July 30-August 1, 2010
2 Corinthians 2
Pastor Derek Floyd
Isn’t it just like the devil to take what God means for good and attempt to turn it into something evil? We must be careful not to allow our humanity to create a doorway to the wiles of the enemy. As recorded in 2 Corinthians 2:5-8, Paul - in justified anguish - instructed the church to take action against a church member unwilling to repent.
Yet within the same passage, there’s a noted difference between what is necessary for correction and what we do when the punishment alone is all that matters. I’ve heard this saying many times: “The church is the only place where they bury their wounded.” In the military, they call it “friendly fire” when someone is killed by a comrade. In 2 Corinthians 2:5b, Paul wrote, “What the majority of you agreed to as punishment is punishment enough. Now is the time to forgive this man and help him back on his feet. If all you do is pour on the guilt, you could very well drown him in it. My counsel now is to pour on the love.”
The church should be a place where wounded persons are restored and the enemy is defeated by hope, love, and forgiveness. Let wisdom be used, that the ministry may not be blamed for indulging sin on the one hand or severity towards sinners on the other.
Sometimes it is easier to take action against the sin than to take action in forgiving it. However, we are called to be obedient in both. Satan has many plans to deceive, and knows how to make use of our mistakes. Yet as Paul states, “we are not unaware of his schemes.” (verse 11)
The success of the gospel should always be reason for a Christian's joy and rejoicing. Like a sweet perfume, we are a Christ-like fragrance rising up to God, with no sweeter aroma as when God’s Church is being the Church.
A native of Ohio, Derek Floyd facilitates corporate worship in collaboration with musicians in Grace Covenant Church’s bands, Worship Choir and vocal praise teams.
