WHEN AN APOSTLE IS CONCERNED Paul's approach to the conduct of the Corinthians differs vastly from that of one possessing, what I will call, a "law mentality." By "law mentality," I mean an approach to sin that is strictly upon the basis of moral obligation. In such a case, it would have been enough to say there should be "no divisions" among the people (1 Cor 1:10). Because Christ is not divided (1 Cor 1:13), it is simply wrong for there to be divisions among the people. And, indeed, all of this is true. --Tomorrow:
Devotion 16 of 29
However, Paul did not end the matter there. He did not speak as from Sinai, but as from "the Jerusalem which is above, which is free" (Gal 4:26). In this case sin is not simply perceived as wrong. It is also seen to be the footsteps of the devil himself – evidence that he has been in the camp. The presence of sin reveals that Satan has had a certain freedom to work among the people. In such a case, the spiritual weaponry that God has provided has not been donned and employed (Eph 6:10-18). The devil has not been resisted by faith (1 Pet 5:8-9), and thus has made encroachments within the church. In addition, the people have ceased to be receptive to the appointed instruction of the grace of God, which effectively teaches men to "deny ungodliness and worldly lusts" (Tit 2:11-12).
The presence of sin and spiritual retardation among the people of God is always serious. It reveals a state of vulnerability that, if not corrected, will result in the undoing of the people. This is because more is involved in transgression that the transgressors themselves and the transgressions they commit. The devil himself is present, together with principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, and spiritual wickedness in high places (Eph 6:12). The flesh and the world, from which the people were once delivered (Rom 6:6; Gal 1:4) have once again become prominent. "Self," which had to be denied in order to follow Jesus (Matt 16:24) has risen to sit upon the throne of the heart. Men cannot afford to theorize about sin, or treat it as anything but spiritually malignant and lethal. It is not something to be associated with a religious career! If sin required the suffering, death, resurrection, and enthronement of Jesus, it is serious!
CORRUPTED FROM SIMPLICITY
" . . . so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ."
Here Paul specifies the great danger that is troubling him. He knows that all sin, all defection,
and all hardness of heart, proceeds from this dreadful condition. If Satan can corrupt the stream of thought, he will have his way with men.
Apart from Christ, the human mind is a tremendous liability. It is bent in the wrong direction, focusing upon self. Although salvation involves the "renewing of the mind" (Rom 12:2), we do not live in a moral vacuum. There are contaminating influences all about us, and they all function under the dominion of the wicked one. This is involved in John's remarkable statement, "We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one" (1 John 5:19, NKJV).
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the spiritual weaponry you have provided for those who live by faith.