09/18/24 SINNERS GET WHAT THEY WANT (but they won't want what they get)

09/18/24 SINNERS GET WHAT THEY WANT
(but they won't want what they get)

How terrible it must be for God to tell us to turn a friend or loved one over to the devil?

God's word gives instruction to Christians concerning church discipline, which includes the extreme step of "shunning" a.k.a
cutting off, (restricting interaction with dangerous people), church people who commit brazen and perverted sexual activities, and blaspheme (speak against, defame, lie about, slander) against fellow Christians.

Church discipline is not legal or civil action against someone: it is an action taken by the local body of believers, which imposes offenders with social exclusion from Christian fellowship and church participation. It is not punishment and it is not carried out with anger or prejudice. It is for the purpose of protecting other local church folks from people who are endangering or undermining believers and misrepresenting the church's witness in the community, and it is for the purpose of bringing the unrepentant person to light and reconciliation. 

1 Timothy 1:18-20
18 This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, according to the prophecies which went before on thee, that thou by them mightest war a good warfare;
19 Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck:
20 Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.

There is very little accountability in the modern church and even less church discipline. On the other hand, often, when we hear about such church discipline, it is usually meted out in anger, and extends to dividing family, and attacking the offender publicly.

Sinning religion teaches this principle as if God is saving the offender through punishment and humiliation. In fact, some go so far as to say that God will kill the person who does not turn from his sins, and God will take them in death (to heaven).

It is really very simple.
God does not want anyone to perish. God made a sacrifice that provides salvation for all people, and imparted to those who believe and receive Christ.

If a person does not respond positively to God's merciful, drawing call, then God will employ negative forces to drive the sinner to salvation.
This does not violate their freedom of will, but it displays the kindness and mercy of God.
God provides everything necessary for the converted believer to live in faithful obedience to God's rule.

If the person refuses to walk in the light, which God offers, then God will use outside, negative influences to bring the rebel back to faith.

If the person continues to resist and reject God's call, then God directs the church to cut the backslider out of fellowship, with the intent of turning the rebel back to himself.

God gives every opportunity for reconciliation.