1 Corinthians 5-8
December 8, 2014

In chapter three Paul introduces the topic of divisions within the Church.  He begins a detailed teaching here in these chapters about what is permissible and what is best.  In some cases he is stating his own opinion, in other places he is dictating doctrine.   When he talks about marriage, he is occasionally stating his own opinion..he says so in verse 6 and 12 of chapter 7.

In 5, the church is rebuked for allowing a person who has knowingly remained in sin to be active within the church.  The similarity today would be keeping this person active in membership and perhaps leadership.   When someone decides to violate the covenant, they should be removed from favor and position.  Today the church is guilty of this very thing with regard to homosexual leaders.  Something that God has called an abomination is accepted, and even celebrated.  5:2 says that the church was "proud" of their decision.  But that didn't make it right.   The pathway back to holiness is to expel those who defy the teachings of Jesus Christ.   I think they should still come to church, but should be seen as unbelievers, not as members of the fellowship.   We don't treat unbelievers poorly, so we shouldn't treat them poorly either.   With love and firmness we should encourage all believers to remain faithful.

Then Paul addresses lawsuits.  It would appear that there isn't any forgiveness active within the church.  When we forgive others it brings about a demonstration of the Spirit's power.  In fact, forgiveness is a demonstration of the Spirit's power.   What Paul is saying is "how do you expect anyone to believe that we are loving and forgiving people if you can't even get along with each other?"    I can't remember a time when there weren't divisions within the church.  The devil seems to thrive on creating problems between friends and brothers.  And generally these problems are greatly overblown, almost to the point that it's humorous.   I once saw families leave a church because one person brought doughnuts into a sunday school classroom.  Another time it was over the piano.  One time a man and his family left because people didn't agree with his opinion in a board meeting.   None of these were good reasons, none of these folks were operating under the influence of the Holy Spirit.  It didn't make them non-believers, just less than what they could be.     In fact, God still worked through most of them...but their decisions cost the church a great deal of effectiveness.   It would have been far better had they chosen to be humble, and submit to the overall will of the body...after all, nothing they were being asked to do was sinful, only different.     And the rest of the body could have easily done the same...but both parties had hardened hearts.

Paul seems to believe that Jesus is coming back in his lifetime, and for that reason he says that we would be better not to marry.  I think if Paul had known what we know today, he wouldn't have the exact same opinion...or the church would have ceased to exist!   But his point is valid...God doesn't call all people to be married.  Some are given "the gift"  (I mean that seriously) of remaining single.  It's a gift because it allows a greater flexibility to serve the Lord than what a married person can do.    There isn't anything wrong with marriage, and there are many people who couldn't be in ministry unless they were married (myself included).  

There's so much more to say on the subject of marriage, and behavior inside marriage, but the topic is sure to come up again before the end of the bible....we can discuss it more then.  :)


PR