Scripture Union Daily Guide July 29, 2023
Read Scripture Union Daily Guide July 29, 2023, Saturday SU Daily Guide Reading
TOPIC: Immorality and Church Discipline
Opening Prayer: Grant me depth of insight, revelation and knowledge as I meditate on this passage, O Lord.
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Question(s) for Reflection
• Q 5: Is there any warning for me to heed?
• Q 7: What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 29 July 2023 Message:
Think of the type of sexual immorality mentioned in v.1. [This kind of incest could occur in polygamous marriages where the man’s younger wives have ages comparable with some of his sons. See Genesis 35:22; 49:4 for an example of this in Jacob’s family.] The Bible strongly condemns incest (Leviticus 18:8). See how Tamar described it in 2 Samuel 13:12-13a.
Notice the strong language Paul used to condemn the sinner and the accommodating church. Christ has set us free from the Law, but we are not free to be lawless (Galatians 5:1,13). Many churches and organisations are guilty of looking the other way when members, especially key ones, engage in sinful acts. The church is guiltier in such situations than her straying members.
Notice the severe action that must be taken by the church and why (v.5). “Hand him over to Satan” is to put him where he won’t experience Christian fellowship. Perhaps, this spiritual separation may drive him back to repentance so the short-term discipline may yield long-term good. (At that time, there was no other church fellowship in the city.)
Disciplinary action by the church should not be limited to sexual immorality (v.7 cf. v.11). What must we do as individuals and group to reduce immorality among us?
Practice/Word Application
And so? Carefully examine your life and flee all forms of sexual immorality and evil actions.
• Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, enable your church to apply righteous and loving discipline to all cases of immorality in her midst.
Prayer for the week
► Pray for Christians in Nigeria and world-wide to live decently as we allow the light of God to shine in us and through us.
► Pray against all forms of indecent character, dressing and outward displays that lack spiritual depth.
► Pray for total submission to God daily in all we do.
Offer a prayer of faith in line with 1 Chronicles 22:12
One Year Bible Reading Plan
Isaiah 13‐15
Scripture Union Daily Guide July 29, 2023. Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God.
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