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1 Corinthians 15:33-34
In 1 Corinthians 15:33-34 the Apostle Paul reveals to us that he is speaking to the congregation of the church at Corinth about things in which they are, themselves, guilty. But Paul also gives us the reasons in which those who have fallen, have fallen. The Bible teaches us in 1 Corinthians 15:33 (NKJV), “33Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Corinth was a diverse place, and it would appear that the Christians of the church at Corinth were “hanging out” with the wrong crowd; and being in company of sinners invokes sin. But Paul also gives the solution to the issue in 1 Corinthians 15:34 as he declares, “34Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame.” To bring shame on the congregation of the church at Corinth is to make known their wrongdoings with intent to repentance. This is a good thing, for before we can come to repentance, we must know of our sin.
This is an example that we, as Christians, should seek the company of Christians as we can build each other up and edify the whole Church.
The Apostle Paul mentions in 1 Corinthians 15:34c, “for some do not have the knowledge of God.” When we spend time with those who do not know God/or of God we encounter two problems/issues: (1) These people are not striving to live in the ways of the Lord as they do not know of Him. In this company, we become susceptible to their sinful ways and find ourselves committing the same sins as they. (2) These are the people in which we should be witnessing for Christ so that they will learn of Jesus and their need for Him in their lives. This is most visible through our examples to them. For new Christians, this is a slippery slope that should be visited with Christian support, not alone, as God does want us to share the gospel with those in our lives that are not Christians, but we must be sure that we will not be overcome with their sinfulness in the process. As we grow in our relationships with God through our salvation in Christ Jesus, this becomes an easier task for us but is always better with support – in Christ.
Dear LORD,
As we become Christians, we want to follow Your will for our lives and not fall back into the sinful ways of our past. Please help us to find ways to witness to our families, friends, and loved ones of Your great love for us and to be the example of Christ Jesus to them as our best witness is always the change You have made in our lives – that they may see Jesus in us. Please let it be so LORD. In Jesus name I pray, amen.