Handicapped

“That the works of God may be revealed in him.”  (John 9:3)

• The disciples saw the blind man in John 9 as an object lesson, a question of sin, not a person presently in need and potentially displaying the works of God.
• Does a sizeable segment of modern Christianity see the physically or morally challenged as object lessons or potential springboards for the work of God?
• How does this viewpoint change our perception of the “handicapped”?

“And such were some of you.” (1 Corinthians 6:11)

• A significant number of the Christians in Corinth fell under the description in 6:9 – 10.  Apparently, some of their old habits were difficult to overcome.  Paul reminded them of the objective and admonished them to get back on track.  But he did not threaten them with either “church discipline” or the wrath of God.
• What is our responsibility toward fellow believers who are having trouble with old ways?
• What is the difference between judging and admonishing?

“Having a form of godliness but denying its power; from such people turn away.”  (2 Timothy 3:5)

• The description in 3:1 – 4 is used by Paul to describe those from whom to separate.  How are these people different from those in 1 Corinthians 6?
• Who decides who is in which group?
• What is the key feature that allows people to fall into this description?