Epistles (written)

Saturday, 7 June 2014

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,… 1 Corinthians 5:4

This verse introduces the sentence which Paul recommends to be executed on the offender he has been speaking about since verse 1. The next verse will be the pronouncement of the sentence. His words give us insights into the apostolic authority and also its limitations. Although there are no true apostles today, we can discern proper church discipline from his words.

“In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” indicates the ultimate authority of church matters. It is the Lord’s church and He is the head of it. When actions of this nature are taken, they are done so in His name. No other authority would make sense. Stating that a judgment is made in the name of the pope would be to supplant the authority of Christ Himself. That, or any other such title of power, would be less than the ultimate authority and thus no true authority at all.

“When you are gathered together” indicates that the church is to be kept informed of such decisions and actions and, although not necessarily involved directly in the decision, they are to be witnesses of it. Elsewhere, the authority of elders is noted and explained. They have a proper position within the church and they have been selected to make the final judgments.

This goes all the way back to the first such established church recording which is the Council in Jerusalem in Acts 15. There at that meeting, the apostles were gathered and they spoke. However, the final decision was rendered not by them, but by James, the Lord’s brother, who wasn’t even a named apostle. As it’s leader, it was his judgment which was accepted and acted upon.

Paul then notes, “along with my spirit.” This is like saying, “This is my decision on the matter. Act on it as if I were there speaking at this council.” Those in the church had the right to reject his words, but they would be rejecting God’s appointed counselor if they did. Now his words, and those of the other apostles chosen to write portions of the Bible, are recorded for us. We should always go to the Bible for our instruction and then render our decisions based on it.

To reject it would be comparable to those in Corinth rejecting Paul’s words here. It would be a decision not rendered according to the will of Jesus Christ and thus it would be devoid of “the power of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This final section of the verse shows that this “power” was in fact granted to Paul for such matters. Rejecting his determination (which they could do) would be to reject the determination of Christ Himself. We stand in the same position now because God’s word is complete and ready for our use in such matters.

Today, rather than the apostles, we have the Bible which was given under divine inspiration for our guidance in all matters. From this source, and in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are to allow our elders to render their decisions concerning such related church matters.

Life application: What authority is your church relying upon for their doctrine, practice, and judgments? If it is claimed to be “Holy Ghost power,” then it had better line up with what the Bible states (because the Bible was given under inspiration of the Holy Ghost) or it isn’t “Holy Ghost Power.” If it is claimed to be formal Council decisions of the past or some type of catechisms, then they need to line up with the Bible as well. If they don’t, then there is no true power from the Lord in them. No matter what authority is claimed, it must be in accord with the words of Scripture or it is false authority for such matters.

Thank You Lord for the words of Scripture. They have been given under divine inspiration and so I know that I can go to them for all matters of life, faith, and practice. You have spoken, and although the Bible is large, I know that it is the best place for me to go to know Your heart, intent, and plan for me. Thank You for the Bible, your superior word. Amen.

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.