Ridgell's Originals

 I Corinthians 5 is a hard chapter.  A man has either married -- or is having an affair -- with his father's wife (evidently the man's step-mother).  The church is supportive, even proud, of this relationship.  Paul is hard on the man and the church.  Calls for action against this man in an effort to save his soul.  Condemns sexual immorality.

What is Paul thinking?

If this woman is not a Christian -- and I assume she is not or she too would need to be dealt with -- then how will you ever convert her if you throw her man out of church?  

In fact, this man is liable to never set foot in church again if you treat him this way.

Maybe they are in love and how can you be so opposed to love that you would put someone out of the church. 

She could have been in a horrible relationship.  Even abused.  Surely she is better off with the son.  Finally found happiness.  God wants us to be happy.  So what is Paul thinking...

The church is being called to repent for being supportive of this couple.

Maybe Paul knows the circumstances that would make this so wrong that drastic action has to be taken.

Or maybe Paul does not know the circumstances and should not be so judgemental.  So unloving.

OR...

God is right about marriage.  And right about how you behave in marriage.

When someone does not live harmony with God's truth, there are two options.  Repent and change.  Or be put out of the fellowship.

Circumstances do not change God's plan for us.  Nor do they make wrong right.

It is not judgemental to expect Christians to accept and follow God's direction. 

It is loving to call people to the life God wants for us.  It is unloving to support a life contrary to God's will.

God knows best.

Churches cannot celebrate -- even be proud of -- what is immoral and wrong.

The Holy Spirit inspired the Bible.  This is Paul inspired to write truth.  Not Paul deciding what is right or wrong.

Personally, I hope the son repented and left the woman.  Became a faithful and active member of that community of faith and helped many others live the life God intended.

I hope the woman was so struck by his action that she decided to follow Jesus.

I hope the father and son were reconciled thru Christ.

So I do think there is truth in I Corinthians 5 for Chrisitans today.  

That is why it is in the Bible. 

# posted by Steve @ 5:37 AM