So this is kind of gross, but it’s what came to mind when trying to think of a way to introduce the topic for this Sunday’s message. At least two of our kids had a skin condition called Molluscum Contagiosum (or MC). They both had mild cases but it looks gross and can be serious (don’t google pictures of it!). MC is a viral skin condition that is commonly spread by touch. This makes it easy for kids who play with each other at school or home to give it to one another. It is so contagious that even handling objects that have the virus on them, like clothing or towels, can result in its spread.
Well this week we’re going to be talking about the spread of another kind of infection: SIN. We’ll be getting back to our study in 1 Corinthians 5 for part two of “A Theology of Church Discipline”. We looked at part one two weeks ago & made the point that discipline is done first for the sake of the sinner that they might be saved (click here for the audio of that message). This week we will see that discipline must be done for the sake of the church so that the toxic spread of sin doesn’t occur. The text is 1 Corinthians 5:6-8.
“6 Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”
Church discipline is hard to preach about but it is much harder to perform. That’s why I believe this chapter is good for us in helping to lay the foundation for performing church discipline if and when it becomes necessary. Sin is toxic and infectious and it must be dealt with quickly and cleanly so that the church can be who she is called to be in Christ.
“Contagion” will be another Church-Builder sermon in our series. Between now & Sunday I hope you will look over the text, pray about the message, and consider what the teaching about church discipline ought to mean to us as individuals. More importantly, I hope you will consider in prayer what discipline means for the community, cleansing, and character of the church.
One more request- the college friend I have been mentioning in service, Tim Maxwell, passed away very early this morning. My heart hurts for his family. Please remember to pray for his wife and four young children, as well as his parents and siblings. I look forward to seeing you this Sunday.
May God bless you and keep you,
Pastor Jeremy
