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“Judgment: Punishment or Discipline?”

Thoughts for Today:

Have you ever thought sickness and death were the punishments handed out by the Lord for a Christian's unworthiness? A number of people believe and teach this concept based upon our passage today. However, if we interpret the "unworthiness" Paul speaks of in 1 Corinthians 11:27, as referring to non-Christians taking communion, then this passage begins to make a lot more sense. It's the problem with taking Scripture out of context -- we sometimes reach an altogether wrong conclusion.

In our passage today, Paul is saying that those of us who judge ourselves to be sinners, and then place our faith and trust in Jesus, will not be judged in the same way as non-believers. The unsaved face condemnation translated from the Greek word "katakrino", meaning "to be judged worthy of punishment"). On the other hand, Christians are disciplined -- which has an altogether different meaning than punishment. How so? Because Biblical discipline always has the purpose of correction, rather than punishment, which involves penalty and retribution.

Questions to Ponder:

What is your perspective as a believer: Punished or Disciplined? Your answer will tell you a lot about your understanding of God's Word. Open your Bible. What does it say about your current trial? 2 Peter 2:9: "If this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment."

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.