Embedded Files
BE HOLY, EMBRACE DISCIPLINE
BE HOLY, EMBRACE DISCIPLINE
The statement in 1 Peter 1:15-16 to "BE HOLY" is not a mere suggestion — it is a COMMAND, a resounding directive for God's people to uphold holiness. As God's chosen people, we are called to lead lives that stand apart from the ways of the world. However, just as the Corinthian church faced its own set of challenges and struggles in this regard, so do we in our contemporary world.
The statement in 1 Peter 1:15-16 to "BE HOLY" is not a mere suggestion — it is a COMMAND, a resounding directive for God's people to uphold holiness. As God's chosen people, we are called to lead lives that stand apart from the ways of the world. However, just as the Corinthian church faced its own set of challenges and struggles in this regard, so do we in our contemporary world.
During the time of the Apostle Paul, the city of Corinth was a bustling metropolis strategically located between two prominent ports. The Corinthian church wrestled not only with issues of division but also with pervasive immorality deeply ingrained in their culture. Immorality had infiltrated their ranks to a shocking extent, even to the point of an incestuous relationship, a behavior unheard of even among those outside the church. This was the grave matter that Paul was addressing in 1 Corinthians 5. From it, we learn that we need to EMBRACE DISCIPLINE to be holy, and there are four key actions we need to take:
During the time of the Apostle Paul, the city of Corinth was a bustling metropolis strategically located between two prominent ports. The Corinthian church wrestled not only with issues of division but also with pervasive immorality deeply ingrained in their culture. Immorality had infiltrated their ranks to a shocking extent, even to the point of an incestuous relationship, a behavior unheard of even among those outside the church. This was the grave matter that Paul was addressing in 1 Corinthians 5. From it, we learn that we need to EMBRACE DISCIPLINE to be holy, and there are four key actions we need to take:
I. RESTORE THE SINNER
Instead of confronting the immorality within the church, the Corinthian believers had grown complacent and even arrogant (1 Corinthians 5:2). When there is sin among us, we are to mourn (to repent, acknowledge sin before God). God accepts us the way we are BUT His love refuses to leave us the way we are. His discipline is not meant to punish but to redeem. It aims to redirect our lives so we can experience the fullness of life in Christ (Hebrews 12:9-10). In a similar way, just as parents discipline their children out of love, God uses discipline to reach the depths of our hearts. When there is sin among us, we are to respond in repentance and humility before God.
How do we go about helping a fellow believer be restored? Galatians 6:1 advises us to approach this task with gentleness. Here's a simple step-by-step guide:
1. Talk privately with the person (Matthew 18:15, Proverbs 27:6)
2. If the person does not listen, bring witnesses to attest to him/her (Matthew 18:16)
3. If the person still does not listen, tell the body of believers (Matthew 18:17a)
4. If the person still refuses to listen, do not associate with the person (Matthew 18:17b, 1 Corinthians 5:3-5)
II. REMOVE THE SIN
Just as a pinch of yeast can transform an entire lump of dough into bread, even a small sin can have a pervasive and corrupting influence within the community of believers. In the context of 1 Corinthians 12:26-27, we understand that we are intricately connected as members of the body of Christ. We must take sin seriously. It is destructive, and if left unchecked, can harm not only ourselves but also the unity and effectiveness of the entire body of Christ.
III. RECEIVE GOD’S GRACE
In our pursuit of holiness and the restoration of fellow believers, it's essential to grasp the significance of receiving God's grace. The idea of being "unleavened" (v.7) underscores God's grace through Christ. By His blood, Christ our Passover lamb (Exodus 12:13) cleanses us from sin in our lives. He is the source of our "unleavened" state, making us holy. 1 Peter 2:9 reminds us that God has set us apart and made us holy.
IV. REDEEM THE WORLD
Following the example of Jesus, who actively engaged with unbelievers (John 17:15), we are called to do the same as part of our mission to redeem the world. Our pursuit of holiness equips us to be the salt and light that positively impacts the world around us. However, it's essential to recognize that our effectiveness in this mission is closely tied to our commitment to living holy lives. The story of the individual mentioned earlier (1 Cor. 5:5), who was eventually restored in 2 Corinthians 2:6-8, serves as a reminder that the process of redemption often involves a combination of tough love and gentleness.
As we endeavor to be holy and embrace discipline, let us aspire to reflect God's heart of redemption in all aspects of our lives, both in our relationships with fellow believers and in our interactions with the world.
Discuss this Message
Discuss this Message
What area of your life are you compromising in (e.g. sex, money, possessions, drink, tongue, others)?
What attitude must you change to create a healthier environment in your small group or family for correction and discipline?
What is preventing you from embracing discipline (e.g. hypcrisy, fear, pride, others)? How will you remove this barrier?
Download the 4Ws here
Download the 4Ws here
4Ws-WWWU-EMBRACE-DISCIPLINE-SEPT-3-2023-MAIN.pdfDownload the 4Ws here (GoViral)
Download the 4Ws here (GoViral)
4Ws-WWWU-EMBRACE-DISCIPLINE-SEPT-3-2023-GO-VIRAL.pdfReport abuse