Isaiah 30-32; 1 Corinthians 5
Isaiah 30-32
The problem faced by the people of Judah in Isaiah's time is similar to what many believers experience throughout history. Instead of seeking God to solve their difficulties, they turned to human strategies and alliances. "Woe to the obstinate children, declares the Lord, to those who carry out plans that are not Mine, allying, but not by My Spirit, heaping sin upon sin" (Isaiah 30:1). A similar warning is repeated: "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and the great strength of their horsemen but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord" (Isaiah 31:1).
Despite the impending judgment, Isaiah continues to call for repentance: "Return, you Israelites, to the One you have so greatly revolted against" (Isaiah 31:6). He also reminds the people of the hope of future salvation through the coming King: "See, a King will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice" (Isaiah 32:1). Isaiah speaks of a time of justice, wisdom, and peace under this righteous King: "The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever" (Isaiah 32:17).
1 Corinthians 5
In this chapter, Paul addresses a serious issue of sexual immorality in the Corinthian church. He explains the need for church discipline to maintain the church's purity. The discipline serves two purposes:
1. The correction of the sinner - "Hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 5:5). The goal is to bring the person to repentance and ultimately save them.
2. The protection of the church - Paul warns that allowing sin to persist unchecked can spread corruption throughout the community: "Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough?" (1 Corinthians 5:6). He emphasizes that the church must deal decisively with sin within its ranks to prevent spiritual decay: "God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked person from among you" (1 Corinthians 5:13).
The problem faced by the people of Judah in Isaiah's time is similar to what many believers experience throughout history. Instead of seeking God to solve their difficulties, they turned to human strategies and alliances. "Woe to the obstinate children, declares the Lord, to those who carry out plans that are not Mine, allying, but not by My Spirit, heaping sin upon sin" (Isaiah 30:1). A similar warning is repeated: "Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help, who rely on horses, who trust in the multitude of their chariots and the great strength of their horsemen but do not look to the Holy One of Israel, or seek help from the Lord" (Isaiah 31:1).
Despite the impending judgment, Isaiah continues to call for repentance: "Return, you Israelites, to the One you have so greatly revolted against" (Isaiah 31:6). He also reminds the people of the hope of future salvation through the coming King: "See, a King will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice" (Isaiah 32:1). Isaiah speaks of a time of justice, wisdom, and peace under this righteous King: "The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever" (Isaiah 32:17).
1 Corinthians 5
In this chapter, Paul addresses a serious issue of sexual immorality in the Corinthian church. He explains the need for church discipline to maintain the church's purity. The discipline serves two purposes:
1. The correction of the sinner - "Hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 5:5). The goal is to bring the person to repentance and ultimately save them.
2. The protection of the church - Paul warns that allowing sin to persist unchecked can spread corruption throughout the community: "Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough?" (1 Corinthians 5:6). He emphasizes that the church must deal decisively with sin within its ranks to prevent spiritual decay: "God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked person from among you" (1 Corinthians 5:13).
Posted in Reading Bible Together