“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.” – 1 Corinthians 5:11

When Paul wrote to Christians in Corinth, he wrote to people living in a culture very similar to our own. Corinth was a deeply immoral city steeped in false religions, sexual sin, and greed. What Paul tells those Christians is profoundly important for us as we navigate the 21st century! What did he say? Don’t worry about condemning the sins of unbelievers. They will certainly sin and God will certainly judge them for that, so we don’t need to. With regard to unbelievers, our assignment is clear – meet them as, and where, they are and introduce them to Jesus. The Christian’s task is not to condemn or fix what’s wrong with unbelievers. It’s to introduce them to their Savior. PERIOD.

On the other hand, we must absolutely be on the lookout for sin INSIDE the church. We must never turn a blind eye toward wrongdoing by our brothers and sisters in Christ. As Christians, we share a sacred responsibility to lovingly but firmly confront sin INSIDE the church. To address earthly idolatries (politics, possessions, power, position, etc.) whenever they take root in a brother or sister’s heart. To speak into their life when they’re indulging sexual sin, holding onto addiction, or failing to live with the ethics and integrity of Jesus.

Christians are NOT to waste time and energy sitting in judgment on the fallen culture that surrounds us. Of course nonbelievers are sinning! We are to confront, judge, and if necessary discipline those who carry that fallen culture into our churches. Those who call themselves Christian while indulging, excusing, or defending sin. Too often, Christians get these instructions reversed – condemning the sins of the world while ignoring the sins of the local church. This destroys our Christian witness and defiles the holiness of Christ’s bride, the church. So, make sure your sin-detector is pointing in the right direction – toward your own heart and the lives of your brothers and sisters in Christ. With regard to the rest of the world, just go and make disciples! #FollowJesus

“And he answered them, ‘Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.’” – Luke 3:11

We live in a culture where cruelty and selfishness are increasingly praised as virtues. They are being regularly modeled by those with influence and authority. Choose to be kind instead! Choose to share from whatever you may have with whomever may lack. Reject the temptation to clutch your things tightly because of fear about the future. Release them with generosity rooted in confidence in God, your great Provider.

Hard times may well come, but prepare for them by trusting that God eternally blesses and rewards those who respond to the poor and vulnerable with the love and heart of Jesus rather than the coldness and cruelty that comes so easily to man. Receive the overflowing grace of God offered to you through faith in Jesus. Then let that grace overflow toward the those who have the least. #FollowJesus

“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” – 1 Corinthians 1:9

Two precious words are highlighted here – FAITHFUL and FELLOWSHIP. They are a wonder to contemplate, so take some time to contemplate them today!

God is faithful. He keeps faith with His people. He doesn’t arbitrarily change His mind or impulsively cancel His promises and covenants. He is rock-solid, completely trustworthy, and eternally steadfast. His approach to you isn’t dictated by His mood. He’ll keep every promise. He’ll honor every commitment. The covenant of grace that was sealed with the blood of His Son, Jesus, is an unending covenant. He welcomes everyone who trusts in Jesus as Lord and will never lose or throw out anyone who believes in Him. We live in a world where few are truly faithful. Old institutions, standards, and traditions are crumbling. Faithfulness is frequently tossed aside for short-term benefits. God never does that! God is faithful. Take time to meditate on how God has been faithful throughout history and in your own life.

Then, if Jesus is your Lord, you have fellowship with Him, the Christ of God. Fellowship isn’t some shallow acknowledgement of existence like on social media. It isn’t acquaintanceship. It isn’t casual. Fellowship is deep. In fact, Scripture says that we are united with Christ through faith in Him. We are inseparable from Him and He is always with us. He knows your thoughts, struggles, hurts, and needs. As your Suffering Savior, Jesus understands what you’re going through perfectly and completely. He is closer to you than the closest person in your life. You are in loving, supportive community with Him. Conversation. Comfort. Care. He constantly invites you to spend time with Him in prayer, in worship, in meditation, and in quiet, joyful fellowship. He’s your Lord, but He’s also your perfect, loving, caring older brother. Faithful… Fellowship… #FollowJesus

“Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord. Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord; also his mother, who has been a mother to me as well.” – Romans 16:12-13

If Paul were writing a kind greeting to you, what would it say about your faith? How would your life of faith be immortalized in Scripture if it could be? Would Paul highlight your love? Your gifts and talents? Your hard work? Your generosity? Your faithfulness in the face of difficulties?

Perhaps you’re uncomfortable about what Paul might write. If so, what needs to change about how you follow Jesus and serve Him? What should change in your spiritual habits? What should change in your service to the Lord or witness to the world? What should change about your worship, your life in community with others, or your daily priorities? What should change about how you spend your time, your energy, your days, or your nights?

Greet _______, who is/has _____________. #FollowJesus!

“I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf.” – Romans 15:30

Prayer should not be our last resort when we simply can’t do anything else to help someone. Prayer must be our first resort! It’s the greatest help we can provide a fellow Christian. Prayer asks, seeks, and knocks on the door of the Almighty, pleading with Him to advance His Kingdom, the very thing He wants to do. Prayer is our opportunity to boldly ask our Father for things in His will and receive them. Prayer is our chance to confidently ask for grace to help in a brother or sister’s time of need, even when they are on the other side of the world.

Do you strive in prayer with others doing God’s work? Do you regularly make time for strategic, intentional, disciplined prayer for people like Paul, who are proclaiming the Gospel in areas where there are few, or no, Christian witnesses? Prayer isn’t a consolation prize for those unable to go or give. Prayer is our most powerful weapon in the spiritual battle that is making disciples of all nations. Disciple makers, near and far, are pushing into Satan’s dark domain and he absolutely fights back. It’s the prayers of saints just like yourself that help breach the gates and tear down the walls of spiritual darkness and opposition.

Are you in fight?? In addition to your other regular prayers, find some fellow believers to strive with in prayer. Fight their spiritual battles alongside them, even if they are thousands of miles away. Go to the Father relentlessly on behalf of their needs and their work. Intercede with God for those who don’t yet know Jesus Christ. #FollowJesus