Bible Reading: Psalm 119:105-176; 1 Corinthians 5.
Memory Verse: “For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?” 1 Corinthians 5:12 (KJV)
“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17 KJV. There are a lot of atrocities happening in some churches ranging from financial impropriety to sexual misconduct and we expect the power of God to move. Galatians 6:7 (KJV) says, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
Holiness is being relegated to the background these days as the church has allowed the world to enter it. This is what Apostle Paul warned the Corinthians about in our Bible reading today in 1 Corinthians 5; a situation where a believer was sleeping with his step-mother and the church did not do anything about it. That is a pollution on its own and will desecrate the church unless it is addressed speedily. This is why Apostle Paul said the church should deliver the offender to Satan by excommunicating him so that when he is dealt with for his sins, he will become remorseful and will rededicate his life. It is important that each believer should examine himself regularly and ensure he is still in the faith so that he will not be judged by the church.
Are you examining yourself against the standard of the Lord on a regular basis because judgment shall start from within. You need to examine yourself, your household, your workplace and other areas you are involved and make necessary amendments to ensure compliance with God’s words. Thereafter, you will be in a better place to advise others. “For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?” 1 Corinthians 5:12 (KJV).
The question is if those who have accepted Jesus Christ and are within the church can hardly make it, what will be the fate of those outside? It’s time to guard your loins and hold strongly unto God so as not to weep on the last day. Matthew 24:22 (KJV) says, “And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”
Prayer point: Father, please preserve me till the end in Jesus Christ’s name.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero