus did not give.

Paul talks about freedom here. Whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, let us do it to the glory of Jesus... with a heart toward those in the church who are struggling with such freedoms versus their own ties to the law...religious or secular.

There is much to learn of doing church with Jesus and with the diversified number of people who believe Jesus. Some are young and spiritually weaker and some are stronger. Some have been on the journey of faith for good number of years. Others are brand new in the faith family.

Let us keep on learning and doing the word and will of our Savior God...together...

Have a good day