"..for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral".
There are many verses on this subject but I don't want to pursue them at this time. Verse 4 just highlighted itself to me as I see emphasis on "God" who will do the judging of such people. We others do not have to be the Judge. This judging however in the sense that we do not stand back and point fingers at a person and arrogantly say,
"How could he/she do such things!!??"
As if you yourself would never be lured into such a vice.
As 1 Corinthians 5:11 points out...
"You must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral...with such a man do not even eat."
We do have some responsibility towards those "caught in a sin" (Read Galatians 6:1).
Those who feel themselves spiritual are to undertake and help those overcome with fault, etc. May God grant you the wisdom and grace to fulfill such a kindness for Him.
In Hebrews 13:9, 25, it appears like Paul has some favorite key word(s). In this passage he notes "grace".
Although Paul was a soldier of the truth he also wielded GRACE and stressed it (and gentleness which so happens to be a fruit of the Spirit) to the saints all over. Perhaps the human nature tends away from grace and so a Christian needs to develop and strengthen his or herself in this area; I know I need to be.
There is a perfect example of Jesus when the religious leaders brought the woman taken in adultery to Him (how did the man go scot free?). Jesus made them realize that they were no better: "he who is without sin be the first to cast a stone" (John 8:7). The crowd dispersed, no doubt with heads bowed in shame, from the eldest to the least.
By God's grace, with His gentleness, with His Word, being careful that you yourself do not get caught up in similar unwholesomeness, go and help your brother or sister in Christ. Maybe they are desperate for your help. Maybe they are not. Pray for God's timing and help. Go.
In verse 13 of Hebrews 13, it struck me that it is not so much of isolating oneself from other Christians with conflicting views or opinions as to how to worship the Lord, but this "going to Him (our Lord Jesus Christ) outside the camp" is to join Him in His suffering and disgrace.
Here is a quote to note from one J. Webster...
"If people back then turned away from Judaism they were ostracized from the general assembly of Israel and put outside the camp. For us today we must turn away from a "works" religion and other things that compromise our faith and take away from what Jesus has done for us."
Let the focus of all believers' attention be on Him and realize we all will experience such things too and it could be a uniting factor, a common focus so that we can then offer that sacrifice to God: PRAISE, and thus confess His NAME. By God's grace we can stand and sing His praise.
A prayer...
Blessed be His Name. Lord Jesus You died for me, You suffered for me, people insulted You to Your face and slandered You behind Your back. You endured this for me. Your flesh was torn ripped open, You were bruised and beaten, You submitted Your will and life to Your Father for my sake. Thank-You. That seems so feeble and ungrateful a thanks. Your love exceeded/s known human limits and is given in unlimited supply. Thank-You for first loving me. You are my Lord. Bless Your Holy Name. I love You Lord. I'm waiting for that city that You built. We will then no longer strive and struggle with our sinful nature. Your love and grace conquer all. Come Lord Jesus and take Your rightful place.
~ERC 2017~
Originally written March 1995; adapted for blog July 2017
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