He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Mark 3:7-21

He appointed the twelve: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter); James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (to whom he gave the name Boanerges, that is, Sons of Thunder); Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him. Mark 3:16-19

I continue my study of Mark, leaning on the Christ-Centered Exposition commentary series volume for Mark.  Today, I focus on a commentary-assisted review of Mark 3:13-19, which is the text for the second division (of three) per the commentary. Excerpts from the commentary's second division: 

• "This group of men came from a variety of different backgrounds. They had different passions, interests, and agendas. But the thing they have in common was that Jesus called them out, committed Himself to invest in them, and used them to change the world. Likewise, we must call out those we wish to invest in as we continue to make disciples of Jesus today."
• "The Bible is brutally honest. It notes successes and failures. It has integrity in its reporting. One example of the ugliness of fallen humanity is Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Jesus. In every list of the apostles he is listed last. In every list his betrayal is noted."
• "Judas was chosen by our Lord to be with Him (3:14). He did not worm his way in, and he would serve well for a while. He gave evidence of loyalty. He even served as treasurer (John 12:4-6), though he was dishonest in his assignment. All of this is to remind us that if you live long enough and serve long enough you will be disappointed by people whom you love and who you thought loved you."  

We should of course recognize that all of the apostles were ordinary, broken, and sinful people - all humans are.  Jesus uses the fallibility and weakness of humanity to demonstrate His power (see 2 Corinthians 12:10) - it must be clear that His will is always done and it is His will and power. The appointment of Judas highlights how Jesus uses the brokenness and sin of others as part of His will - this of course works in both ways where God hardens and softens hearts as part of His design and will.  See Romans 9:18.  We must also recognize that all churches are imperfect and as such sin exists inside the church - however, we should let this distract us from the mission of the gospel and scripture provides guidance about how to deal with sin inside the church.  

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - thank You Father God!  I am not deserving of the grace and mercy You pour out for me.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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 continue to 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. 

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

 1 Corinthians 5

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2

I continue my study of 1 Corinthians.  I am assisted in my study by the Christ-Centered Exposition Series commentary for this book.  Today my focus is a review - aided by the commentary - of 1 Corinthians 5:6-13. Building on commentary for 5:1-6, the commentary* for the text today provides three (3) divisions:

1. Church Discipline Is Grounded in the Redemptive Work of Christ (5:7-8): We are new creations, called out of a life of sin to be holy. Paul's reference to the Passover festival is used to recall how Israel broke free from its bondage in Egypt and Jews celebrate this freedom. Believers are similarly called to celebrate - this time the work Christ on the cross and what it does for those who believe.  Church discipline must be based in an effort to demonstrate lives that are new and transformed - bearing fruit. 
   
2. Church Discipline Must Be Exercised in the Community of Faith, Not the World (5:9-11): Here, Paul shares how church discipline is focused inward - on those inside the church, not on those outside the church. He calls out specific sins of sexual immorality, greed, swindling, idolatry, slanderers, and drunkenness. The challenge is to be "in the world" to seek and save the lost but not be "of the world" where the sinful influences lead us astray. Be on the watch for brothers and sisters within the church that have been led astray. 
3. God Judges Those on the Outside While We Judge Those on the Inside (5:12-13): Paul emphasizes that God alone judges those outside the church so the church should avoid this focus and instead look inward and be on guard for the little bit of leaven that "leavens the whole lump" (v6). We are referred to Galatians 6:1-2 for how we can approach a brother or sister in Christ with "a spirit of gentleness."  The commentary* wraps for the text by sharing how it is not harsh to confront sin in the church: "[o]verlooking sin is not loving; it is sinful. Overlooking sin is not gracious; it is cowardice. Overlooking sin is not merciful; it is dangerous. Overlooking sin is not kind; it is hateful."

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - You provide brothers and sisters in Christ who help confront my sin and encourage me in my journey with You.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love and blessing.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  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.

*Akin, Dr. Daniel L.; Merritt, James. Exalting Jesus in 1 Corinthians (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary). B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.