Join us as we focus each day for nine weeks on a different part of 1 Corinthians 13.
Wednesday: It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this? 1 Corinthians 5:2
Read: 1 Corinthians 5:2-5
Listen: 1 Corinthians 5
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Paul begins instructing them about what to do in today’s verses. First, he tells them to mourn instead of being proud. It’s almost like he wants to say, “Shouldn’t your hearts be broken, shouldn’t there be tears and shouldn’t there be mourning?” Second, he tells them to put him out of their community and turn him over to Satan. By this, he simply means to allow him to go down this destructive path he has chosen. His hope seems to be that he might hit rock bottom and turn to Jesus again.
As we read this story, our hearts mourn for this man and this church. Imagine how different this might have been if this man made himself accountable to Jesus and his church? Had he repented and allowed others to challenge him to move toward obedience—he might have avoided so much pain and heartache in his life and the lives of those around him.
As we consider this story, some of us can remember when we were at rock bottom and turned to Jesus. Others of us are there now. May we recognize the importance of accountability. None of us are perfect—we all have areas of struggle and challenge. We need people who will ask us hard questions and challenge us when we start heading down destructive paths.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
We all have areas of struggle and need to lean on others. Do you have people who are allowed to ask you tough questions and hold you accountable in the areas you struggle? If you are struggling to think of people, end by thinking of at least one person you can invite to start doing so. A small group is a great place start. Find a small group for you at adabible.org/small-groups.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
