Devotion for Sunday, December 22, 2019

“For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those
who are within the church?  But those who
are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves” (1
Corinthians 5:12-13).

Listen carefully.  We are to judge those inside the fellowship,
but note the judgement.  This is not the
judgement of eternal separation.  This
has to do with behavior.  There is a
behavior which is unacceptable.  Such
behavior should not be accepted in the church. 
Remove those who are doing wickedness and let the Lord do as He
will.  But within, be on guard against
those who bring the world in.

Lord, I hear, “You should not judge,” so often.  Help me to understand Your word that I may
properly discern between right and wrong and stand firm upon what is
right.  Lead me in all of Your ways, O
Lord, that I would hold fast to the truth of all that You have spoken.  Guide me according to your word to be bold
enough to confront those who bring the world into the fellowship.

Lord Jesus, You said that the
world is already condemned, so I need not speak condemnation.  But You have also given us many instructions
concerning how we live with one another. 
Teach me first to always love and be motivated by love and not the
hatred of the old Adam.  Guide me to see
through the wiles of the wicked one to live humbly and firmly in the truth You
have spoken.  Amen.