The Corruption of Righteousness

1 Corinthians 15:33-34 ~ "Do not be deceived: 'Bad company ruins good morals.' Wake up from your drunken stupor, as is right, and do not go on sinning. For some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame."

Who do you hang out with? Much to the surprise of many, your friendships do shape and hone you into the person you're becoming, whether it is a person of godly character or wickedness. So you must evaluate with whom it is you desire to remain in close fellowship. It will not be the casual acquaintance or the hit-or-miss associate that brings to ruin the righteous character that God would have in you. So, as you consider the text today, ask yourself: what company do you seek?

It begins with the axiom: "bad company ruins good morals." So, let us ask the simple question--who are these that comprise the "bad company?" All those who deny the resurrection of Christ are part of that collection of bad company. It is those who look at life with a futility concerning the end and determine that there is nothing better than to eat, drink and be merry (see 1 Corinthians 15:29-32). And, in truth, anyone who does not believe on the LORD Jesus for salvation, they have a destiny that awaits which is, to say the least, dreadful. For all who depart this life without the salvation of Christ only have this life to enjoy, for the wrath of God remains against them.

The axiom mentioned above is preceded by a caution: "do not be deceived." There is a dangerous enemy prowling around that wants to turn you aside from the true and righteous way of Christ and divert your attentions to the more self-minded concerns such as personal pleasure, temporary satisfaction and immediate gratification. "Eat, drink and be merry" is the mantra of the nihilistic unbeliever who can only see the moment and has no hope for eternity. And, dear Christian, you must not be deceived by them. They will encourage you with the very pleasures of the flesh, tempt you to forsake your hold on the hope of everlasting life and endeavor to make you reach for the candy of this world and forget the feast that awaits you in glory.

It is in such company that your moral strength is weakened, until you have no heart to remain steadfast in righteousness for the glory of Christ. It's not hard to predict the collapse of a righteous life when the company kept is worldly. They will forsake the fellowship of the saints, welcome no encouragement to stand firm, and resent any correction offered by those who love them in Christ. Ultimately, they will become like the company they keep. Proverbs 13:20 says it clearly, "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." 

So, dear reader, have you found yourself surrounded by friendships that no more love the LORD Jesus than do the devils in hell? Then the admonition from Paul is targeted at your heart--wake up! Literally, the command is to "sober up" or to leave off your drunken stupor of worldly delights. If your companions have been your downfall, and you are still holding them close in fellowship, it is time to cast off those friendships for ones that will encourage you and strengthen you in righteousness. And, as you break free from the corrupt fellowships, so break free from the corruption itself. As it says, "do not go on sinning." If we do sin, we have the promise of God that through confession and repentance He will cleanse us. Do not continue down that road of corruption, but turn around and follow Christ Jesus.

The reason for all of this: "some have no knowledge of God." This world is filled with the spiritually dead, those empty of truth and more desirous to fulfill all their earthly appetites. If you become like one of them, how will they ever leave off their ignorance of God? If you look just like them, not in physical appearance but in character and deportment, then they will never see in you the transforming work of grace through the LORD Jesus Christ. They will remain without the knowledge of God and salvation through Jesus Christ our LORD. 

And, like a goad in the side, God does not hold back His disappointment but says clearly, "I say this to your shame." For those who walk with Christ and still try to walk with the world and hold close companionship with worldliness, are shameful indeed. There is no virtue in being "just like the world" when we are to be more conformed to the image of Christ Jesus. Let us leave off any pursuit of friendships that tear apart the righteousness Christ would form in us and humbly, joyfully walk in faithfulness with the LORD Jesus and His church.

In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

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