Author: Charlie Garrett

Friday, 6 June 2014

For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. 1 Corinthians 5:3

In this verse, Paul writes in broken thoughts as if he were mourning over his words and contemplating each one carefully, even through tears of sadness. Each is a separate heartfelt consideration of what must occur in order for the situation to be resolved. Beginning with “For I indeed…” He is stressing the importance of the issue which is being considered in connection with the previous words “that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.”

“As absent in body but present in spirit” is a way of saying that his physical absence from the congregation doesn’t negate his spiritual tie to them. He is, in his heart and affections, right there worshipping with them. He is attuned to their situation, feeling their emotions, and sharing in their highs and lows. In this case, it is as a father with his beloved children discussing a matter which will ultimately adversely affect them unless they get it resolved.

In this he shares that [I] “have already judged (as though I were present)…” In his deliberations over the matter, which began the moment that they were relayed to him, and probably through much prayer and reflection, he came to a judgment as to what needed to be done. However, he isn’t present and so he can only relay his judgment from afar. The broken sentences then are explained in this. He is conveying emotion and a profound determination through them. We do this with exclamation points and other punctuation which was lacking in the Greek. Therefore, sentence structure was important in this manner.

And Paul’s judgment is against, “him who has so done this deed.” The matter of sexual immorality needed to be handled and it didn’t matter who it was. He has been singled out in Paul’s letter indirectly and it is now incumbent on those around that person to take the necessary action that Paul will recommend in the coming verses.

Life application: The reason why so many churches have no moral base is because of compromise over moral issues. Friendships arise that may preclude harsh judgment. Wealthy donors may have their transgressions overlooked because of the supposed need for their money. The same may be true with the politically connected. Eventually, such examples will become the standard. When this occurs, the church is doomed. Jesus has been left outside the door for the sake of tolerance and compromise. The lampstand will be removed and Judgment Day will be a day of regret, not rejoicing.

Lord God, Your word presents standards which are expected to be maintained, but too often it’s easier to ignore those things than to confront the difficult issues which arise in a church. Help each of us to think clearly on this and to realize that Your word is more important than our sense of tolerance or moral compromise. Grant us willing hearts to be obedient, even when it is so difficult to take such steps. Amen.

Thursday, 5 June 2014

And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. 1 Corinthians 5:2

Paul in this verse is referring to the sexual immorality which exists within the church from the previous verse. He now begins with “and” which is used to demonstrate the absurdity of the state of things within their ranks. In essence he says, “You act in this manner, but shouldn’t it rather be the opposite!”

And the words are, “And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned.” Instead of their “puffed up” attitude which was mentioned in 4:19, they should be in a state of mourning and anguish over what is occurring right there among them. To be fair, they could be “puffed up” in one of two ways.

1) They were puffed up and filled with conceit and pride despite the wickedness which was among them, or

2) They were puffed up and filled with conceit because of the wickedness which was among them.

The first is probably the true case. They were acting arrogantly and dividing over petty allegiances even though there were greater issues which needed to be considered. However, the wickedness of the heart (Jeremiah 17:9) is never to be dismissed, even among a group, and so it could be that despite being divided over which leader was best, they were united in an antinomian attitude towards sin; accepting that which was forbidden.

Which is the case cannot be determined, but both show a negligence towards proper conduct within the church. Instead of accepting how things were with this person, Paul notes “that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.” Instead of fellowshipping with such a person, they should have already excommunicated him. But rather than facing the problem from this perspective, they have either avoided it or openly condoned it. Paul shows them that this is the wrong attitude; mourning, not acceptance, was needed.

Life application: It sure is easy to overlook things which might otherwise cause us to have to act in a manner which seems “judgmental” or “intolerant.” However, in such cases, it is not we who actually decide the course of action to take, it is God who has given His word for our Christian walk. If we can remember this, then we will remember that we are honoring Him by adhering to His word.

Lord God, Your word mandates certain actions are to be taken to keep the church pure. Too often we overlook faults which are to be censured, but we do this in disobedience to what You have instructed, thus two wrongs exist. Help us to think clearly on the sanctity of Your word, to adhere to its admonitions, and to be resolute in standing on its principles. In this, I know You will be glorified. Amen.

Wednesday, 4 June 2014

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! 1 Corinthians 5:1

At the end of the previous chapter, Paul noted those who were “puffed up” in their conduct. To close out the chapter he said, “What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?” This sets the tone for chapter 5 which begins with words that are hard to imagine in any society at any time.

“It is actually reported…” indicates that Paul received word about the matter. But it also indicates that it is a known matter; something not hidden from the outside world. It was probably Chloe who reported this as she was the source of Paul’s writing in the first place as was previously seen in chapter 1 –

“For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.” 1 Corinthians 1:11

“That there is sexual immorality among you…” This is the reason for Paul’s mentioning of “a rod” as noted above. This is something which is intolerable within the body and which needs to be addressed. Bringing this up here in his epistle, which is recorded in the Bible, indicates that it is an offense for all ages, not something merely cultural within the area of Corinth. The implication then at this point, and throughout the rest of the New Testament, is that sexual immorality is not to be practiced or excused.

But there is more. This wasn’t just a case of sexual immorality which occurred through momentary passions. Instead, it was a deliberate act and one which was considered deplorable in the society at that or any time. This can be discerned from the words “and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles…” What was being practiced was reprehensible even among the Gentiles. This wasn’t a matter of merely reinserting the law of Moses (see Leviticus 18:8). Rather, it was a matter which is written on the conscience of all people (see Romans 1:28-32).

Because of the offending nature of the act, and because even the Gentiles knew the utter impropriety of the matter, how shameful it was for someone in the church to conduct his affairs in such a way. And more – how shameful it was that the church knew about it and had done nothing to correct it (as will be seen in the verses ahead).

And the offence was “that a man has his father’s wife!” This was forbidden by the Law of Moses, which arguably is set aside in Christ, but it was an act which was known to be wrong by all people instinctively. Further, it violated the edict issued by the council in Jerusalem which is recorded in Acts 15 and which stated –

“We have therefore sent Judas and Silas, who will also report the same things by word of mouth.  For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things:  that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.” Acts 15:27-29

Life application: Doctrine for the Church Age has been given by Paul for our learning, guidance, adherence, and for our good. What is written there has been given for the sake of the church as well as individuals within the church. To flagrantly ignore mandates and exhortations which are prescriptive in nature can only cause harm to both. When one acts in such a manner, they are bringing disgrace upon the name of Jesus Christ. Be firm in your convictions that you will neither act in such a manner, nor allow it to be tolerated in your church.

Lord God, surely Your word has been given to us for our good and for the health of the entire body of saints. Help me to be firm in my convictions that I will never act in a manner contrary to what the Spirit has revealed in the pages of the Bible. And Lord, help me to also be firm in handling such matters which may arise in the church I attend as well. Timidity can only lead to tolerance; tolerance to disobedience; and disobedience to shame. Give me the strength to stand firm on Your precious word. Amen.

Tuesday, 3 June 2014

What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness? 1 Corinthians 4:21

After his many comments of chapter 4, which are tied in completely with the preceding chapters concerning “divisions” within the church, Paul asks in a forthright manner, “What do you want?” In essence, “The choice is up to you when I come and the results will be realized upon my arrival.” And the choices are given:

1) “Shall I come to you with a rod?” Is discipline necessary when I arrive? The idea of a using a rod is for one who needs correction and redirection. If it needs to be used in a harsh way, so be it. A rod can be employed for something as simple as redirecting the head of a lamb to move where the shepherd desires all the way to smashing one’s enemies with brutal force. “Is the rod what you wish?”

Or,

2) “Shall I come to you in love and a spirit of gentleness?” Paul writes about love later in 1 Corinthians 13 in a way that shows what he means. The demonstration of love is one which “does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth” (1 Corinthians 13:5, 6). Along with this would naturally come “a spirit of gentleness.” There would be no rod of correction, but gentle words of direction, guidance, and a harmonious spirit. “Would you prefer love and gentleness?”

Paul will continue to write in this manner in his second letter to them. In 2 Corinthians 10:2, he will tell them, “But I beg you that when I am present I may not be bold with that confidence by which I intend to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.”

And again in 2 Corinthians 13:10 he will be direct in his words to show that he is serious about what he has said –

“Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority which the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction.”

Paul’s direction was always for edification, not destruction. But he also knew that a strong rod of correction may be needed. It must have broken his heart to have to speak in the manner he did, but in the end, strong words are occasionally needed for keeping the body united and working toward the common goal of spreading the good news in truth and in accord with the word.

Life application: Why should we butt our heads against the word of God? If Paul was set to correct those who were disobedient with a rod, how much more do we deserve correction – we who have the whole counsel of God in written format? Let us spend our time wisely, learning, loving, cherishing, and adhering to God’s precious word.

How precious is Your word to me O God!
More precious than oil upon my head
It is a light to my feet and a lamp for where I trod
Rather to have Your word, than all the world’s gold instead

Your word I have hidden in my heart
That I might not sin against You
Help me from this day forward to start
Pursuing Your word, even till my days are through

Heavenly Father, the minute care You have shown in the giving of Your word demonstrates how absolutely important it is to You. How can I spend my days playing, fiddling, and knitting when Your word sits unattended? Give me the wisdom to heed! To read! To learn! and To share! Give me this and in using it, I know with me You will be pleased. Thank You for Your word! Amen.

Monday, 2 June 2014

For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. 1 Corinthians 4:20

“For” refers directly back to what was just stated about Paul’s coming to Corinth and his discernment of the power rather than in puffed up words. Those who were puffed up were divisive and they were filled with words without substance. On the contrary, Paul was filled with the power of the Spirit and the ability to affect real change in the lives around him.

Of course he did this with the miraculous – healings and the like, but more than that, he did it by the power of the words he spoke. The words of the gospel, both then and now, effect real change in those who hear them. Drunkards turn into solid citizens, prostitutes become princesses, and the proud turn and humble themselves before God. There is great power in the words of the gospel, words to which the puffed up boastings of the world can never attain because the gospel is the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes.

This then is “the kingdom of God.” It is not an earthly kingdom, but a spiritual one. It is a group of called-out believers who have put their faith in Jesus Christ. Someday, this kingdom will be physical as Christ sits on His throne and rules among His people, but at this time, it is a kingdom of faith in Him and in the surety of God’s word.

Life application: There is power in the gospel message, but the power is of no use if it isn’t shared. The world is quickly getting darker as the church age comes to its close. Before that terrible Day which will fall upon all the unrepentant, isn’t it right that we open our mouths and share? Go forth in the power of the gospel!

Heavenly Father, there is no power like that of the gospel. Even the most debased sinner can have a change of  heart and direction through the saving message of Christ. What is perceived of by the world as bondage is actually the greatest freedom of all. To be found in Him, pardoned from a life of sin and covered by the blood of Christ is to be heaven bound and eternally secure. Thank You for allowing me to share such awesome and glorious power! Amen.