14 June 2005

Here's the very end of chapter 5 in first Corinthians.

I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral persons - not at all meaning the immoral of this world, or the greedy and robbers, or idolaters, since you would then need to go out of the world. But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother or sister who is sexually immoral or greedy, or an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or robber. Do not even eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging those outside? Is it not those who are inside that you are to judge? God will judge those outside. Drive out the wicked persons from among you. (1 Cor.5:9-13)

I think it is important to find where the good new is in this passage. It sounds harsh. More than that it sounds like there is trouble within this community. The kind of trouble Paul and others would expect to see and hear out in the world...but not within the community blessed by the grace of God. It also sounds like this is about more than associating with sexually immoral person. In the middle of all this it sounds like the community that is called to be the body of Christ and a part of the messianic age is nothing more than "everyday in the world" that knows not the story of Christ and the promises within that story. It sounds as though Paul is upset that these people who say they are a part of the new age in Christ because they are in essence turning to "other gods" to find their satisfaction and meaning in life. There is a life we enter through the water of baptism and it is like the candle given to a baptismal candidate or the salt placed on their lips. We are by grace pulled into a life in which our lives will have the grace and love of God as the power that will shape us and form the patterns of our day...and be that "something new" for all to see. If we simply live like the world, we are missing out on the power for life that is available to us...a power where there is healing, reconciliation, forgiveness, trust, mercy, kindness, care of the world. It is as though Paul is trying to press - as hard as possible - the church in Corinth to enter the messianic age of wholeness that brings a life quite contrary to the world.

Connection: We do have a life to hand to our children and to share with one another. With the Christ as our center, there is to be a character about us that reflects the gift of life that is already ours. The fears and anxieties that come from turning and trusting other gods must be faced and named so that this new life in Christ might be called the Church.

Lord we are a broken people who find many ways to turn from you. By your grace pull us into a new life so that we may add seasoning to the world and be that light that brings your gracious Word to life. Amen.