The Strangeness of the Church

The church is to be concerned with maintaining biblical distinctions which mark it out from an unbelieving world. Far from decrying this strangeness the church is to give expression to the reality of a saving change which is to evidence itself in distinct outward action, speech and behaviour. In this chapter we meet with some marks of distinction - some moral and permanent, others ceremonial and temporary.

1. Some things don't mix, v19.
2. All sins are not equally heinous, v20-22.
3. Safeguarding the purity of the church, v23-25.
4. The absence of common ground, v26-30.
5. The sufficiency of God's word, v31.
6. The fear of God in respect for the aged, v32.
7. Receiving converts to the glory of God, v33,34.
8. The believer as an honest man, v35-37.
   Application