Hi Stephen. There are several verses that speak about this, but to understand, that unlike those who have rejected Christ and face an eternal judgement ( Revelation 20:11-15) at God's Throne, the one who is truly in Christ will have no part in that judgement, for our sins have been judged and forgiven at the Cross. Our judgement will be based on how we have lived this Spirit-filled, Christ-centered life and used the resources (gifts) and opportunities given by the Lord to be His sweet savor unto all ( 2 Corinthians 2:14-16).
So, those 'Judgement' verses that apply to believers can be found in: Romans 14:10-12 and 2 Corinthians 5:10, the 'Bema' Judgement; 1 Corinthians 9:24,25, aiming for the prize (Crowns) at the end of our race; 1 Thessalonians 5:9,10, we no longer face God's Wrath, whether in the Great Tribulation or before His Throne, for our sins have been judged; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, the product (or, works) resulting from our salvation will be put to the test: some will receive rewards, others will be saved but their worthless works perish and they lose out. Just a few verses that immediately come to mind that hopefully will help you.
Just something to consider about your post on what Paul was teaching, "deceased believers were already in Heaven and that at His Coming, Jesus would bring them with Him and their bodies buried in the earth would join with their spirits. So, the believers should be assured that God had not forgotten those who were in their graves at His Coming, since they were very much alive with Him & together would join with those living believers on Earth".
I would ask, are we mortal beings or immortal beings? Saying that believers are in heaven and very much alive is saying we are eternal beings, or that our spirit or soul is immortal. If we look at Ecclesiastes 12:7, this applies to all of mankind, whether they are believers or the evilest person who has ever lived. All spirits return to God.
James 2:26 says, "the body without the spirit is dead". Adam was not a living soul/being until God breathed into him the breath of life, Genesis 2:7. This is the spirit of life that God gives to all living, and the part of us that God communicates with us, Proverbs 20:27, 2 Corinthians 2:13, and when we die, there is no more communication; we wait for resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:53-54, Paul clearly says we are mortal; it is we who are resurrected, not our bodies, our bodies return to dust.
Some use 2 Corinthians 5:6-9 as saying it means when we die, we are absent from the body and present with the Lord. The question we should ask is when we will be absent from this body. If we are open, the Scriptures tell us that it is when we are resurrected, that happens when Jesus returns, we will be gathered unto Jesus here on earth, and we shall ever be with our Lord. We meet Him in the air, welcoming Him back. The Greek word translated meet is apantesis, meaning a going-out to greet an arriving, emphasizing their importance, stressing welcome, honor, and accompaniment.
Hello Free. The account given in 1 Corinthians chap 5 is only one example of a very sad indictment against the quality of believers in that Church. The way I understand Paul's response to that evil act & that man's ongoing relationship, was clearly to cast out (disfellowship) that perpetrator of evil so that the Name of Christ & His Church be not shamed.
And Paul actually condemns the Church as well, not as those engaging in such an act, but as being "puffed up" (v2), or becoming proud & aligning with such behavior. But the apostle lays his condemnation against that man who defiled his father's bed, by engaging with his mother, or more likely, his step-mother. Paul stated that rather than being proud of this deed, the Church should have consigned this sinner into Satan's domain (the world), that perchance he might come to his senses, repent of his evil relationship, and be restored into fellowship; or else, that he be punished that his end might be death. Remembering that in those days, as the Church was in its infancy & being established, the LORD took very strict & swift action for such sins; we can think of Acts 5:1-11 (of Ananias & Sapphira). Fortunately for the Church today, or maybe, unfortunately, judgement against sin is not so immediate, but we do have the Holy Spirit's persevering with us, or else we must suffer.
The sequel to 1 Corinthians 5 is found in 2 Corinthians 2:6-8, where apparently the Corinthian Church did take action against that man, by way of some punishment. But now Paul says, that even though he had a very heavy heart in this matter & probably other matters concerning that Church, the matter most pressing now was that this sinner has learnt his lesson and needs to be forgiven & received that further sorrow should not overwhelm him. All this serves to us a beautiful example of our need to be watchful for creeping-in sin, but if we fall, expect discipline, be quick to turn away from sin, and be restored into sweet fellowship.
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
My Intrepretation: To Rely on Gof by speaking faith Prayers To Be Done
Hebrews 11:1 KJV
[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Prayers To be Done
2 Corinthians 2:14 -17KJV [14] Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
[15]For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:[16]To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?[17]For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Principle To All Religions Psalm 9:1 KJV
[1] I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
Perhaps a good way to start this commentary series is to focus on what we should NOT be praying about. John makes it clear from scripture we shouldn't pray about a sin leading to death ( 1 John 5:16). Paul sort of expands on that when expelling a brother when he says that: To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. ( 1 Cor. 5:5). These verses show that we indeed should desire a person returns to fellowship as the man did who committed the heinous sin of sleeping with his father's wife ( 2 Corinthians 2:7-8); which I assume the verse on restoration is referring to from 1 Corinthians.
Now the 10000 dollar question is what sin leads to death; clearly the result of all sins is death; but we could say someone who murders someone could qualify for that particular sin. Or in the above verses we should pray that through God's discipline someone repents not pray for them to be restored before repenting; or seek somehow to circumvent God's clear instructions not to fellowship with those who proclaim Christ but live i willful lifestyles of sin We see in 1 Corinthians 5:11 that particular instruction.
I think from these verses there are proper times when we should pray for conviction of sin; and that applies to a professed Christian who is either lapsing in sin or has progressed or never removed themselves from such a lifestyle but our approach is different. The nonbeliever MUST be convicted as John 16:8 states so that sin; righteousness and judgment to come are paramount in their fear of God that is the beginning of wisdom. ( Proverbs 9:10).
Too many people seem to think that rebuke and prayers for conviction and lovingkindness; mercy and compassion are mutually exclusive. We need only to look at Christ to see how both exist; with more warnings of hell than statements about heaven; and yet sacrificing His life throughout his earthly ministry and atoning death.
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Satan took over the earth and the air, when Adam sinned against God.
Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all thekingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Lucifer used to be a beautiful Angel of Light. Now , he is called Satan the Devil.
Isaiah 14:12
How art thou fallen from heaven, OLucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Satan is still dangerous to us right now.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Satan can transform himself into a beautiful light .
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; forSatanhimself is transformed into an angel of light.
Satan can hurt the earthly body .
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Satan's followers are in the churches deceiving the mass . Wide is the gate to destruction.
Philippians 3:18
(For many walk,ofwhom I have told youoften, and now tell you even weeping, thatthey aretheenemiesofthecrossofChrist:
The Bible needs to be studied and taken seriously for the truth of the Gospel of Grace.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.
Romans 1:16
ForIamnotashamedof the gospel of Christ: foritis the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
When, I first got saved, I never knew how the evil spirits attack . The evil spirits will put words into peoples minds and cause chaos to our daily lives . We can also be attacked in our sleep and have bodily harm .
Jesus Christ warns us of the devil and how they use people.
John 8:44
Ye are of your father thedevil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Satan has all the tools to attack us. When we sin, he accuses us and when we win souls to Christ, he attacks us.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Apostle Paul was attacked by Satan the fallen angle by bodily harm and Paul was still spreading the gospel of grace throughout the whole world.
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
No one can take away our love from God, not even Satan.
Romans 8:38-39
38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Now that I'm saved by believing the gospel of grace, I stay in the word for growth and strength in the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 3:16
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to bestrengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
To receive the whole armour of God, you must be saved by believing the gospel of grace.
Hi Mrs R, I pray that you and you're family have a great life in Jesus Christ and pray that the Holy Spirit will give you knowledge and wisdom in the word of truth.
Believe it or not, family, friends , neighbors and even co-workers can bring evil upon us . We can choose who we want in our lives to grow in grace with.
Satan has all the tools to attack us. When we sin, he accuses us and when we win souls to Christ, he attacks us.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Apostle Paul was attacked by Satan the fallen angle and still Paul spread the gospel throughout the whole world.
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
No one can take away our love from God, not even Satan.
Romans 8:38-39
38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the devil knows this gospel and does want us to believe it
Christian, I will pray for you and you're family in Christ Jesus .
Satan has all the tools to attack us. When we sin, he accuses us and when we win souls to Christ, he attacks us.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Apostle Paul was attacked by Satan from all angles and still Paul spread the gospel throughout the whole world.
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
No one can take away our love from God, not even Satan.
Romans 8:38-39
38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Remember to read Romans through Philemon for doctrine and pray continually everyday for God to speak to you .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the devil hates theses verses , please put them in your heart
2 Corinthians 2:17 - For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God:
The word corrupt is a Greek word that would be equivalent to our term swap-meet. The word of God is not for a swap-meet. We don't merchandise it. We don't compromise to get something back, or trade. We are not those who peddle the word of God!
But as of sincerity, and again, that's the word transparency, but as of God, accountability, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Wow, what a statement to make! Whether a person receives or rejects, our conscience is that we're going to be transparent, we're going to be accountable to God, and we're going to represent Him properly in Christ Jesus to people. Wow!
2 Corinthians 3:5 - Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
The word sufficient means capable. Not that we are capable of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
2 Corinthians 3:6 - Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; (in contrast): not of the letter, but of the spirit:
Now I think that's very interesting. A person can know the bible backwards and forwards but not have the ministry of God's Spirit ministering that word. For the letter killeth, or kills, literally Present Tense. The letter is killing, but the Spirit gives life.
He's making reference to the Old Testament law. He says you can keep it all you want to, but it's not going to give you eternal life. The law was given to show us our need for Christ. If somebody tries to keep the law in order to inherit eternal life, they will die in their sins, because only the Spirit of God can give life.
2 Corinthians 2:1 - But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.
The word heaviness is the word for grief. It's a word used all the way through here.
2 Corinthians 2:2 - For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?
For if I make you grieve (the word sorry is the word grieve), who is he then that makes me glad, and the word glad means to have a good frame of mind, but the same which is made to grieve by me?
So, he says if I come there, and I cause you to grieve over the heaviness of my discipline, and I'm looking for the Lord through you to minister back, so I can have a good encouraging frame of mind about the things of the Lord, but if I make you grieve, who's going to make me glad? It won't be there!
2 Corinthians 2:8 - Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.
The word confirm is a political word. It means to announce to the public. For instance, people announcing their candidacy for president. It's a public announcement. He's saying don't just let the guy in the side door and say sit over there and you can join us again. Make it a public announcement. Make it official that this person is welcome back to fellowship.
Let everybody know about it because they have been told to stay away. And you are to confirm your love toward him, in front of him, and in front of everyone else, your AGAPE, your concern for his spiritual welfare, even to the point of sharing with him how much it hurt the fellowship to discipline him like that. But it was out of love, not out of anger or hatred.
Sin is in the camp: Duty of elders AND laypersons.
The story in Joshua 7 where Achan's sin caused defeat and death for Israel in invading the territory of Ai shows us how the cursed thing that was taken from Jericho which was destroyed with God's help in Joshua 6 suddenly affected the Lord granting victory.
1 Corinthians 5 also discusses heinous sin in the midst of the church with a man with his father's wife. The fact that something that extreme could be tolerated is shocking in the early church; but shows us how we ARE to judge things in the house of God.
This is where the gift of discernment comes in. I can only speak for myself experientially; but when I sense something is wrong; specifically an evil spirit affecting someone then usually God reveals the sin to corroborate things; at that point someone is duty bound to warn a brother or sister to repent. I cannot think of any time that I have tried to uncover things; if the Lord doesn't show me something sometimes the person themselves says something or someone else may mention it. As with the Corinthians passage it is usually sexual sin of some sort. What many don't realize is in the spiritual realm things CAN affect other people; at the very least the spirit is quenched because of influences a person has that they may or may not realize that is driving them to sin. For Paul in this case to deliberately be removed so that Satan can be allowed to decimate him yet his spirit saved in the end; this man apparently in 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 that man did repent.
My current church contains a number of people who faithfully visit; transport and minister to elderly members as well as those confined at home (mainly older demographics). These are all people in their fifties and sixties; probably a few younger folks getting more involved would be good. I suppose some have the gift of compassion or mercy. As important as it is to know your gifts; we all should bear good fruit and practice what we preach.
James 2:9-12: James is writing in these verses about those who would "keep (fully obey) the whole law", yet go astray even by committing one sin in a moment of time, having demonstrated their inability to keep (continually uphold) the Law as required. "So speak ye ( James 1:26), and so do ( James 2:17), as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty (the Law believers are under, 2 Corinthians 2:17, Galatians 5:1, James 1:25)". The Law of Liberty, can also be referred to the Law of the Spirit Who gives Liberty ( 2 Corinthians 3:17, Romans 8:2), assures our hearts that we are accepted of the Lord because we have been forgiven & the Gift of the Holy Spirit continually ministers to our hearts & lives to help us live holy lives or lead us/discipline us when we stray off course.
This Liberty, the Law could never give - Israel always remained fearful of it, eventually leading them into idolatry & debauchery, but to those IN Christ Jesus there is now no condemnation who walk after the Spirit ( Romans 8:1) - we should not be bound to the letter that had as its goal to expose & destroy souls, but to the Spirit Who gives Power & Life to obey God perfectly, "hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" ( Jude 1:23). Only the Laws given us by the Spirit to our hearts cover every area of our lives, ministering to us in His Way (& not in human strength), so we can live above the letter's demands but as new creations in Christ. There was nothing wrong with the 10 Commandments, for they are from God & His Truth - but they were for Israel alone, for their conduct before God & man, to show them their sin, God's requirements, & prepare them to approach God in Love, Truth, & Faith. All who did at that time were accepted by their faith alone ( Hebrews 11:39,40) & not on how well they kept the Law. Romans 8:3,4 (we allow the righteousness of the Law to work & be fulfilled in us by God's Spirit - never appealing to the letter, which is devoid of life). Every blessing.
We are to be at peace with one another, forgive one another, have mercy on one another.
Just a few references.
1 Thessalonians 4:9
Ephesians 4:32
Galatians 5:26
Galatians 6:2
Matthew 7:12
1 John 4:7
However, we don't lie or deceive one another for the sake of peace. The truth hurts sometimes but it promotes spiritual growth providing that the Christ spirit is in the person.
BELEIVERS SHUNNING OTHER BELEIVERS.
To shun is to deliberately avoid something or someone. In the Bible, the word shun is applied to evil. Job 1:8, Job 28:28, Proverbs 3:7-8Proverbs 14:16. So, shunning evil is good.
There is scripture that promotes excommunication. Matthew 18:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14. but do we do it for harm or Good? What's the intent?
In any case, it would seem that extreme forms of shunning, such as considering someone "dead," utterly ignoring him, or refusing to acknowledge his existence, go beyond what Scripture commands.
After all, Jesus said that, when someone is put out of the church, he should be treated as "a pagan or a tax collector" Matthew 18:17. In other words, treat an intractable offender as an unsaved person.
How are we to treat the unsaved? With love and grace.
The "pagans and tax collectors" need to be evangelized. We are to love even our enemies ( Matthew 5:44).
The goal of excommunication and any form of shunning is restoration ( Galatians 6:1).
The purpose of any type of discipline is to prompt repentance and, ultimately, to reunite our fallen brother or sister with the church body. Being officially ostracized from the church, the sinner might be brought to repentance.
When the man in the Corinthian church later realized that he had sinned against God, he repented and came back to the church for forgiveness and reinstatement. Fellowship with the Corinthian believers was restored ( 2 Corinthians 2:6-11).
Isn't it hateful to ignore or shun other believers?
In rereading your comment I did not directly address your question as to why we are commanded to send forth the Gospel.
While it is a certainty that each and every one of God's Elect will become "saved" since there sins have been fully paid for, God must still apply that salvation to their life in giving them a New Heart, a New Resurrected Soul.
Therefore the command to send forth the True Gospel into the world as the means God has chosen to draw His Elect to Himself as He applies that Salvation to their life; and as a means of separating the wheat from the chaff particularly in our day.
The True Gospel is the "savor of life unto life and death unto death" as we read in 2 Corinthians 2
2 Corinthians 2:15-17 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
It is not the business of the True Believer to decide or know who is one of God's Elect and who is not. That is God's business not our business. Our task is to be an ambassador of God's Kingdom.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
4,5) - "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
To deliver such an one unto Satan FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF THE FLESH, THAT THE SPIRIT MAY BE SAVED IN THE DAY OF THE LORD JESUS.
I don't believe Paul is talking about condemnation as to one's salvation.
He's not talking about forgiveness of sins. He's talking about excommunicating this person.
The Corinthians was a proud church and continuing on as if there was nothing wrong. Delivering him to Satan for the destruction of the flesh would be his just punishment.
This is chastening not condemning.
( that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.)
This would cause him to repent, I will come to that later.
As we read on in the following verses we see where Paul urges them to not keep company with evil doers of the world.
He is now writing them to not keep company with any man that is called a brother that's an evil doer.
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. ( 1 Corinthians 5:6-13.
Back to the evil doer in question. I believe here in 2 Corinthians 2:2-11 we have the account where this guy repented from those evil deeds.
Paul was coming down on the whole congregation for this cause.
I believe this account is in
2 Corinthians 7:8-12.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. ( That's Christ. )
We are commissioned to preach Christ. If a person reject Christ, that person shall be bound on earth as he or she is bound in heaven: and if that person receives Christ he or she shall loosed on earth as they are loosed in heaven.
I agree, perhaps others may like to share their thoughts.
I agree with Bro. Dan. These verses come to mind. 2 Corinthians 2:6 "Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many". Hebrews 10:29 "Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?" Roman 11:22 sums up what Bro. Dan said. Note that this what we need to "behold" when we view God. "Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off."
Thanks Texsis. As you probably know, even the name 'Christian' was given to 'those Christ followers' by the people in Antioch ( Acts 11:26), & was intended to be used in a derogatory manner, as Gerald has pointed out in his other comments. So it wasn't a glowing affectionate name that was given at that time but it certainly became a badge worthy to be carried on their, & our, hearts & lips, with great honor.
And Paul considered himself to be an apostle ( 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 2:1), though the sense here I think, was that he was numbered with the other apostles yet one born out of due time (i.e. the others were direct witnesses of Jesus, walked with Him & called by Him, whereas Paul's qualification was of his explicit vision & calling to be Jesus' chosen vessel). Since Paul's day, there has been no other apostle, except Barnabas & those others since, who fulfil the apostolic definition of being God's messenger to the unsaved but not of the original 12 + 1.
Thanks for that Suze. I agree with much that you wrote, but rather than deal with each part of it, I would ask, What is the origin of our carnal minds? What was in Paul's mind when he stated, "the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God" Romans 8:7,8: where does this carnal mind/carnal life, lived in the flesh, come from?
Is this something God has given us from our birth, or has another intruded into humanity causing us to sin against God & that sin has been passed on to all generations? ( Romans 5:12; Acts 5:3; 1 Timothy 5:14,15; 2 Corinthians 2:10,11; 1 Thessalonians 2:18; Luke 22:31,32; etc., are a few verses showing Satan's activity, from the first day till the day he is put away, & our ongoing struggle to withstand him & his devices & to live in the power & joy of the Holy Spirit).
Satan is never absent - He is present - He is at work - and working in the hearts & minds of those who choose to live according to the dictates of their flesh & not in the fullness of the Spirit. Such were the gross sins of those kings mentioned earlier - if Ananias & Sapphira could have Satan gripping their heart so as to lie to the Spirit, how much more of Satan's control over those kings & indeed so many rulers/govts of today & their workings against Jesus Christ.
When we die it is the same as when we sleep, we are not conscious, we are asleep in Jesus, Psalm 146:4Ecclesiastes 9:5,10 we have no knowledge of our surroundings or time. This is the spirit that goes back to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:7.
1 Thessalonians 4:14, when Jesus returns, this earth is round and those that are Christs will come from all over, and we see different places describing the gathering, Matthew 24:31, Mark 13:27, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 along with Jesus, God brings those that are Christs with Him, the second coming back to earth to set up the kingdom on earth. I understand those who believe in the rapture being carried to heaven will disagree.
Soul; Hebrew, nephesh, meaning a soul, living being animal or human, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion. Greek psuch meaning, life, as the seat of affections and will, the self, the conscience, the individual. In our conscience that is in our soul is where the battle of the desires of the flesh and the Spirit. This is what remains asleep in the grave where ever the grave may be, awaiting resurrection when we put on immortality. Psalms 49:15John 5:28-29
When are we absent from this body? 2 Corinthians 2:6-10 When do we appear at the judgment seat? 1 Thessalonians 2:191 Corinthians 15:22-23. When is a corn plant absent from its seed is it not when it springs forth from its grave of the earth? We are sown and until we are resurrected, being changed like the corn seed from corruption to incorruption, and this mortal puts on immortality being freed from this body of corruption, then we will be present with the Lord.
Sorry I got wordy I am sure not all will agree but that is ok this is just what I see.
Hello Doug. Just to add to brothers Rick & Kent's wise advice, my thoughts first turn to 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. This speaks of not just a disciplined body to run the spiritual race before us, but we must note that the Apostle Paul's first act was to engage his mind in that direction. Without being fully convinced & fully focussed on winning the race, all other exercises to attain our goal will ultimately fail. Every professional athlete knows that it is both mind & body that are exercised & engaged to win the prize. A body that is prepared, but with a mind wandering on the concerns of family & other matters, or with having some doubt of winning, has already set a precedent for failure.
And when Paul tells us in Romans 12:2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God", he speaks of changing the focus from off worldly matters & pursuits (though, we must still live in the world). Paul uses the Greek word that we know as 'metamorphosis', or to transform or change into a "new creature" ( 2 Corinthians 2:7) by first causing our minds to be renewed (re-focussed; in a new direction). And this can only happen when we first determine this in our hearts & minds, allowing God's Spirit to take full control, thereby causing us to have power to live for Christ & to live to make Christ known. And indeed, as already been said, our minds need to feed on God's Word that our spirits might be refreshed daily, giving "proof (in our hearts) of that good, acceptable & perfect Will of God" in our lives.
We in the church are hurt and disappointed when one of God children whom we have had Godly fellowship with is caught publicly in open sin. It is hard for us to forgive them but we must in order to keep Satan from getting the foot hold in the church.
Galatians 6:1-4. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
We in the church are hurt and disappointed when one of God children whom we have had Godly fellowship with is caught publicly in open sin. It is hard for us to forgive them but we must in order to keep Satan from getting the foot hold in the church.
So, those 'Judgement' verses that apply to believers can be found in: Romans 14:10-12 and 2 Corinthians 5:10, the 'Bema' Judgement; 1 Corinthians 9:24,25, aiming for the prize (Crowns) at the end of our race; 1 Thessalonians 5:9,10, we no longer face God's Wrath, whether in the Great Tribulation or before His Throne, for our sins have been judged; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, the product (or, works) resulting from our salvation will be put to the test: some will receive rewards, others will be saved but their worthless works perish and they lose out. Just a few verses that immediately come to mind that hopefully will help you.
Just something to consider about your post on what Paul was teaching, "deceased believers were already in Heaven and that at His Coming, Jesus would bring them with Him and their bodies buried in the earth would join with their spirits. So, the believers should be assured that God had not forgotten those who were in their graves at His Coming, since they were very much alive with Him & together would join with those living believers on Earth".
I would ask, are we mortal beings or immortal beings? Saying that believers are in heaven and very much alive is saying we are eternal beings, or that our spirit or soul is immortal. If we look at Ecclesiastes 12:7, this applies to all of mankind, whether they are believers or the evilest person who has ever lived. All spirits return to God.
James 2:26 says, "the body without the spirit is dead". Adam was not a living soul/being until God breathed into him the breath of life, Genesis 2:7. This is the spirit of life that God gives to all living, and the part of us that God communicates with us, Proverbs 20:27, 2 Corinthians 2:13, and when we die, there is no more communication; we wait for resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:53-54, Paul clearly says we are mortal; it is we who are resurrected, not our bodies, our bodies return to dust.
Some use 2 Corinthians 5:6-9 as saying it means when we die, we are absent from the body and present with the Lord. The question we should ask is when we will be absent from this body. If we are open, the Scriptures tell us that it is when we are resurrected, that happens when Jesus returns, we will be gathered unto Jesus here on earth, and we shall ever be with our Lord. We meet Him in the air, welcoming Him back. The Greek word translated meet is apantesis, meaning a going-out to greet an arriving, emphasizing their importance, stressing welcome, honor, and accompaniment.
Thanks, brother,
God bless,
RLW
And Paul actually condemns the Church as well, not as those engaging in such an act, but as being "puffed up" (v2), or becoming proud & aligning with such behavior. But the apostle lays his condemnation against that man who defiled his father's bed, by engaging with his mother, or more likely, his step-mother. Paul stated that rather than being proud of this deed, the Church should have consigned this sinner into Satan's domain (the world), that perchance he might come to his senses, repent of his evil relationship, and be restored into fellowship; or else, that he be punished that his end might be death. Remembering that in those days, as the Church was in its infancy & being established, the LORD took very strict & swift action for such sins; we can think of Acts 5:1-11 (of Ananias & Sapphira). Fortunately for the Church today, or maybe, unfortunately, judgement against sin is not so immediate, but we do have the Holy Spirit's persevering with us, or else we must suffer.
The sequel to 1 Corinthians 5 is found in 2 Corinthians 2:6-8, where apparently the Corinthian Church did take action against that man, by way of some punishment. But now Paul says, that even though he had a very heavy heart in this matter & probably other matters concerning that Church, the matter most pressing now was that this sinner has learnt his lesson and needs to be forgiven & received that further sorrow should not overwhelm him. All this serves to us a beautiful example of our need to be watchful for creeping-in sin, but if we fall, expect discipline, be quick to turn away from sin, and be restored into sweet fellowship.
[12] For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
My Intrepretation: To Rely on Gof by speaking faith Prayers To Be Done
Hebrews 11:1 KJV
[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Prayers To be Done
2 Corinthians 2:14 -17KJV [14] Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
[15]For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish:[16]To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things?[17]For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Principle To All Religions Psalm 9:1 KJV
[1] I will praise thee, O LORD, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works.
Word Written and Spoken by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
Perhaps a good way to start this commentary series is to focus on what we should NOT be praying about. John makes it clear from scripture we shouldn't pray about a sin leading to death ( 1 John 5:16). Paul sort of expands on that when expelling a brother when he says that: To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. ( 1 Cor. 5:5). These verses show that we indeed should desire a person returns to fellowship as the man did who committed the heinous sin of sleeping with his father's wife ( 2 Corinthians 2:7-8); which I assume the verse on restoration is referring to from 1 Corinthians.
Now the 10000 dollar question is what sin leads to death; clearly the result of all sins is death; but we could say someone who murders someone could qualify for that particular sin. Or in the above verses we should pray that through God's discipline someone repents not pray for them to be restored before repenting; or seek somehow to circumvent God's clear instructions not to fellowship with those who proclaim Christ but live i willful lifestyles of sin We see in 1 Corinthians 5:11 that particular instruction.
I think from these verses there are proper times when we should pray for conviction of sin; and that applies to a professed Christian who is either lapsing in sin or has progressed or never removed themselves from such a lifestyle but our approach is different. The nonbeliever MUST be convicted as John 16:8 states so that sin; righteousness and judgment to come are paramount in their fear of God that is the beginning of wisdom. ( Proverbs 9:10).
Too many people seem to think that rebuke and prayers for conviction and lovingkindness; mercy and compassion are mutually exclusive. We need only to look at Christ to see how both exist; with more warnings of hell than statements about heaven; and yet sacrificing His life throughout his earthly ministry and atoning death.
Genesis 1:26
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Satan took over the earth and the air, when Adam sinned against God.
Matthew 4:8
Again, the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him all thekingdoms of the world, and the glory of them;
Lucifer used to be a beautiful Angel of Light. Now , he is called Satan the Devil.
Isaiah 14:12
How art thou fallen from heaven, OLucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Satan is still dangerous to us right now.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Satan can transform himself into a beautiful light .
2 Corinthians 11:14
And no marvel; forSatanhimself is transformed into an angel of light.
Satan can hurt the earthly body .
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
Satan's followers are in the churches deceiving the mass . Wide is the gate to destruction.
Philippians 3:18
(For many walk,ofwhom I have told youoften, and now tell you even weeping, thatthey aretheenemiesofthecrossofChrist:
The Bible needs to be studied and taken seriously for the truth of the Gospel of Grace.
2 Timothy 2:15
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing thewordoftruth.
Romans 1:16
ForIamnotashamedof the gospel of Christ: foritis the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
When, I first got saved, I never knew how the evil spirits attack . The evil spirits will put words into peoples minds and cause chaos to our daily lives . We can also be attacked in our sleep and have bodily harm .
Jesus Christ warns us of the devil and how they use people.
John 8:44
Ye are of your father thedevil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
Satan has all the tools to attack us. When we sin, he accuses us and when we win souls to Christ, he attacks us.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Apostle Paul was attacked by Satan the fallen angle by bodily harm and Paul was still spreading the gospel of grace throughout the whole world.
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
No one can take away our love from God, not even Satan.
Romans 8:38-39
38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Now that I'm saved by believing the gospel of grace, I stay in the word for growth and strength in the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 3:16
That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to bestrengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
To receive the whole armour of God, you must be saved by believing the gospel of grace.
Believe it or not, family, friends , neighbors and even co-workers can bring evil upon us . We can choose who we want in our lives to grow in grace with.
Satan has all the tools to attack us. When we sin, he accuses us and when we win souls to Christ, he attacks us.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Apostle Paul was attacked by Satan the fallen angle and still Paul spread the gospel throughout the whole world.
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
No one can take away our love from God, not even Satan.
Romans 8:38-39
38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the devil knows this gospel and does want us to believe it
Satan has all the tools to attack us. When we sin, he accuses us and when we win souls to Christ, he attacks us.
2 Corinthians 2:11
LestSatanshould get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.
Apostle Paul was attacked by Satan from all angles and still Paul spread the gospel throughout the whole world.
2 Corinthians 12:7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger ofSatanto buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
No one can take away our love from God, not even Satan.
Romans 8:38-39
38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Remember to read Romans through Philemon for doctrine and pray continually everyday for God to speak to you .
Ray, in Christ Jesus 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 the devil hates theses verses , please put them in your heart
Me being a member at West Angeles Cogic Church Cathedral Los Angeles California
Colossians 3:13 KJV
My Interpetation:REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
" How to forgive yourself, to Repent, Correction to be in the Love of God. To want & do, obey God and follow him. Ephesians 4:32 KJV
Encourages not to be circumstances, also this pertaining to allowing people to enter into God's Church to see Jesus Christ, learn and believe.
2 Corinthians 2:10 KJV To see and believe in Jesus Christ is God
We believe that the only means of being cleansed from sin is through repentance and faith is the precious Blood of Jesus Christ.
Word Spoken and Written by REDAPPLETREATY4MEONLY
2 Corinthians 2:17 - For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God:
The word corrupt is a Greek word that would be equivalent to our term swap-meet. The word of God is not for a swap-meet. We don't merchandise it. We don't compromise to get something back, or trade. We are not those who peddle the word of God!
But as of sincerity, and again, that's the word transparency, but as of God, accountability, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
Wow, what a statement to make! Whether a person receives or rejects, our conscience is that we're going to be transparent, we're going to be accountable to God, and we're going to represent Him properly in Christ Jesus to people. Wow!
2 Corinthians 3:5 - Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
The word sufficient means capable. Not that we are capable of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God;
2 Corinthians 3:6 - Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.
Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; (in contrast): not of the letter, but of the spirit:
Now I think that's very interesting. A person can know the bible backwards and forwards but not have the ministry of God's Spirit ministering that word. For the letter killeth, or kills, literally Present Tense. The letter is killing, but the Spirit gives life.
He's making reference to the Old Testament law. He says you can keep it all you want to, but it's not going to give you eternal life. The law was given to show us our need for Christ. If somebody tries to keep the law in order to inherit eternal life, they will die in their sins, because only the Spirit of God can give life.
2 Corinthians 2:1 - But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness.
The word heaviness is the word for grief. It's a word used all the way through here.
2 Corinthians 2:2 - For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?
For if I make you grieve (the word sorry is the word grieve), who is he then that makes me glad, and the word glad means to have a good frame of mind, but the same which is made to grieve by me?
So, he says if I come there, and I cause you to grieve over the heaviness of my discipline, and I'm looking for the Lord through you to minister back, so I can have a good encouraging frame of mind about the things of the Lord, but if I make you grieve, who's going to make me glad? It won't be there!
2 Corinthians 2:8 - Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.
The word confirm is a political word. It means to announce to the public. For instance, people announcing their candidacy for president. It's a public announcement. He's saying don't just let the guy in the side door and say sit over there and you can join us again. Make it a public announcement. Make it official that this person is welcome back to fellowship.
Let everybody know about it because they have been told to stay away. And you are to confirm your love toward him, in front of him, and in front of everyone else, your AGAPE, your concern for his spiritual welfare, even to the point of sharing with him how much it hurt the fellowship to discipline him like that. But it was out of love, not out of anger or hatred.
The story in Joshua 7 where Achan's sin caused defeat and death for Israel in invading the territory of Ai shows us how the cursed thing that was taken from Jericho which was destroyed with God's help in Joshua 6 suddenly affected the Lord granting victory.
1 Corinthians 5 also discusses heinous sin in the midst of the church with a man with his father's wife. The fact that something that extreme could be tolerated is shocking in the early church; but shows us how we ARE to judge things in the house of God.
This is where the gift of discernment comes in. I can only speak for myself experientially; but when I sense something is wrong; specifically an evil spirit affecting someone then usually God reveals the sin to corroborate things; at that point someone is duty bound to warn a brother or sister to repent. I cannot think of any time that I have tried to uncover things; if the Lord doesn't show me something sometimes the person themselves says something or someone else may mention it. As with the Corinthians passage it is usually sexual sin of some sort. What many don't realize is in the spiritual realm things CAN affect other people; at the very least the spirit is quenched because of influences a person has that they may or may not realize that is driving them to sin. For Paul in this case to deliberately be removed so that Satan can be allowed to decimate him yet his spirit saved in the end; this man apparently in 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 that man did repent.
My current church contains a number of people who faithfully visit; transport and minister to elderly members as well as those confined at home (mainly older demographics). These are all people in their fifties and sixties; probably a few younger folks getting more involved would be good. I suppose some have the gift of compassion or mercy. As important as it is to know your gifts; we all should bear good fruit and practice what we preach.
James 2:9-12: James is writing in these verses about those who would "keep (fully obey) the whole law", yet go astray even by committing one sin in a moment of time, having demonstrated their inability to keep (continually uphold) the Law as required. "So speak ye ( James 1:26), and so do ( James 2:17), as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty (the Law believers are under, 2 Corinthians 2:17, Galatians 5:1, James 1:25)". The Law of Liberty, can also be referred to the Law of the Spirit Who gives Liberty ( 2 Corinthians 3:17, Romans 8:2), assures our hearts that we are accepted of the Lord because we have been forgiven & the Gift of the Holy Spirit continually ministers to our hearts & lives to help us live holy lives or lead us/discipline us when we stray off course.
This Liberty, the Law could never give - Israel always remained fearful of it, eventually leading them into idolatry & debauchery, but to those IN Christ Jesus there is now no condemnation who walk after the Spirit ( Romans 8:1) - we should not be bound to the letter that had as its goal to expose & destroy souls, but to the Spirit Who gives Power & Life to obey God perfectly, "hating even the garment spotted by the flesh" ( Jude 1:23). Only the Laws given us by the Spirit to our hearts cover every area of our lives, ministering to us in His Way (& not in human strength), so we can live above the letter's demands but as new creations in Christ. There was nothing wrong with the 10 Commandments, for they are from God & His Truth - but they were for Israel alone, for their conduct before God & man, to show them their sin, God's requirements, & prepare them to approach God in Love, Truth, & Faith. All who did at that time were accepted by their faith alone ( Hebrews 11:39,40) & not on how well they kept the Law. Romans 8:3,4 (we allow the righteousness of the Law to work & be fulfilled in us by God's Spirit - never appealing to the letter, which is devoid of life). Every blessing.
Part 3.
How should Christian treat one another?
We are to be at peace with one another, forgive one another, have mercy on one another.
Just a few references.
1 Thessalonians 4:9
Ephesians 4:32
Galatians 5:26
Galatians 6:2
Matthew 7:12
1 John 4:7
However, we don't lie or deceive one another for the sake of peace. The truth hurts sometimes but it promotes spiritual growth providing that the Christ spirit is in the person.
BELEIVERS SHUNNING OTHER BELEIVERS.
To shun is to deliberately avoid something or someone. In the Bible, the word shun is applied to evil. Job 1:8, Job 28:28, Proverbs 3:7-8 Proverbs 14:16. So, shunning evil is good.
There is scripture that promotes excommunication. Matthew 18:15-17; 2 Thessalonians 3:14. but do we do it for harm or Good? What's the intent?
In any case, it would seem that extreme forms of shunning, such as considering someone "dead," utterly ignoring him, or refusing to acknowledge his existence, go beyond what Scripture commands.
After all, Jesus said that, when someone is put out of the church, he should be treated as "a pagan or a tax collector" Matthew 18:17. In other words, treat an intractable offender as an unsaved person.
How are we to treat the unsaved? With love and grace.
The "pagans and tax collectors" need to be evangelized. We are to love even our enemies ( Matthew 5:44).
The goal of excommunication and any form of shunning is restoration ( Galatians 6:1).
The purpose of any type of discipline is to prompt repentance and, ultimately, to reunite our fallen brother or sister with the church body. Being officially ostracized from the church, the sinner might be brought to repentance.
When the man in the Corinthian church later realized that he had sinned against God, he repented and came back to the church for forgiveness and reinstatement. Fellowship with the Corinthian believers was restored ( 2 Corinthians 2:6-11).
Isn't it hateful to ignore or shun other believers?
See part 4.
In rereading your comment I did not directly address your question as to why we are commanded to send forth the Gospel.
While it is a certainty that each and every one of God's Elect will become "saved" since there sins have been fully paid for, God must still apply that salvation to their life in giving them a New Heart, a New Resurrected Soul.
Therefore the command to send forth the True Gospel into the world as the means God has chosen to draw His Elect to Himself as He applies that Salvation to their life; and as a means of separating the wheat from the chaff particularly in our day.
The True Gospel is the "savor of life unto life and death unto death" as we read in 2 Corinthians 2
2 Corinthians 2:15-17 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
It is not the business of the True Believer to decide or know who is one of God's Elect and who is not. That is God's business not our business. Our task is to be an ambassador of God's Kingdom.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.
1 Corinthians 5:4-5 is the account
Here is how I understand what we are discussing.
4,5) - "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
To deliver such an one unto Satan FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF THE FLESH, THAT THE SPIRIT MAY BE SAVED IN THE DAY OF THE LORD JESUS.
I don't believe Paul is talking about condemnation as to one's salvation.
He's not talking about forgiveness of sins. He's talking about excommunicating this person.
The Corinthians was a proud church and continuing on as if there was nothing wrong. Delivering him to Satan for the destruction of the flesh would be his just punishment.
This is chastening not condemning.
( that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.)
This would cause him to repent, I will come to that later.
As we read on in the following verses we see where Paul urges them to not keep company with evil doers of the world.
He is now writing them to not keep company with any man that is called a brother that's an evil doer.
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. ( 1 Corinthians 5:6-13.
Back to the evil doer in question. I believe here in 2 Corinthians 2:2-11 we have the account where this guy repented from those evil deeds.
Paul was coming down on the whole congregation for this cause.
I believe this account is in
2 Corinthians 7:8-12.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. ( That's Christ. )
We are commissioned to preach Christ. If a person reject Christ, that person shall be bound on earth as he or she is bound in heaven: and if that person receives Christ he or she shall loosed on earth as they are loosed in heaven.
I agree, perhaps others may like to share their thoughts.
Thanks and God bless
my wrong Scripture reference,
not 2 Corinthians 2:15, but 2 Corinthians 5:15
And Paul considered himself to be an apostle ( 1 Corinthians 1:1; 2 Corinthians 2:1), though the sense here I think, was that he was numbered with the other apostles yet one born out of due time (i.e. the others were direct witnesses of Jesus, walked with Him & called by Him, whereas Paul's qualification was of his explicit vision & calling to be Jesus' chosen vessel). Since Paul's day, there has been no other apostle, except Barnabas & those others since, who fulfil the apostolic definition of being God's messenger to the unsaved but not of the original 12 + 1.
Is this something God has given us from our birth, or has another intruded into humanity causing us to sin against God & that sin has been passed on to all generations? ( Romans 5:12; Acts 5:3; 1 Timothy 5:14,15; 2 Corinthians 2:10,11; 1 Thessalonians 2:18; Luke 22:31,32; etc., are a few verses showing Satan's activity, from the first day till the day he is put away, & our ongoing struggle to withstand him & his devices & to live in the power & joy of the Holy Spirit).
Satan is never absent - He is present - He is at work - and working in the hearts & minds of those who choose to live according to the dictates of their flesh & not in the fullness of the Spirit. Such were the gross sins of those kings mentioned earlier - if Ananias & Sapphira could have Satan gripping their heart so as to lie to the Spirit, how much more of Satan's control over those kings & indeed so many rulers/govts of today & their workings against Jesus Christ.
AS with all things in Gods Word words are used with precision and this one is no exception. In the Gospel
of John 13:7 Jesus answers and says to peter What I does't now thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
The key is the word know it is either oida[ which is to have factual understanding by the senses ]example I know have
knowledge that people sail boats but I have no learned experience of how they work. The first know is oida just
knowledge. The second know is ginosko spiritual understanding received by explanation of the one giving the knowledge.
The one giving the second is God by way of His spirit when born again 2 Corinthians 2:14 the natural man cannot
ginosko know Gods love grace mercy etc. because these cannot be known unless born again. Its interesting to follow
this word throughout scripture to better understand Gods word. Many times the religious leaders of his day had
head knowledge of God the scripture and the looks but no spiritual understanding at all no connection.
When we die it is the same as when we sleep, we are not conscious, we are asleep in Jesus, Psalm 146:4 Ecclesiastes 9:5,10 we have no knowledge of our surroundings or time. This is the spirit that goes back to God who gave it. Ecclesiastes 12:7.
1 Thessalonians 4:14, when Jesus returns, this earth is round and those that are Christs will come from all over, and we see different places describing the gathering, Matthew 24:31, Mark 13:27, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 along with Jesus, God brings those that are Christs with Him, the second coming back to earth to set up the kingdom on earth. I understand those who believe in the rapture being carried to heaven will disagree.
Soul; Hebrew, nephesh, meaning a soul, living being animal or human, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion. Greek psuch meaning, life, as the seat of affections and will, the self, the conscience, the individual. In our conscience that is in our soul is where the battle of the desires of the flesh and the Spirit. This is what remains asleep in the grave where ever the grave may be, awaiting resurrection when we put on immortality. Psalms 49:15 John 5:28-29
When are we absent from this body? 2 Corinthians 2:6-10 When do we appear at the judgment seat? 1 Thessalonians 2:19 1 Corinthians 15:22-23. When is a corn plant absent from its seed is it not when it springs forth from its grave of the earth? We are sown and until we are resurrected, being changed like the corn seed from corruption to incorruption, and this mortal puts on immortality being freed from this body of corruption, then we will be present with the Lord.
Sorry I got wordy I am sure not all will agree but that is ok this is just what I see.
God bless us all in the love of Jesus.
RLW
And when Paul tells us in Romans 12:2, "And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God", he speaks of changing the focus from off worldly matters & pursuits (though, we must still live in the world). Paul uses the Greek word that we know as 'metamorphosis', or to transform or change into a "new creature" ( 2 Corinthians 2:7) by first causing our minds to be renewed (re-focussed; in a new direction). And this can only happen when we first determine this in our hearts & minds, allowing God's Spirit to take full control, thereby causing us to have power to live for Christ & to live to make Christ known. And indeed, as already been said, our minds need to feed on God's Word that our spirits might be refreshed daily, giving "proof (in our hearts) of that good, acceptable & perfect Will of God" in our lives.
Paul refers to Titus helping him before:
2 Corinthians 12:18 and with him sent a "brother" who may have been Lucas.
2 Corinthians 2:13
2 Corinthians 7:6
Here's a verse that comes to mind.
Galatians 6:1-4. Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.