Introduction
The sermon text for this Lord’s Day (2 Corinthians 2:5-11) gives us insight into the life of this first century church. Paul guided them through a complex disciplinary matter. Principles he set in place proved fruitful, bringing repentance and restoration to a man who previously was disruptive to the ministry. In this passage Paul instructs us regarding the nature, goals, motive, and benefits of what we call church discipline.
Our hymn selections will highlight the related themes of holiness, repentance, forgiveness and unity.
PREPARATION FOR WORSHIP
Call to Worship Psalm 24:1-5
Invocation
PROCLAMATION
Hymn Insert I Greet Thee, Who My Sure Redeemer Art
Notes: This beautiful anthem rejoices in Christ, our Redeemer, and proclaims his indisputable and exclusive sufficiency for our salvation: “Our hope is in no other save in thee.” The third verse describes his loving demeanor and prays that we might mirror what we see in him: “O grant to us the grace we find in Thee, that we may dwell in perfect unity.”
Worship through Giving
Congregational Response, Hymn: Doxology
Hymn 3 Holy, Holy, Holy
Notes: The church of Jesus Christ will never be perfect until we see Him face-to-face. Even so, the Bible calls us to pursue holiness. God says to us, “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).
Scripture Reading 1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Notes: In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul gave instructions about how to deal with egregious sin within the church. In today’s sermon text, Paul explains the church’s responsibility to restore a repentant sinner. Whether or not these two passages speak to the same incident does not matter; the principles are related. the first passage informs our understanding of the current passage.
Pastoral Prayer
Hymn Insert Depth of Mercy
Notes: Paul has revealed deep sorrow over the sinful conflict in the Corinthian church. It caused him great pain. And yet, in this sermon text, he shows amazing compassion and concern for the offender. His goal was restoration, not retaliation. This is Christ’s goal in dealing with his people. He calls us back and extends to us his deep, inexhaustible mercy.
Message True Christian Love
2 Corinthians 2:5-11
Pastor Steven Thomas
RESPONSE
Prepared Music The Life Of His Son In Me
Choir
Notes: We work together for a church that is pure and productive, pleasing the Lord in every way. We do this with the confidence that God works through his church to conform each of us into the image of his Son. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).
Prayer Response Mike Towry
Benediction John Miles