Compare Deuteronomy 13:15 with 1 Corinthians 5:13 on dealing with sin. Two Texts, One Holy Purpose Deuteronomy 13:15—“you must surely strike the inhabitants of that city with the sword. Destroy it completely, all that is in it, and its livestock with the edge of the sword.” 1 Corinthians 5:13—“God will judge those outside. ‘Expel the wicked man from among you.’” What’s Happening in Deuteronomy 13 • Old-covenant Israel is a theocratic nation; idolatry is treason against the Lord who rescued them (Exodus 20:2–3). • The command is civil and corporate: the whole city must be destroyed if it has turned to other gods. • Capital punishment underscores the absolute holiness of God (Leviticus 20:2–3). • The aim: purge evil so that covenant blessing continues (Deuteronomy 13:17). What’s Happening in 1 Corinthians 5 • New-covenant believers form a spiritual body, not a political state (Philippians 3:20). • The sin is flagrant sexual immorality that the church has tolerated. • Discipline is ecclesiastical, not civil: remove fellowship, not take life (Matthew 18:15-17). • Goal: protect the church’s purity, provoke repentance, and display God’s holiness (Galatians 6:1; 2 Corinthians 7:10). Shared Themes That Never Change • God’s holiness demands decisive action against persistent, public sin. • The community bears responsibility to act, not merely the individual. • Removing evil protects the wider body from contagion (1 Corinthians 5:6; Joshua 7). Key Covenant Differences " Old Covenant (Israel) " New Covenant (Church) " " — " — " " Nation under divine law " Spiritual family within many nations " " Civil sword by state authority " Spiritual authority by church elders " " Death of the impenitent " Exclusion and restoration aim " " Typifies final judgment " Foreshadows eternal separation " Consistent Principles for Today • Treat sin seriously; delay invites deeper damage (James 1:15). • Follow God-given procedures—evidence, witnesses, due process (Deuteronomy 13:14; 2 Corinthians 13:1). • Exercise discipline with humility and love, seeking restoration (Galatians 6:1-2). • Trust God’s final judgment; the church enforces purity, not vengeance (Romans 12:19). Practical Steps for a Local Church 1. Investigate credibly reported sin promptly and fairly. 2. Confront privately first; widen the circle only if unrepentant (Matthew 18:15-17). 3. If stubborn rebellion persists, announce removal from membership and the Table (1 Corinthians 5:11). 4. Maintain hopeful contact, urging repentance (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). 5. Rejoice in restoration when repentance appears (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). Why It Matters • Holiness safeguards gospel witness (1 Peter 2:12). • Loving discipline displays God’s character—just and merciful (Hebrews 12:10-11). • Obedience invites blessing and unity (Psalm 133; John 15:10-11). |
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