“You can’t tell me what to do!”
I wonder how many in the Corinthian church back in A.D. 55 responded that way when they read this section of Paul’s letter, chapter 5 of 1Corinthians. It really is a tough passage. Take some time this weekend to read and pray through 1Corinthinas 5. As I have been repeating each week, when we decide to become a Christian we follow a new leader (King Jesus), we adopt a new lifestyle (the kingdom lifestyle), and we embrace a new mission (the mission of the king to renew all his things). God is transforming our very identity at the deepest level; conforming us to the image of Christ.
What happens when one of us rejects some aspect of this new lifestyle, and stops listening to the church instruct and encourage them to follow Jesus in that area? 1Corinthinas 5 gives us a window into how Jesus expected the Corinthian church to answer that question.
This Sunday opens the nomination period for new officers at Redeemer, new elders and deacons. Last week I preached on the office of deacon and this Sunday I will preach on the office of elders. On first glance 1Corinthians 5 might not look like it has much to say about elders. It doesn’t even mention them. However, what it does show us is how every member of the church is supposed to respond when the elders are forced to make a judgment regarding church discipline.
Not only will this passage make clear how careful we must be in choosing our elders, but it will show us that while the elders are uniquely responsible for protecting the local church, ever member of the church is responsible for playing their part in that protection as well.
Our elders must be those ready, willing, and competent to make hard, often complicated, biblical judgments for the protection of the church, and then lead the church in living out the kingdom lifestyle.
Nominate your elders carefully and prayerfully.
Pastor David
