Influencers - Day 06
Day 06 - Monday, August 21
Read 1 Corinthians 5
Highlight
This chapter marks a change in Paul’s focus. Like the overview video linked above says, Paul is working his way through several issues that he has heard the Corinthian church is dealing with as they are discipled by the world rather than Jesus. In this chapter, Paul addresses a topic that is often very difficult for followers of Jesus to engage with: church discipline. Another way to say it is “how to treat a follower of Jesus who is living in unrepentant sin.” While this short guide can’t tackle the practical aspects of such a complex topic, we should all note the goal of church discipline. The phrase “hand this man over to Satan” sounds extraordinarily harsh, but the goal follows “...so that the sinful nature will be destroyed and his spirit saved…” (v5)
The goal of church discipline is always repentance that leads to the strengthening of someone’s faith, not its destruction. The clue to this is that Paul is using a very specific phrase that is also used in the Old Testament. He is quoting the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint) translation of Job 2:6. We know from the story of Job that Satan is hoping to break Job and prove his faith false, but God is sovereign over all things… including Satan. He had greater purposes, and though Job was “handed over to Satan” it was ultimately something that proved the strength of his faith rather than destroying it. This is the goal of all Godly discipline and it should always be our motivation when we confront our brothers and sisters about sin in their lives.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
Read 1 Corinthians 5
Highlight
This chapter marks a change in Paul’s focus. Like the overview video linked above says, Paul is working his way through several issues that he has heard the Corinthian church is dealing with as they are discipled by the world rather than Jesus. In this chapter, Paul addresses a topic that is often very difficult for followers of Jesus to engage with: church discipline. Another way to say it is “how to treat a follower of Jesus who is living in unrepentant sin.” While this short guide can’t tackle the practical aspects of such a complex topic, we should all note the goal of church discipline. The phrase “hand this man over to Satan” sounds extraordinarily harsh, but the goal follows “...so that the sinful nature will be destroyed and his spirit saved…” (v5)
The goal of church discipline is always repentance that leads to the strengthening of someone’s faith, not its destruction. The clue to this is that Paul is using a very specific phrase that is also used in the Old Testament. He is quoting the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint) translation of Job 2:6. We know from the story of Job that Satan is hoping to break Job and prove his faith false, but God is sovereign over all things… including Satan. He had greater purposes, and though Job was “handed over to Satan” it was ultimately something that proved the strength of his faith rather than destroying it. This is the goal of all Godly discipline and it should always be our motivation when we confront our brothers and sisters about sin in their lives.
Reflection & Prayer
For this reading plan we will be using a tool to guide our study of Scripture that’s called the S.O.A.P. Method. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer. We recommend you use a journal with this method and write out your thoughts on each of these areas for each day of reading. It doesn’t have to be long-winded and you don’t need a fancy journal. But for anyone that has not journaled before, the benefit is that it often helps us focus and avoid distractions during prayer and Bible study.
S.O.A.P. Method
Scripture - Pick a verse or two that stood out to you and write it in your journal. Be looking for a “Holy Spirit Highlight.” What did you read and think “I needed to hear that” or felt like it was written just for you?
Observation - Now write some observations about the verse(s) or passage. What is this passage or verse saying? About God? About people? How is Jesus revealed in these verses?
Application - Now write a few sentences on how this passage applies to your life. Is there truth about God that you are to believe? A promise to receive? Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of something you need to do or stop doing in light of God’s truth?
Prayer - Now write out a prayer to God in response to this Scripture. This is a way to turn God’s Word to you back to Him. Be honest and express your heart to Him. God always listens and He delights in your prayers. (Psalm 34:15; Proverbs 15:8)
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