ery activity? Are we rather to be come islands of separation, totally removed from society? Is there a middle road which we should take? Our study in I Corinthians 5:9-13 answers many of these questions. When we are born again we be come new creatures in Christ. The distinctives of our life should be commitment and conduct. A Chris tian must stand in marked contrast to the pattern of the world. It is true that we cannot completely es cape association with some evil character in life. We are instructed to avoid getting involved "with the fornicators of this world" (vs. 10). The word used has reference pri marily to illicit sexual relationships. Originally, it meant simply prosti tution until later it covered all such sins of the flesh. From this word we get our familiar term "pornog raphy." Next we are cautioned to keep away from those who are covet ous. The idea in the original is to have more and more. This is not simply mild materialism but rather a form of practical atheism. No wonder there is also mentioned extortioners. In our everyday lan guage we refer to this as a crook; one who takes things by force. Paul's point is not that we should climb a mountaintop or enter a monastery. We have to to be real istic. The second point is that not on ly is it impossible to escape asso ciation with these people but also our responsibility is to live in such a manner that they will know that we have been changed completely. The apostle is pointing out that we should not associate with those who maintain they are Christians but are living only for self and not
ress in your Christian life. The in dividual is judged procedurely but not positionally. The latter was al ready settled with his initial recep tion of Christ as Saviour. What exactly do these words mean? Will he call Satan up from hell to take the Christian brother back to the underworld with him? What he re fers to is that this person is going to be turned out from the comfort of the Christian community where his sin is being condoned. He will have to live in the world since society of that day would accept incest. He will be forced to take the consequences of his act. By contrast it is inferred that there is, in Christian fellowship, love, con cern, support and protection for one another. This is as it should be. Paul has said that the sinner will experience no more of these benefits whatsoever. He will have to take his "lumps" in the world. Maybe in this manner he will come to his senses. In this way then the mercy of Cod can be demonstrated. Christians ought not to condone the sinfulness of believers. This is especially true when the activities involve things that are even odious to the world. Our job is to reach the unsaved with a positive testi mony. Always does the grace of Cod remain evident (vs. 5). Man has been wrong, but Christ's work is sufficient to the repentant heart. We need to ask forgiveness so that we may be restored to the fellow ship, enjoying all the blessings which can be ours in the Saviour. COMMITMENT AND CONDUCT What is a desirable position for a Christian in a world of turmoil, sin and error? Should we enter with enthusiasm into any and ev
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