Protecting the Church’s Identity | Tuesday | July 21

Tuesday — July 21: Protecting the Church’s Identity

Bible Focus

• 1 Corinthians 5:3, 12–13
• 1 Corinthians 6:1–13
• Romans 13:1–5

Summary

• God calls His church to live differently from the world.
• Paul speaks about believers who were taking their disputes to secular courts instead of seeking a godly solution within the church.
• He reminds them to let God’s Word guide how they deal with one another.
• Paul was not rejecting civil courts because God has given them authority over crime and justice.
• He was concerned that believers were handling their disputes like people who did not know Christ.
• God wants His people to show wisdom, fairness, forgiveness, and love in every situation.
• Paul also reminds us that sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, theft, dishonesty, drunkenness, and other sins all separate people from God’s kingdom when they are not repented of.
• We should never accept any sin simply because it has become common or popular.
• Let God’s Word shape your actions, your relationships, and the way you treat others.
• When problems arise, ask God to help you respond with humility, grace, and wisdom.

Question

• How should Christians deal with disagreements and sin within the church?

Answer

• Christians should follow God’s Word, treat others with love and fairness, and seek solutions that honor Christ.

Reflection

• Do my words and actions reflect the character of Jesus, especially when I face conflict or temptation?

Takeaway

• God’s church reflects Christ when His people live by His Word and treat one another with His love.