Date: 03-19-2020

Title: An Outward Focus

(S) cripture:
    1 Corinthians 5:9-11 (NASB77) I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; 10 I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters; for then you would have to go out of the world. 11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he should be an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler– not even to eat with such a one.    

(O) bservation:
    We often shun relationships with those outside the church (non-Christians) because of their behaviors and yet we coddle those in the church with the same behaviors in the name of reconciliation and redemption. We have bought into this “Separated Life” theology that is supposed to keep us from being polluted by the world and yet it keeps us away from the very people God has called us to reach. We must put ourselves in places where we can build relationships with those whose hearts are far from God. We must also correct and not coddle those who claim to know Christ so they will no longer be an embarrassment to him. We must decide to be outwardly focused rather than always focused on ourselves and those in the church.    

(A) pplication:
    If I am going to reach those who need Jesus then I must be with them. I need to intentionally put myself in places where I can build relationships with those who do not yet know Jesus. That may mean risking being misunderstood by other Christians. I am compelled to build those kinds of relationships. I must encourage Christians to live lives that honor the Lord and point people to him.    

(P) rayer:
    Lord help me to be discerning in the friendships I make. Let me live in such a way that Christians are encouraged and others are drawn to Jesus. Amen