- Understanding Judgment in the Church
Devotional: In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses the often misunderstood concept of judgment within the church. He clarifies that ‘Judge not lest ye be judged’ does not mean Christians should avoid all forms of judgment. Instead, judgment is necessary for distinguishing right from wrong and maintaining the church’s spiritual health. This kind of judgment is not about looking down on others or feeling superior. It’s about lovingly helping each other stay on the right path. When we see a fellow believer struggling with sin, it’s our responsibility to gently guide them back to righteousness. This is not an act of condemnation but an act of love and care for their spiritual well-being.
Verse: ‘For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?’ – 1 Corinthians 5:12
Question: How can you lovingly help a fellow believer who is struggling with sin without feeling superior or judgmental?
Quote: Paul clarifies that ‘Judge not lest ye be judged’ does not mean Christians should avoid all forms of judgment.
Prayer: Lord, give me the wisdom and humility to lovingly guide my fellow believers back to righteousness. Help me to judge rightly, not out of a sense of superiority, but out of love and care for their spiritual well-being. Amen. - Setting Boundaries with Unrepentant Believers
Devotional: Paul advises setting boundaries with unrepentant believers, not out of condemnation, but to encourage repentance and restoration. This approach helps individuals recognize their need for God’s grace and forgiveness. When someone persists in sin without showing any signs of repentance, it is crucial to set boundaries. This is not about cutting them off completely but about creating a space where they can reflect on their actions and hopefully turn back to God. It’s a tough love approach that aims for their ultimate good.
Verse: ‘But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.’ – 1 Corinthians 5:11
Question: Are there any relationships in your life where setting boundaries could help encourage repentance and restoration?
Quote: Paul advises setting boundaries with unrepentant believers, not out of condemnation, but to encourage repentance and restoration.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, give me the courage and wisdom to set necessary boundaries with those who persist in sin. Help me to do this not out of condemnation, but out of love and a desire for their repentance and restoration. Amen. - Living Among Non-Believers
Devotional: Paul distinguishes between judging believers and non-believers, urging Christians to engage with the world and share the gospel. By living among non-believers and reflecting Christ’s love and truth, Christians can invite others into a relationship with Jesus. Our goal is not to isolate ourselves from the world but to be a light in the darkness. We are called to live in such a way that others see Christ in us and are drawn to Him. This means showing love, grace, and truth in our interactions with non-believers.
Verse: ‘Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.’ – Matthew 28:19
Question: How can you better reflect Christ’s love and truth in your interactions with non-believers?
Quote: By living among non-believers and reflecting Christ’s love and truth, Christians can invite others into a relationship with Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, help me to be a light in the darkness. Give me the courage to engage with non-believers and reflect Your love and truth in all my interactions. May my life be a testimony that draws others to You. Amen. - Taking Sin Seriously
Devotional: The church’s goal is to take sin seriously, support one another, and strive for repentance and restoration. We can’t just merely wink at sin in our midst, in our own lives, or in the lives of someone else. Sin is serious, and its consequences are serious. They can derail a church and hinder our relationship with God. Therefore, we must address sin with the seriousness it deserves, always aiming for repentance and restoration. This means holding each other accountable and supporting one another in our spiritual journeys.
Verse: ‘Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?’ – 1 Corinthians 5:6
Question: Are there areas in your life or in your church where sin is being overlooked? How can you address this in a loving and constructive way?
Quote: We can’t just merely wink at sin in our midst, in our own lives, or in the lives of someone else.
Prayer: Father, help us to take sin seriously and address it with the seriousness it deserves. Give us the courage to hold each other accountable and support one another in our spiritual journeys. May we always strive for repentance and restoration. Amen. - The Preciousness of Worship
Devotional: Is worship so precious to you that you’d be willing to let go of whatever else is in your life for the sake of being here, gathered together with other believers? Worship is a vital part of our spiritual health and growth. It is a time to come together as a community, to lift our hearts and voices to God, and to be strengthened and encouraged in our faith. When we prioritize worship, we show that our relationship with God and our spiritual health are of utmost importance. This may mean letting go of certain habits, distractions, or even relationships that hinder our worship.
Verse: ‘God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.’ – John 4:24
Question: What are some things in your life that you might need to let go of to prioritize worship and your relationship with God?
Quote: Is worship so precious to you that you’d be willing to let go of whatever else is in your life for the sake of being here, gathered together with other believers?
Prayer: Lord, help me to see the preciousness of worship and to prioritize it in my life. Give me the strength to let go of anything that hinders my worship and my relationship with You. May my worship be in spirit and truth, and may it draw me closer to You. Amen.
