Testimonial Living
BRD REFLECTIONS
1 Corinthians 5-6 and Psalm 67 (NIV)
(Ng Chai Seng, Secretary, LCEC)
READ:
1 Corinthians 5-6 and Psalm 67 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In my reading, three key questions came to mind:
1. What does it mean to rid of old yeast? (1 Corinthians 5)
Paul was appalled at the report of sexual immorality within the community of believers (v1). Christ the Passover Lamb has been sacrificed (v7); however, their sin was not dealt with in sincerity and truth; and pride set in (vv2, 7, 8).
2. How to settle disputes between believers? (1 Corinthians 6:1-11)
Take disputes before the Lord’s people (v1); having lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already (v7); God’s people are washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (v11).
3. Why honour God with our bodies? (1 Corinthians 6:12-20)
Our bodies are: members of Christ (v15); temples of the Holy Spirit, not our own (v19); bought at a price, therefore honour God with our bodies (v20).
APPLY:
1. God is the Righteous Judge – live in the truth.
Paul discerned with the Word of God: “I have already passed judgement in the name of our Lord Jesus” (1 Corinthians 5:3).
God’s Word draws our attention to what pleases Him, neither add nor subtract (Deuteronomy 4:2) but discern what His Word says.
Jesus said in Matthew 18:15-17 about dealing with sin in the church, beginning with “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you.” It takes humility to point out a sin as “there is no one righteous, not even one” in the sight of God (Romans 3:10). “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it” (1 Cor 12:26). Tell a fellow believer the sin with the intent to help, not condemn, in the hope “that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord” (1 Cor 5:5).
2. God is Forgiving – live at peace with one another.
“But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.” (1 Cor 6:17). Paul urged us to be kind and compassionate, and forgive each other, just as in Christ God forgave us (Ephesians 4:32). Seek wise counsel within the church community.
3. God is our Redeemer; God is Holy – live in the Spirit.
Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, whom we have received from God. We are not our own but were bought at a price. Therefore, honour God with our bodies (1 Cor 6:19-20). Walk and be led by the Spirit, as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1-2).
Today’s reading depicts a church community that cannot be hidden – a living testimony of God’s transformation with His Word. “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14).
In her sermon, Rev Lilian Ang urged all to cultivate attitudes of transformed minds and practise testimonial living.
Psalm 67 is a prayerful song: May God be gracious to us, bless us, make His face shine on us; His ways be known; salvation among all nations; may His people praise Him, be glad and sing for joy – that all the ends of the earth will fear him.
DO:
- I will seek God’s help to discern what pleases Him in my daily Bible reading.
- I will treasure the fellowship, counsel and the unity in the body of Christ.
PRAY:
Dear Gracious God, I thank You for the gift of salvation. Christ has redeemed me from my sin. Thank you for the reminder to live in unity within the church community. Thank you for the Holy Spirit who indwells me to guide me and discern what pleases You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”
