There is a particular film that Hollywood seems to think is a good idea to keep producing….and it’s not. The film is called The Purge and has several sequels to date. I remember a friend of mine telling me about this film years ago at a birthday meal when it first came out. He asks, “Abe, have you seen this film called The Purge?”, to which I responded, “No. What is it about?”. He then says the following, “So basically it is set in the future and on a certain day, every year, from 7pm until 7am the next day, all crime becomes legal, and the authorities are completely unavailable.” I, shockingly exclaimed, “That sounds terrible!” and he quickly says, “well it’s for population control. I get it”. You might be asking yourself, “Abe what does this have to do with Paul, 1 Corinthians and Jesus” but bear with me.
As we begin reading 1 Corinthians 5, we instantly identify that some major purging within the body of Christ is needed as Paul says, “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you” (1 Corinthians 5:1). This verse has always gripped my attention for many reasons. One, a member of the church had slept with his step mum and two, the church seemed to have been fine with it! In other words, they seemed to have forgotten who they were and who was one day coming back for the glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing (Ephesians 5:27). Paul consistently reminds the church of Corinth about the finished work of Jesus that has transformed them, (1 Corinthians 6:11) first as individuals and collectively as a body.
Since that transformation, we now stand as temples of the Holy Spirit who is in us. Why does this play such a key part in our lives as Christians and as a church? Well, it reminds us how relevant Jesus is to every area of a believer’s life. EVERY area. Whether you are single, married, struggling in sin or widowed, Jesus still delights in every area of our lives (Psalm 37:23). He cares. I believe once we have revelation of this promise, we can boldly stand against anything that isn’t working right in our lives, relationships, and churches, knowing that His power is flowing through us. Remembering this helps us to ensure we do not make an idol of any aspects of our lives but that we continue to serve the Lord without distraction (1 Corinthians 7:35). After all, Jesus should always be at the centre.
I want to quickly go back to The Purge film I mentioned before. One of the sad things about the state of the people in this film was that there were limited ways of escaping. However, that is not the case with our Lord Jesus Christ. Whether we need ideas of sharing a biblical truth in a way that edifies, He provides a way. Whether we need help in disciplining our bodies and taking more control of the flesh, He provides a way. Jesus is that way of escape so fear not! (1 Corinthians 10:13).
I always smile at the thought of there being an imperishable crown which awaits on the other side. I smile even harder knowing that Jesus has given us everything we need to successfully run our race and obtain this crown. Our part is to daily cleanse ourselves from anything that dishonours Him, so that we are vessels for honour, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work (2 Timothy 2:21).
What areas of your life need purging? Give it to Jesus today.
