God's Mission
1 Corinthians 5:9-10
I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. ~ Apostle Paul
Pondering Point
Rightfully or wrongfully, people in the church have been perceived as judgmental and disapproving, critical and condemnatory of those outside of the church. In terms of God’s mission, Jesus clearly associated with those beyond the religious establishment – so much so He was accused of being "a glutton and drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners" (see Luke 7:34). Jesus also seemed to engage these people without a judgmental or condemnatory attitude.
In this section of 1 Corinthians, Paul clearly teaches that we should be IN association with such people too – the immoral, the greedy, the swindlers and the idolaters. AND I would imagine in a fashion like Jesus -- without a judgmental or condemning approach.
There is a group of sexually immoral, greedy, slandering, drunk, swindler-types we are to avoid. We will address that group of folks in tomorrow’s devotion. Today let’s pray that we learn to approach people “of this world” like Jesus was known to do – being part of God’s mission.
Luke 7:33-35
33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ 34 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ 35 But wisdom is proved right by all her children.”
Prayer
Father God, Your word says that it is not Your desire to condemn people, not is it the desire of Your Son, Jesus. Teach me how to associate with and love the people of Your world – the world I move in and around. I want to reflect Your heart and attitude. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Micro-Meditation
Psalm 103:1-6
- Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name. - Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits— - who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases, - who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion, - who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. - The Lord works righteousness
and justice for all the oppressed.
Read the verses of the Psalm.
Mark the words or phrases that catch your attention.
Meditate: talk (or better, write) with God about those words. Ask Him to impress things upon your heart and mind; expect responses.
Teaching or Command of God
Romans 15:7
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
The Promise
John 14:13
I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
Pondering Point
Stop and praise the Lord in this moment.
Praise Him:
• for who He is and
• for one thing He has done.