5. Gospel: taking one before another

 WESLEY:

May it not be observed, (to make a little digression here, for the sake of those who are troubled with needless scruples on this head,) that the sin which the Apostle charges on the communicants at Corinth in this chapter (1 Cor  1) is usually quite misunderstood? It was precisely this, and nothing else, "the taking one before another his own supper;'" and in such a shocking manner, that while "one was hungry, another was drunken." By doing this, he says, "you eat and drink" (not "damnation:" a vile mistranslating of the word, but) judgment, temporal judgment, "to yourselves:" Which sometimes shortened their lives. "For this cause" -- for sinning in this vile manner -- "many are sick and weak among you." Observe here two things: First, What was the sin of the Corinthians? Mark this well, and remember it. It was taking one before another his own supper; so that while one was hungry, another was drunken. Secondly, What was the punishment? It was bodily weakness and sickness; which, without repentance, might end in death. But what is this to you? Your cannot commit their sin: Therefore, you cannot incur their punishment.

PRAYER:

1 Cor 1:30-31 - Everything that we have…comes from God by way of Jesus Christ. That’s why we have the saying, “If you’re going to blow a horn, blow a trumpet for God.”

REFLECTION:

Note well Wesley’s words about knowledge and judgment.   First, be clear about the nature of sins that matter - when one eats while another goes hungry.   Wesley states “it was precisely this and nothing else”. Here is the sin of omission which affects real harm.   If we are to judge, then be clear as to where the harm is to you. 

If the conscience of a faithful member of our church leads to a different view of scripture be careful to judge without knowing the real harm to you.   For we all sin.  Love is capable of covering all, including the tension of our diverse theology. So many disciples of Christ can testify to this,  While others act on the troubled scruples in their heads. 

Wesley puts it best, “you cannot incur their punishment”.   This to me provides the strongest wisdom when contemplating disaffiliation.    Be clear to the exact harm done to oneself and if you too exercise temporal judgement do not pride yourself that you are justified by taking on their punishment.   In reality, Wesley is saying that we must bear each other’s sin within the body of Christ - for everything comes from God,  Let us blow the horn of God’s amazing Grace and bear one another.

NEXT: 6. Gospel: Fear not, divisions happen to bring truth into the open