You Have Become Arrogant- 1Cor 5:2
Paul confronts the Corinthians with the fact that they not only had brethren among them involved in immorality, but such immorality that even the immoral pagan culture of Corinth considered evil. While such should not even be named among us (none should live in such a way as to even be accused os such - ).
When confronted with the fact of sin, different people respond differently. We have seen this so many times. Some, like David, repent deeply and are grieved over their deeds. Some like Judas, commit suicide. Some become angry at the one confronting them over the sin. Others make a mock of it. Some are so entrenched in it that they boast of their ‘exploits’.
Of all people, God’s people should be grieved to the point of repentance when confronted with sin in their lives (read again 2 Cor. 7). Yet, the Corinthians had instead become ‘arrogant’ and accepted such sinfulness among them. Paul states that they should have mourned such behavior and removed the person from their midst (1Cor. 5:2).
Our culture is obsessed with the idea of ‘acceptance’ and a false sense of ‘toleration’. It comes as no surprise when ‘the world’ calls evil good, but it simply is outlandish that God’s people, with the very revelation of God’s will towards such, should get so mixed up.
The challenge is maintaining our holiness in the spirit of meekness and love. “Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)
Such does NOT mean that we refuse to confront and condemn sin, but we are to keep in mind that the purpose is to persuade people to return to God.
“But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.” (1Tim. 1:5).
24 The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:24-26)
While we do sin, not all respond in a godly manner. How do you respond?
Hugh DeLong
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