How should Christians respond to sin within the church, based on 1 Corinthians 5:1? The Crisis Paul Exposes (1 Corinthians 5:1) “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is intolerable even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife.” Why Sin Cannot Be Ignored - God’s standard is holiness (Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:15–16). - Open, unrepented sin damages the witness of the church (Romans 2:24). - “A little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough.” (1 Corinthians 5:6) First Response: Grieve, Not Gloat - “And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have mourned so that he who has done this would be removed from among you?” (1 Corinthians 5:2) - Spiritual mourning shows agreement with God’s view of sin (James 4:8–10). Second Response: Remove the Unrepentant - Paul instructs, “Expel the wicked man from among you.” (1 Corinthians 5:13) - Purpose of removal • Protects the body from further harm (1 Corinthians 5:6–7). • Places the sinner where consequences may awaken repentance—“hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 5:5) Third Response: Follow Christ’s Pattern of Discipline - Matthew 18:15–17 lays out private confrontation, then small-group confirmation, then church involvement. - Each step seeks restoration, not humiliation. Fourth Response: Guard Attitudes While Taking Action - Restore “with a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1). - Watch yourself to avoid pride or similar temptation (Galatians 6:1). - No vengeful tone—discipline is an act of love (Hebrews 12:6). Fifth Response: Welcome the Repentant Back - When godly sorrow produces repentance, forgiveness must be extended. - “This punishment by the majority is sufficient… you ought to forgive and comfort him… reaffirm your love for him.” (2 Corinthians 2:6–8) Living as an Unleavened People - Christ our Passover Lamb has been sacrificed (1 Corinthians 5:7); therefore believers are already set apart. - Ongoing commitment: • Personal vigilance against sin (1 Corinthians 11:28). • Mutual encouragement toward holiness (Hebrews 10:24–25). • Clear distinction between judging insiders and outsiders: “God will judge those outside.” (1 Corinthians 5:13) Keeping the Gospel Central - Discipline protects the purity of the gospel message. - Restoration showcases the power of that gospel to change lives. - A church that obeys these instructions shines as “the pillar and foundation of the truth.” (1 Timothy 3:15) |
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