The Set-Up
The last couple of devotionals have focused on Paul’s teachings about lawsuits between two Christians. In yesterday’s reading, Paul was mainly talking to the person wronged. He taught that as followers of Jesus, we should extend forgiveness and peace rather than seek restitution through the secular court system. To go file a lawsuit against a brother or sister in Christ not only puts a bad light on the church but also causes disunity among the Christian family.
I do want to point out here that Paul was talking about civil lawsuits, not criminal charges. There’s a huge difference. I don’t think Paul would ever suggest that we should keep criminal acts under wraps for sake of the church’s reputation. In fact, in Romans, Paul says we should submit to governing authorities. He calls them God’s servants and argues that those who do wrong should be punished by those authorities (Romans 13:1-4). In all honesty, when churches do keep illegal activity hidden, they ruin their testimony to others because of the harm and trauma they’ve caused victims. So many people are hesitant or blatantly against Christianity because of hypocrisy. Covering up illegal activity only furthers distrust of those outside the church.
In today’s passage, Paul changes his attention to the person who did the wrongdoing. Even if cheating or deceiving someone didn’t seem like a big deal, it was still wrong. Sin is sin, and no matter how big or little it is, it’s worthy of God’s punishment. Because He is absolutely holy, even the smallest sin can’t be in His presence.
Because we are human, sin will be a constant battle for us in this life. Thankfully, through Jesus Christ, God allowed us a way out of our sin. Once we’ve made the decision to follow Christ, our job is to live like it. Any of us can look at the list of sins in verses 9-10 and know we’ve done something on that list, probably even after becoming a Christian. That doesn’t mean your faith isn’t valid. The problem is when we become known by that sin, when it categorizes us because it’s so much of who we are. As followers of Jesus, we shouldn’t be known by our sin, but by the holiness we now have through Christ.
Passage to Read
Reflection Questions
We are not saved by our works. The Bible is pretty clear that we are saved only by the blood of Jesus. However, our actions should match up with our faith. Is there an area of your life that isn’t matching up with your faith?
Which of the sins out of the list in verses 9-10 is the most surprising to you? Why or why not?
Why do you think Paul ends his discussion about lawsuits among Christians by calling out sin? What point do you think he was trying to make?
Prayer Idea
Thank God for allowing Jesus to pay your sin debt. Acknowledge that without Christ’s sacrifice, you would be unable to earn your salvation. Ask God to point out any areas in your life where your actions don’t line up with your faith.