Verse of the Day (March 8, 2020)

Verse of the Day (March 8, 2020) #BMSeminary – Happy Lord’s Day! The Corinthian church is known for its besetting sins. These sins have caused Paul graciously to delay his coming so as not to come in harsh judgment (vv. 1–4), although their actions warrant additional instruction. Paul’s posture in the face of sin is one of abundant love (v. 4), which flows from the comfort that he himself has received through the death and resurrection of Christ (1:5). How should Christians treat a fellow believer who has sinned? The way we have been treated by Christ. Forgiveness is offered as the unexpected means of breaking the cycle of sin and “un-grace.” Comfort is offered in the face of affliction (2:7). Love is reaffirmed so that the guilty party will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow over brokenness in a relationship (v. 8). Even if we are called upon to administer consequences for sin or restorative discipline, these obligations do not remove the greater obligations of love and forgiveness. A heart that has been forgiven much is a heart that forgives much (Matt. 18:21–35). On the one hand, because we know the depths of our own sin, we do not take the sin of others lightly. Paul indicates that the sinner in this case has undergone some form of church discipline (2 Cor. 2:6). On the other hand, because we know the depths of forgiveness that we have in Christ, we do not require payment for the sins of others. In the community of faith, sin is never overlooked. Rather, sin is directly addressed, acknowledged, and forgiven. In this way, we outwit Satan, whose intentions are to keep us in unrepentant, unforgiving, and divisive sin (v. 11). (Gospel Transformation Study Bible)