Amanda Ruth Black's husband was devastated when he came home one evening to find his wife dead on the floor of their Virginia Beach, VA home. Amanda had been killed by the couple's pet snake, a 13-foot python. According to news reports, she apparently was trying to give it medicine when it turned on her. This terrible tragedy that cost a young woman her life is a reminder that even though they may be a pet, deadly animals can still turn deadly. It also illustrates a spiritual point that is made in 1 Corinthians 5. Too often we take a lackadaisical approach to sin, almost making it like a pet or at least tolerating it "in the house." In this chapter, Paul deals with sin "in the house"--sin among believers (vv1-5). Paul strongly reprimands the Corinthians about their flippant attitude toward sin. "Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump," Paul asked (v6). He went on to say that they needed to "purge out the old leaven that you may be a new lump." You see, there is great danger when we associate with believers who are in a lifestyle of sin. It is easy for us to think "well, they are a Christian and do that, maybe it isn't so bad if I try it." This is especially true of immorality, which prompted Paul to say that we should not even eat a meal with a believer who is sinning like this (v11). Those outside of Christ are expected to act like that--and we know that. We are not told to remove ourselves from them, because to do so would mean we couldn't go anywhere in this world (v10). Sinners act like sinners, and that is no surprise. But when those who claim to be believers act like that, then it is another story and should not be taken lightly. Sin should always repulse us, but especially when it is among Christians. Be careful with whom you associate because before you know it, the pet sin in the room may be strangling you.
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Frank Banfill is an author, international speaker, and president of MaxPoint Ministries, whose purpose is to help individuals, churches and ministries reach their full potential. Please forward this blog to your family & friends. Not a subscriber? Sign up now at www.FranksBibleBlog.com. If you would like to share a comment about today's blog, you may do so at www.maxpoint.org/message_board.
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