Dissonance Between Faith and Practice | Sunday | July 19

Sunday — July 19: Dissonance Between Faith and Practice

Bible Focus

• 1 Corinthians 5:1–13
• Leviticus 18:7–8

Summary

• The New Testament teaches us not only what God’s church should be like but also what it should never become.
• Paul was shocked because a man in the church was living in an immoral relationship with his stepmother, a sin that even many unbelievers would not accept.
• What troubled Paul even more was that the church did nothing about it and was proud of allowing it to continue.
• The church claimed to follow God, but its actions no longer matched His Word.
• The same danger faces us today when we excuse or ignore what God has clearly said is wrong.
• God calls us to love people without changing His standards or treating sin as acceptable.
• Instead of asking only what others are doing wrong, ask whether your own life agrees with what you believe and what God’s Word teaches.
• When your faith shapes your choices and your actions, your life becomes a true witness for Jesus.

Question

• Why was Paul so troubled by the church in Corinth?

Answer

• Because the church accepted and even tolerated a sinful relationship instead of dealing with it according to God’s Word.

Reflection

• Is there anything in my life that I know God’s Word says is wrong but I have chosen to excuse or ignore?

Takeaway

• Let your faith be seen not only in what you believe but also in the way you live every day.