Christ is our Passover lamb, covering us for all our sin. As such we are to turn away from sexual immorality and reflect Christ and not the world out of which He has saved us.
1 Corinthians 5: Sexual Immorality Defiles the Church
1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife.
2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
3 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing.
4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus,
5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.
6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?
7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.
8 Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people---
10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.
11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler---not even to eat with such a one.
12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?
13 God judges those outside. "Purge the evil person from among you."
Things to think about…
1. Paul refers to a specific issue of immorality within the church, a man was sleeping with his father’s new wife, 1Cor 5:1. Seems unbelievable, but considering some of the things we see in our own day, it is not outside the realms of impossibility. The church is to maintain its identity with Christ. Generally what happens in churches is that if there is love and grace as well as biblical teaching, people will turn from their immorality and embrace Christ. If this is not the case then these folk don’t generally stay within the church, but not always. Church membership is one way the church makes sure that a consistent set of values and a biblical belief system is maintained within the church. If you call CBC your church, my encouragement that you consider being a member.
2. A little leaven goes right through the whole lump, 1Cor 5:6-8. When sinful behaviour is tolerated within the church, it spreads. Loving accountability and grace stop the influence and effect of certain sins from influencing the church. Paul makes the point that because we are unleavened because Christ is our Passover Lamb we are to remove all the leaven of the worlds influence upon us. If we don’t do this our freedom in the promised land of Canaan is never fully realised because we are still enslaved with our worldly Egyptian chains.
3. The world will always be involved in sexual immorality and we do not judge them or separate from them, 1 Cor 5:12, because even though we are not of the world, we are in it. But if someone says they are a Christian and continue in immorality, there needs to be a separation of some sort. Church discipline is sadly necessary at times. Pray that the church elders have the wisdom and grace to know how to appropriately carry it out when it is required.
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Sermon and reading topic for this week – Sermon “A passion for God”
Reading – Psalm 42, 43
1. Jay is passionate about late 60’s and early 70’s Australian muscle cars. What are you passionate about? What do you do to find restoration that you would say is a blessing or a gift from the Lord to you?
2. In Psalm 42 and 43 the Psalmist does not hide his feelings. He pants after the Lord, yet he acknowledges that there is turmoil within his soul. While reflecting on these things he also acknowledges that he has had sweet times of communion with the Lord. Eg He recalls the blessing of the Jordan and Mount Hermon for Israel as well as the depths of God’s love and wisdom, Ps 42:6, 7. The word of God is a comfort for him Ps 43:3 and he gets exceeding joy when he praises the Lord on an instrument, Ps 43:4. When do you read God’s word? Do you play and instrument or play praise music? Discuss how you can cultivate mature bible reading habits (E.g reading a chapter or two a day) as well as a better life of praise.
3. Associated with bible reading is praying. These 2 Psalms are prayers. How and when do you pray. Jay mentioned that the “I pray without ceasing” is a bit of a copout as it neglects a focussed and disciplined daily time of prayer and reflection. Bible reading and praying are best done together? Discuss. Don’t just talk about what you presently do but hold each other accountable as to how you will improve in these spiritual disciplines in your daily walk with the Lord.
4. Finally, how are you at telling the truth about what’s going on in your heart? Are you accountable to anyone? Do you keep things to yourself? Discuss the difference between personality types while maintaining integrity of the heart as displayed by the psalmist in Psalms 42&43.
Prayer Points
1. Continuing to get quotes for café roof.
2. Pray for other building projects – the repair of the house roof and solar.
3. Recharge youth and Kids@Church ministries. Pray for Maddison and Melinda as they Coordinate Kids and Youth ministries.
4. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
5. Church finances to meet our new staff and to put a roof over our café.
