Blessed Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
500 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678106
William MacDonald said well, “Paul had reason to believe that their pendulum might swing too far (cf. 7:11). They were no longer dispassionate spectators of the wrongdoer, and might become impassioned prosecutors. In that case he would be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow (lit., “grief”).”
Hendricksen said, “For this particular person, the punishment inflicted on him by most of you is enough.” The church had to deal with a sinner who had committed an offense that affected the entire congregation and hampered its work. We assume that the church applied the rules for discipline that Jesus prescribed (Matt. 18:15–17).”¹
Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
William MacDonald observed, “The event that made his visit painful (v. 1) and prompted the severe letter seems to have centered around the action of a certain man at Corinth. Whether he was a member of the Corinthian church or someone visiting them is not clear. Paul did, however, regard him as a Christian. What this individual did to cause grief is uncertain.”
Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne
John 10:10b I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
Emily Elliot was born at Brighton, England, on July 22, 1836. Throughout her life she was associated with the evangelical faction of the Anglican Church. She gave of herself tirelessly in working with the rescue missions and Sunday Schools in her area. Emily was a niece of Charlotte Elliott, author of the hymn “Just As I Am”. For six years she edited a magazine called the Church Missionary Juvenile Instructor. Forty-eight of her hymns were published in a book entitled Under the Pillow, a book of verse for the special use of people who are ill in hospitals, infirmaries or at home.
The Apostle Paul agonised and with many tears as he penned the words of this necessary epistle to direct the church in Corinth to the godly path. He speaks of the anguish of his heart as he sought to express his thoughts because the gospel’s progress was at stake – Galatians 5:22-23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
The Apostle Paul sought to encourage and seek a right way for the church in Corinth by his writing. It is his prayer and desire that the faith of God’s people remains steadfast. His desire is that they experience spiritual progress and victory in the trials and temptations that came their way. It is his joy to see the church thrive spiritually. He says, “my joy is the joy of you all.”
William MacDonald observed, “A servant of Christ is no stranger to pain and suffering (Matt. 5:10-12; John 15:18-20; 1 Peter 2:21). Paul had his share (cf. 2 Cor. 1:4-10; 11:16-32) which he did not shirk. But he was no fool. If he could avoid it and still accomplish his work he would do so. This belief led to his change of plans with the Corinthians.”
Hymns: RHC 284 Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, 315 Walk in the Light, 317 The Solid Rock
Psalm 101
1 A Psalm of David. I will sing of mercy and judgment: unto thee, O LORD, will I sing. 2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes: I hate the work of them that turn aside; it shall not cleave to me. 4 A froward heart shall depart from me: I will not know a wicked person. 5 Whoso privily slandereth his neighbour, him will I cut off: him that hath an high look and a proud heart will not I suffer. 6 Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me. 7 He that worketh deceit shall not dwell within my house: he that telleth lies shall not tarry in my sight. 8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land; that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the LORD. Psalm 101:1-8 (KJV)
RESOLUTIONS FOR TRUE CHRISTIAN PIETY
OUTLINE
Balance of mercy and justice (v1)
I will testify always (v1)
Personal Holiness (v2-3)
Integrity of heart (v2)
Purity of action (v3)
Public Piety (v4-8)
Avoid the Disobedient (v4)
Cut-Off the Proud Slanderer (v5)
Encourage the Faithful (v6)
Part Company with the Deceitful (v7)
Part Company with the Evil Doers (v8)
The Apostle Paul is said to “spare” the church of Corinth of the disciplinary actions that he would otherwise have to take against them had his trip not been delayed. He knew that when his planned trip to Corinth did not come to pass, it has caused some distruption as they were expecting him.