What does "Expel the wicked man" teach about maintaining church purity? Setting the Stage: Corinth’s Crisis and Paul’s Remedy - The Corinthian church tolerated open, scandalous immorality (1 Corinthians 5:1). - Rather than mourning, they were “inflated with pride” (v. 2), revealing a heart problem deeper than the sin itself. - Paul responds with decisive, Spirit-inspired instruction aimed at preserving the holy character Christ intends for His body. Reading the Key Verse “God will judge those outside. Expel the wicked man from among you.” — 1 Corinthians 5:13 Core Principles for Maintaining Church Purity • Purity is non-negotiable. God’s people are called to be holy because He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). • Persistent, unrepentant sin spreads. “Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole batch of dough?” (1 Corinthians 5:6). • Discipline begins with love for the offender’s soul. The goal is restoration, not humiliation (Galatians 6:1). • Judgment inside the church is a family matter; God handles those outside (1 Corinthians 5:12-13). Why Church Discipline Protects the Flock - Shields weaker believers from stumbling. - Guards the church’s public witness (Philippians 2:15). - Affirms the seriousness of sin and the preciousness of Christ’s sacrifice. - Demonstrates obedient submission to Christ, the Head of the church. Biblical Steps Toward Restoration 1. Private confrontation (Matthew 18:15). 2. One or two witnesses join if repentance is refused (Matthew 18:16). 3. The matter is told to the church (Matthew 18:17a). 4. If hardness persists, separation occurs—“let him be to you as a pagan or a tax collector” (Matthew 18:17b), echoed in “expel the wicked man” (1 Corinthians 5:13). Echoes Across Scripture - Deuteronomy 17:7; 19:19; 21:21: “You must purge the evil from among you.” - 2 Thessalonians 3:6: “Keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life.” - Ephesians 5:11: “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” - Titus 3:10: “Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition.” Practical Takeaways for Today’s Church • Cultivate a culture of humble accountability before sin takes root. • Address sin swiftly, biblically, and with godly sorrow, not personal anger. • Combine firmness with compassion, always leaving the door open for repentance. • Pray expectantly for restoration; when repentance comes, warmly reaffirm love (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). • Keep Christ’s holiness and the gospel’s reputation at the forefront of every disciplinary action. |
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