1 Cor 5:1 on church sexual immorality?
How does 1 Corinthians 5:1 address the issue of sexual immorality in church?

Setting the Scene

• Corinth was a bustling, morally lax port city.

• The church was surrounded by pagan practices but was called to live differently (1 Corinthians 1:2).

• Paul writes to keep the congregation distinct from the world’s standards.


Paul Identifies the Problem (1 Corinthians 5:1)

“It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man has his father’s wife.”

• “Actually reported” – the sin was well-known, not rumor.

• “Sexual immorality” – Greek porneia, covering every form of illicit sex, here specifically incest (Leviticus 18:8).

• “Even pagans do not tolerate” – the church had sunk below common cultural morality.

• “A man has his father’s wife” – ongoing sinful relationship with his stepmother.


Severity of the Sin

• Incest was forbidden in Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 27:20) and rejected by Roman law.

• Public knowledge brought reproach on Christ’s name (Romans 2:24).

• Tolerating blatant sin erodes the church’s witness (Philippians 2:15).


Why Paul Speaks So Strongly

• The body of Christ must remain pure (Ephesians 5:27).

• A little leaven leavens the whole lump (1 Corinthians 5:6) – unchecked sin spreads.

• God disciplines His people for holiness (Hebrews 12:10).

• Love confronts sin for the sinner’s restoration (Galatians 6:1) and the church’s protection.


Related Biblical Witness

Ephesians 5:3 – “But among you, as is proper among saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality.”

1 Thessalonians 4:3 – “For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.”

Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage must be honored among all, and the marriage bed kept undefiled.”

Revelation 2:20 – Jesus rebukes Thyatira for tolerating sexual sin.


Steps Toward Purity Drawn from 1 Corinthians 5

• Recognize sin as sin—call it what Scripture calls it.

• Mourn over it rather than boast (v. 2).

• Exercise biblical discipline: remove unrepentant offenders to prompt repentance (v. 2, 5).

• Guard the fellowship: maintain clear moral boundaries (v. 6-8).

• Pursue personal holiness: each believer flees sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18-20).


Living It Out in Today’s Church

• Hold to Scripture’s absolute standard even when culture disagrees.

• Address public, persistent sin quickly and lovingly.

• Teach the whole counsel of God on sexuality.

• Celebrate repentance and restoration when it occurs (2 Corinthians 2:6-8).

What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 5:1?
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