October 20, 2013

How to Preserve Purity in the Church

1 Corinthians 5:11, “...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. NLT 
Paul says the way you can help preserve purity in the church is by not associating with anyone who claims to be a Christian but is living in open, unrepentant sin. Don’t even have lunch with them! Don’t meet them for coffee. Don’t have a playdate with them. Make a commitment to disassociate yourself from anyone who claims to be a believer yet lives in open, unrepentant sin. And if they ask why you keep saying “no” every time they ask to get together...TELL THEM! Say “I love you and care about you, but if this is the path you’ve chosen to walk down, you’re going to have to walk it alone.” 

To continue hanging out is NOT to show the love of God, RATHER to encourage their sin. Continuing to hang out with them is to hurt them, not help them. If a child doesn't experience any negative consequences for misbehaving, that child will likely never change. In the same way, if a child of God doesn't experience any negative consequences for sinning, that person will likely never change either. 

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