How does 1 Corinthians 5:13 guide church discipline and accountability today? Context in Corinth The church in Corinth tolerated blatant immorality—a man living with his father’s wife (1 Corinthians 5:1). Instead of mourning, they were proud. Paul calls this attitude unacceptable because it compromises the holiness Christ intends for His people. The Central Command: “Expel the Wicked Man” 1 Corinthians 5:13 states, “God will judge those outside. ‘Expel the wicked man from among you.’” • The wording echoes Deuteronomy 13:5; 17:7; 24:7, where Israel was told to “purge the evil from among you.” • Paul applies that Old-Testament clarity to the New-Testament church: the congregation is responsible to remove unrepentant sin that endangers the body’s purity and witness. • God alone judges unbelievers; the church must guard its own fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:12). Timeless Principles for Church Discipline • Sin is treated as objective reality—measured against God’s revealed standard, not cultural opinion (Psalm 119:160). • Discipline is family business. “For what have I to do with judging outsiders?” (1 Corinthians 5:12). The church loves its members enough to confront. • Action follows unrepentance, not mere failure. Restoration is always the goal (Galatians 6:1). • The integrity of Christ’s name is paramount (Ephesians 5:27; 1 Peter 2:12). Connecting Scriptures • Matthew 18:15-17 – private confrontation → small group → whole church → removal if no repentance. • 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15 – keep away from the disorderly yet admonish as brothers. • Titus 3:10-11 – warn a divisive person twice; after that, have nothing to do with him. • Hebrews 12:10-11 – discipline yields “the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” • 2 Corinthians 2:6-8 – once repentance occurs, forgive and comfort “so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.” Practical Steps for Today 1. Private, loving confrontation with Scripture open. 2. If ignored, two or three credible witnesses join. 3. Still unrepentant? The matter is told to the church body. 4. Continued rebellion leads to removal from membership, participation in the Lord’s Table, and ministry roles—yet the door remains open for return upon repentance. 5. Constant prayer and pursuit accompany every stage (James 5:19-20). Goals and Outcomes • Purity of the church: “A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). • Protection of the sinner: deliver him “to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved” (1 Corinthians 5:5). • Preservation of witness: the world must see a distinct, holy people (John 13:35; Philippians 2:15). • Promotion of reverent fear: discipline reminds everyone that God’s standards are non-negotiable (Acts 5:11). Heart Posture in Accountability • Humility—remembering we all need grace (1 Colossians 10:12). • Tears, not triumphalism (2 Colossians 2:4). • Quick readiness to reaffirm love the moment repentance appears (2 Colossians 2:8). • Confidence that God’s Word is accurate, literal, and sufficient for guiding every aspect of church life (2 Titus 3:16-17). 1 Corinthians 5:13 remains a clear, uncompromising compass: God judges the world; the church must guard its holiness through firm, restorative discipline carried out in love and obedience to Scripture. |
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