Go On Being a New Lump

Paul has addressed the Corinthian church concerning the divisions among them, and the need to live, boast and find their wisdom in nothing and no-one other than Christ and Him crucified. Now Paul writes strongly regarding a particular situation of sexual immorality. Whilst he commands them to remove the offender from their assembly, this is to be done, "so that his spirit may be saved in the day if the Lord" and in order to cleanse the fellowship. He then rebukes them for how they have managed grievances between themselves. In both these contexts, Paul's heartfelt desire and command is for the church to be what they already are in Christ - 'a new lump'! They are washed, sanctified and justified, and must live as such, both in the world and amongst themselves. Pray that we too might be encouraged to 'celebrate the festival' of Christ's sacrifice for us with sincerity and truth, in word and deed.