Corrupt Character in the Church

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"But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person."

1 Corinthians 5:11-13

To the average person and even to some believers this can sound like a harsh un-christ-like directive. Truth is, yes we are to minister to these, Jesus ate with the like after all. Yet there's a difference between having encounters and embracing such in close friendship. We are warned that the company we keep can be contagiously dangerous for our character and morals or manners which impacts our walk with Christ immensely!

Notice within the first sentence he says, "if any man be a brother"? This is someone within the church. Discernment is key. Don't dismiss it by a so-called commonality. 

"Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners." 1 Corinthians 15:33

Are we heeding these warnings? Carefully listening to the Holy Spirit's leading?

Falling for flatteries or strength to stand?

Falling for flatteries or strength to stand?

"And in his estate shall stand up a vile person, to whom they shall not give the honour of the kingdom: but he shall come in peaceably, and obtain the kingdom by flatteries." Daniel 11:21
"And such as do wickedly against the covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." Verse 32

According to the Strong's Concordance, "flatteries" is used as 'flattery, smoothness, fine promises' (strongs/H2514)

Now we know this passage reveals how the antichrist will get his way, but there is spiritual application for us today as well!

Many of us know a smooth talker. May we be close enough to the Lord God and full of His Holy Spirit, so we can recognize such talk in our day to day lives. After all, whether it be one attempting to get what they want from us, or the ultimate deceiver's soon coming antichrist the Word of God reminds us "but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.(v 32)".

Keys to victory, know the God who lives!

"Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Ephesians 6:10-11

No doubt smooth talkers, filled with fine promises and "feel good" words can be quite convincing! May we draw nearer to Christ than ever before, clothed in Him, filled with His Holy Spirit and Word so that we trust Him, His covering and His promises in such deceptive times as we are in.

Can you recognize these people who deceive with such pleasantries? Is it any wonder  that we are warned of such vile and evil ones? Truth is, we weren't made to battle alone! Are you abiding in the vine? Living in Christ? Will you recognize that false feel good and have His strength to stand?