Hi all, Please may I ask for your thoughts on the meaning of this passage from Corinthians? For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. 1 Corinthians 5:3 He then goes on to say: 12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges. I am confused. What is Paul saying here? I thought it was wrong to judge others, as judgement is for God only. Yet Paul says he has already judged "him who has so done this deed".

5/4/2009 4:44:25 AM by Debora, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/26/2009

I believe this is about a young man who slept with his father's wife. Everbody knew about it, but, nobody said anything to the young man about it. Paul is saying the sin is flagrant and should be addressed by the elders of the church. The young man should repent or be put out of the church. It goes to the old adage: One bad apple spoils the whole batch. If he is allowed to stay in the church with this sin, others may feel that they too, can be in ministry and commit sin. We are never to uphold someone else's sin, but point it out to them that they may repent and be saved. If not, others become contaminated by it. There is a scripture that says do not be party to evil doings, but expose them. So that the one who is sinning my repent and be brought back into right standing with God. Love covers a multitude of sin. I believe that the word "judge" used by Paul meant correct.

5/4/2009 10:16:18 AM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

Thank you. That makes sense now. :)

5/5/2009 5:41:24 AM by Debora, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/26/2009

In my life there is no such thing as coincidence. This was my scripture for today's devotional: 1Peter 4:17 "For the time has come for judgment , and it must begin first among God's own children. And if even we Christians must be judged, what terrible fate awaits those who never believed God's Good News?"

5/5/2009 9:43:17 AM by mrspiggy, Member of Delve into Jesus since 1/18/2008

I know what you mean about coincidence- at work today, at the last minute I was asked to accompany a social worker on a visit to a man who was suspected of hitting his children. It was so hard to remain objective and not to judge him, and I realised that I had already judged him before I even met him, just based on those accusations. I realised how often I do that, unconsciously most of the time... Judgement seems to be a key theme at the moment, and I'm not sure yet what His message is.... I trust that it will all become clear though... :)

5/5/2009 11:23:42 AM by Debora, Member of Delve into Jesus since 4/26/2009

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