Thought from today’s Bible reading from 1 Corinthians 5-8.
The popularity of the “grace-unity” movement has led many to tolerate sin within their congregations. This was happening in Corinth when Paul wrote to them. He rebuked them for it.
“It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father’s wife. You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst” (1 Corinthians 5:1-2).
The Corinthians were being more tolerant than God allows within the bounds of fellowship. They accepted one with whom they had been told not to associate (1 Corinthians 5:11). Yet Paul did not just rebuke them for being too tolerant. He rebuked them for arrogance.
Many who wish to loosen the bounds of fellowship take pride in the fact that they are willing to overlook sin and accept the erring brother. This was the attitude of those in Corinth. They were arrogant about their willingness to accept a brother caught up in immorality.
Instead of being arrogant, we need humility. Humility does not mean we accept everyone in sin for fear that we may be accused of arrogantly passing judgment. After all, there are certain judgments that we must make (1 Corinthians 5:3, 12-13; John 7:24). We must also humbly submit to God’s will. This will lead us to obey Him and to keep the church pure.
Sin is never a cause for arrogance. Sin must result in mourning. The sinner must mourn over his sin and repent. His brethren must mourn over his sin and strive to correct him and keep the church pure.
Let us never become arrogant over sin. Instead, let us mourn over sin when it is committed and humbly submit to the will of God.
Tomorrow’s reading: 1 Corinthians 9-11
[I’m using the Chronological reading plan on the Bible Gateway website if you’d like to follow along, too.]
Daily Notes & Observations contains all 365 articles from this series and is available in paperback from Gospel Armory.
