Truth hurts

January 12, 2021 (Tuesday)

 

Truth hurts. That’s why we are told to speak truth in love (see Ephesians 4:15). There are times the Bible speaks some hard truths. Let’s tackle one that will offend people.

 

“I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.” [1 Corinthians 5:11 CEB] Ouch.

 

I feel sorrow for those who do not know Christ, who behave in a way listed above. I feel sorrow for them because I know what the Bible states waits for them in eternity. When someone who claims to follow Christ behaves this way, I have a sense of dread. It’s not just eternity, but the present damage that can (and often is) done to the church.

 

I once encountered an old pastor that tried to teach me this lesson. At the time, I thought he was being unloving and self-righteous. I seriously wish I had listened. If I could go back in time, I would tell younger self to not be so nice and deal with the sin.

 

My problem is that I believed in the grace of God. Let me explain. I seriously underestimated the overall effect of the presence of such a person in the body of Christ. My approach was to preach the word and pray the Holy Spirit would reach them. I still believe that approach. But some things just need to be dealt with directly.

 

Deal with issues when they come up is a learning experience. It is an opportunity to coach. Ultimately it is a chance for correction and growth. It is the best way to love someone. Jesus handle different people in different ways. To the religious elite, who should have known better, Jesus was harsh. To the sinners and down trodden, Jesus was gentle and open. With His disciples, Jesus was direct. Each of these ways are an expression of love.

 

Look at the list: sexual sin, greedy, worship idols, abusive, drunkard, cheat. These can be predatory. These can require a victim. The one thing for certain, these are behavior of unregenerate people (not born again). In other words, they are fake Christians. They may be deceived by bad theology, the enemy of humanity (Satan), or wishful thinking.

 

The idea of eating with them has several possible meanings. In America, in the twenty-first century, we tend to celebrate communion in an emblematic fashion. We have bread, cracker, or wafer as an emblem of Christ’s body. We have the cup representing the blood of Jesus. However, the early church most likely celebrated communion as part of a full meal (see 1 Corinthians 11:20 – 21).

 

Another idea of eating with people is the reality of the unifying factor of sharing a meal. It is one of friendship, agreement, and familiarity. In a sense, it is acceptance. Sin should never be celebrated. Sin should never be given acceptance. Sin should never be invited to the table.

 

The verse I started with is in context to a situation where Paul recommended, “You are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.” [1 Corinthians 5:5 ESV] So, rather than letting them slide into Hell without resistance, Paul advised we fight for their soul.

                                                                                     

And maybe, just maybe, we might save a church.