Paul, Do you not know

Do you not know? (1 Corinthians 6:3)

After confronting the Corinthians on immoral practices, Paul took dead aim at the lawsuits that were springing up between believers. Evidently, the members of the church there were finding it hard to resolve their disputes as brothers and sisters in Christ and were resorting instead to the Roman legal system. So Paul asked three times, “Do you not know … ?” to remind them of what life is supposed to be like when it is marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit.

What about you? Do you not know that the gospel is “the power of God for … salvation” (Romans 1:16)? Do you not know that you were “washed … sanctified … justified in the name of the Lord Jesus” (1 Corinthians 6:11)? Do you not know that you really can “put away” your “old self” and “put on the new self,” created to be like God (Ephesians 4:22, 24)?

Losing sight of the gospel not only waters down our experience of God’s presence; it also opens the door to other problems. One lapse can lead to another, until we wonder how it ever got so bad. Paul had to remind the Corinthians that they belonged to Christ not just so that they would have a more positive outlook but so that they would begin treating one another with respect. As far as Paul was concerned, if they started relying on the power of the Spirit rather than a secular legal system, they would find it much easier to resolve their disputes peacefully and lovingly.

This little episode from the Corinthian church tells us how much we need the Spirit. When we ask him to help keep us clear on the “Do you not know” truths of Christianity, our lives change. We develop a heavenly perspective that keeps us joyful in trouble. We naturally seek to be generous in our relationships. We find it easier to let go of grudges and to forgive as Jesus has forgiven us. The Holy Spirit wants to convince us that the gospel brings fullness of life, not just more of the same old life. So let’s lift our hearts to the Lord and ask for ongoing revelation of all that is ours in Christ.

“Thank you, Father, for revealing the gospel of power, of transformation, and of freedom. Give me grace to live in the fullness of this gospel and not wander from your promises.”

http://wau.org/meditations/current/