“I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 5:5)
The only valuable thing that a sinful lifestyle has to offer is the consequences. The consequences of immoral living – depression, isolation, financial distress, health impacts, and even legal troubles can lead someone to look upward for hope. The consequences are the reminder that a life led by Satan doesn’t work and that true joy can only be found in Jesus.
This fact is exactly why we must be careful not to shield people from natural consequences for bad behavior. When we as individuals, friends, parents, or collectively as the church protect the unrepentant from the price of their sin, we become complicit in the devil’s masquerade that sin comes without a cost. Guarding the flesh should never be more valuable than saving the spirit.
Matthew 4:4 #Biblebites
Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Questions to ask:
- How is Paul feeling as he writes today’s passage? What is his mood?
- What are the central themes in Paul’s preaching and teaching which are being emphasized, or how are the central themes in this epistle being emphasized in today’s reading?
- How does our reading show Paul’s people skills, especially how he handles conflict?
- What in this passage would change the lives of the believer(s) being addressed? How does it make me a better disciple?
- How does this show the “good news” of the gospel? How can I share that with someone else?
This year, #Biblebites are following the life and writings of Paul. If you would like a copy of the reading schedule, you can view it here: https://eastlandchristians.org/news-events/2023-vision