Put Away, 1 Cor 5:13

There are some things that don’t go away on their own and God doesn’t deliver you from them.  You have to put away these people or things in your life.  

Put away:

A wicked person – 1 Cor 5:13.  In the context of v.11, we are not to keep company with a brother who is a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, etc.  The reason is simple.  A little leaven leavens the whole lump, v.6.  And like this fellow who was committing fornication, the separation may bring him to repentance.  If you continue in the relationship, you may become an enabler.  Or you may change your doctrinal stand to accommodate their sin.

Childish things – 1 Cor 13:11.  When you were a child, you spoke, understood, and thought like a child.  But when you are an adult, you should no longer be childish.  When you speak, understand and think, you should put away childish things.  Unfortunately, these days, people are much more emotional and less rational than before.  Many people “react” like children.  Stop this childish behavior and grow up.

Lying – Eph 4:25.  Little children lie.  Don’t embellish stories, exaggerate the truth, lie, or transfer blame by not accepting responsibility for who you are or what you are doing.  Always, without exception, tell the truth.  And particularly, don’t lie to God about your true condition.  Be absolutely honest with him and with yourself.  This will help you to be honest with everyone else.

Bitterness and anger – Eph 4:31.  I have a friend who asked me to pray, among other things, that God would deliver him from his feelings of bitterness after a bad situation.  As I prayed for him everyday, I realized that God is not going to deliver him.  My friend has to put away his bitterness.  He has to put away his anger.  And so do you.  If you have someone or something in your life about whom you are bitter, put away that bitterness tonight.

Conclusion: an altar is a great place to lay down these things.  Why don’t you get with God tonight and put away this wicked person, childish thing, lying, or bitterness and anger.