FRIDAY, MAY 26
1 Corinthians 5:2
Psalm 51:1-19

"And ye are puffed up, and
have not rather mourned…"

INDIFFERENT TO SIN?

The incestuous sin committed was so heinous that even the unbelievers in Corinth found it abhorrent. Yet the Corinthian church did nothing to address the issue. They seemed totally indifferent to the problem as evidenced by the lack of mourning for sin in the camp.

Why were the Corinthian Christians so apathetic regarding the sin? Paul identified the issue as one of pride (from phusiō, see also 1 Cor 4:6, 18, 19). The various factions were so busy arguing with one another that they had no time to address the issue of fornication. They were only interested in exalting themselves above their fellow brethren. They could not be bothered to address spiritual issues because of their carnality. One sin thus led to another in the manner of a classic "snowballing" effect.

On the other hand, a humble spirit will lead a man to address his sin. One example is the godly sorrow displayed by David when his sin of adultery was pointed out by the prophet Nathan. David did not remain indifferent to his sin, but mourned with godly sorrow. Psalm 51 is the record of his repentance. "Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin… Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest… Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me" (Ps 51:1-2, 4, 9-10).

If the Corinthian church were to turn from their pride, they must demonstrate the fruit of repentance just like David. This would mean the necessary excommunication of the offender. True godly sorrow must be accompanied by necessary actions to rectify the problem.

THOUGHT: Am I insensitive to my own sins?
PRAYER: Lord, help me to hate all sins and iniquities.