Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:6-7
I continue with my study of - Ten Men of the Bible: How God Used Imperfect People to Change the World - eBook by Max Lucado (for purchase).
This morning, I continue with the story of "Paul: Never Too Far Gone for a Turnaround*".
*Title of lesson ten from the Max Lucado study.
Max Lucado's commentary* for day four focuses on Paul's words for the church in Corinth about their sexual immorality - and Lucado uses this letter not so much to focus on sexual immorality, but on sin itself, and the attitude of those of who sin and how believers should respond to sin. The text (1 Corinthians 5:2) indicates the sinner is proud and that believers are to "hand the [sinner] over to Satan" implying that is the end of the story. Yet John Piper makes it clear in this post that such a "hand off" to Satan is both not unique in the Bible (as Piper uses Job as just one example), it is used by God as part of His sanctifying process. Lucado also provides three scriptural examples of how God "hands off" sinners to their sin - see Romans 1:24, 26, and 28.
Lucado wants us to be firm in how we deal with sin not just in our own lives but in the lives of others, particularly in the church. Believers are to separate themselves from sin and evil and as part of this we are to speak truth in love. John Piper unpacks "truth in love" and the message is clear doctrinal truth in the church is paramount, and it is unifying and foundational.
Finally, Lucado encourages us to love - 1 Corinthians 13:6-7.
Discuss and comment on this post here.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God who loves me and who saves me from my sin and provides Your Word to protect me from sin and the Holy Spirit to sanctify me - thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of who You are so full of mercy, compassion, and patience. My sin continues. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
