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). |