1 Corinthians 5:3–5: For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
In our churches today we do have certain men and women who are hurting the cause of Christ. I believe we have the right to ask God to deliver them into the hands of Satan, to be dealt with, so that they won’t hurt and harm the body of Christ. I pray that God will deliver certain men over to Satan to let him give them a good workout. It will either bring them to God (if they are true believers) or it will reveal the fact that they are not genuine believers at all. If they are Christians, then they will come out clear–cut and come out clean for God and for the Lord Jesus Christ. I think we have a right to pray that prayer. For these carnal Corinthians it was strong medicine. Paul is writing that, although he can’t be with them in his body, he is with them in his spirit. He tells them the way he is voting. And his prayer is to deliver this man into the hands of Satan. 1
Application
- Read 1 Peter 5:6-11. Pray for humility to live a holy life.
- Heaven and Hell are real. So is Jesus & Satan. Who’s influence are you living under?
Thought to Share
Does the persuasion of the Holy Spirit persuade you to live holy? – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, my heart wants to live for You alone. Protect me from the evil one.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (1 Corinthians) (electronic ed., Vol. 44). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
