For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 21 I fear that when I come again my God may humble me before you, and I may have to mourn over many of those who sinned earlier and have not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced.
If Door Does Not Open, Do Not Enter. That is an actual sign that prohibits a behavior to keep us safe, namely from injuring ourselves crashing through a door. The Bible has many of these, beginning with the 10 Commandments. Much of the Levitical law is for the well-being of the individual and for the entire nation. Paul had a similar message for the church in Corinth. DO NOT ENTER into idolatry and sin, both for the sake of the believer and the church.
Mark Dever wrote a book on the marks of a healthy church. Paul wrote these verses as the marks of a diseased church. The false leaders brought in a virus of conceit and human strength and the symptoms were the above sins. It is not surprising that Paul had already sent an identical list to the churches in Galatia as the works of the flesh, only to counter them with the fruit of the Spirit. Paul warned that he was coming soon to deal with it. Jesus promised that he would do the same. Praise God he opened the door for us!
Dear Lord, thank you for the way, the truth, and the life. May we cling to the Author of Life for the word of truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church