The Corinthian Church
In this setting, the Apostle Paul had established a Christian community in Corinth during one of his missionary journeys. The Corinthian church was made up of both Jewish and Gentile converts who had come out of a culture steeped in immorality and idolatry.
The Issue
However, within the Corinthian church, there were reports of a scandalous case of sexual immorality. A man in the church had engaged in a sexual relationship with his stepmother, a clear violation of both Jewish and Christian moral standards. This issue was not only immoral but also a disgrace to the name of Christ and the integrity of the church.
The Corinthians’ Response
Surprisingly, the Corinthians did not seem to be taking this matter seriously. They were proud of their supposed freedom in Christ and had become arrogant and indifferent to sin. They had not only failed to confront the man involved in this sexual immorality but had also boasted about it, as if their tolerance and acceptance of such behavior displayed their spiritual maturity.
The Apostle Paul’s Instruction
Upon hearing about this situation, the Apostle Paul was deeply concerned and outraged. In the letter of 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses this issue head-on, urging the Corinthian believers to take immediate action. He reminds them of their responsibility to maintain the purity and holiness of the church.
Paul instructs the Corinthians to remove the man engaging in the immoral relationship from their fellowship. He emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, explaining that a little yeast can leaven the entire batch of dough, meaning that tolerating sin within the church can corrupt the whole community.
He also reminds them of their identity as a Christian community and exhorts them not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister in Christ but continues in unrepentant sin. This is not a call to completely sever ties with non-believers but rather to maintain the integrity and purity of the church by not allowing sinful behavior among its members.
The Purpose
The purpose of Paul’s instruction is not to condemn the man involved or to shame him but rather to protect the spiritual health of the church. Paul hopes that by taking this decisive action, the man will come to repentance and restoration, and the church as a whole will be strengthened in their commitment to living a holy and righteous life.
The case of sexual immorality in the Corinthian church serves as a critical lesson for believers today. It reminds us of the importance of maintaining purity within the church and confronting sin lovingly yet firmly. It also highlights the need for accountability and the pursuit of holiness in our Christian walk.
The Scene: Sexual Immorality Among the Saints
In the city of Corinth, where the apostle Paul was writing to the church in the first century, sexual immorality was rampant and deeply ingrained in the culture. The city was renowned for its luxurious lifestyle and open acceptance of sexual promiscuity. The temple of the Roman goddess Aphrodite, located on a hill overlooking the bustling seaport, played a central role in promoting and glorifying sexual indulgence.
Men visiting the city would often enter the temple, where they would be lavishly entertained and seduced by more than a thousand young and beautiful priestesses. These encounters were designed to arouse and stimulate desire. At night, the city streets were lined with older women who had once served as temple prostitutes but were now working as independent prostitutes. It was a city where sexual affairs and adultery were considered normal and even expected.
Into this setting, the apostle Paul addresses the Corinthian church, a community of new believers who had grown up in this culture of sexual immorality. They had come to faith in Christ with minds shaped by the permissive views of their society. The prevalent thought was that any sexual advances, regardless of age or status, should be welcomed and acted upon.
However, Paul became aware of a troubling situation within the church. In 1 Corinthians 5, he confronts the Corinthians about their acceptance and participation in sexual affairs within the body of Christ. There was a specific case where a man was having a sexual relationship with his stepmother, a gross violation of the moral standards upheld by the church.
Paul writes with urgency and concern, as he realizes the devastating consequences that sexual immorality can have on the spiritual well-being of the church. He reminds the Corinthians that they are a holy people, set apart for God’s purposes. They are called to live according to a higher standard, in alignment with God’s design for sexual relationships.
Through his letter, Paul aims to confront and correct the Corinthians’ view on sexual immorality, urging them to address the issue within their community. He emphasizes the importance of discipline and restoration, urging the Corinthians to remove the unrepentant individual from their midst, not in a spirit of condemnation but with the hope of repentance and restoration.
The scene in 1 Corinthians 5 reveals the clash between the cultural norms of sexual immorality in Corinth and the call for holiness and sexual purity within the body of Christ. Paul’s response reflects his deep concern for the spiritual health of the church and his commitment to upholding the moral standards laid out in God’s Word.
The PROBLEM is Pointed Out! (1 Corinthians 5:1-2)
Paul is Shocked by the sexual activity taking place in the church! (1 Corinthians 5:1a)
In the first two verses of 1 Corinthians 5, the apostle Paul addresses the shocking issue of sexual immorality taking place within the church in Corinth. Paul is appalled by the behavior he has heard about and is determined to address it head-on.
Firstly, Paul expresses his shock at the sexual activity occurring within the church. He states, “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife” (1 Corinthians 5:1a). This kind of immoral behavior was even considered unacceptable among the unbelieving Gentiles. Paul’s use of the phrase “not tolerated even among pagans” emphasizes the severity and gravity of the situation.
Furthermore, Paul contrasts this behavior with the truth that believers are temples of the Holy Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 3:16-17, Paul declares, “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him. For God’s temple is holy, and you are that temple.” Paul reminds the Corinthians that, as believers, their bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit and, therefore, must be kept pure and holy.
Paul’s shock at the sexual immorality in Corinth is also based on his own logical reasoning. In 1 Corinthians 3:18, Paul writes, “Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise.” The Corinthians prided themselves on their wisdom and knowledge, but their participation in sexual immorality revealed their true lack of understanding. Paul recognizes the contradiction between their claimed wisdom and their immoral actions, which greatly concerns him.
Finally, Paul asserts that he will come to Corinth to personally deal with this issue. In 1 Corinthians 4:19, he states, “I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I will find out not the talk of these arrogant people but their power.” The apostle intends to confront those who are engaging in sexual immorality and restore order and holiness within the church.
Paul’s shock at the sexual immorality within the church in Corinth is based on several factors. He contrasts the behavior with the truth that believers are temples of the Holy Spirit and must keep themselves pure. He also points out the contradiction between the Corinthians’ claimed wisdom and their immoral actions. Finally, Paul asserts his intention to personally address this issue and bring about a change within the church.
Paul is Shamed by their acceptance of the sin! (1 Corinthians 5:1b-2)
In 1 Corinthians 5:1b-2, Paul expresses his shock and shame at the Corinthian believers’ acceptance of sexual immorality within their midst. He highlights the difference between the attitude of the unsaved person and the saved believer towards such sinful behavior.
Paul writes, “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife.”
Here, Paul is referencing a specific case of sexual immorality within the Corinthian church. He states that it has been reported to him that a man within the congregation is engaging in sexual relations with his father’s wife, which is a clear violation of moral standards not only within the Christian community but also within the pagan world.
Paul’s use of the phrase “not tolerated even among pagans” indicates that this particular case of sexual immorality is so shocking and repugnant that even non-believing individuals would condemn it. The fact that the Corinthian believers were accepting and allowing such behavior to continue without addressing it is deeply troubling to Paul.
As an apostle and leader of the early Christian church, Paul has a deep concern for the spiritual well-being and moral purity of the believers. He understands that accepting and tolerating sexual immorality within the church not only goes against the teachings of Christ but also undermines the witness and credibility of the church in the world.
Paul’s shame stems from the fact that these believers, who have been saved by grace and are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, should know better and should not be participating in such sinful behavior. Their acceptance and lack of action in addressing the issue indicate a spiritual and moral failure, which brings disgrace upon themselves and the church.
In highlighting this specific case of sexual immorality, Paul aims to confront the Corinthians with the seriousness of their actions and to prompt them to take immediate steps to address and rectify the situation. Through his letter, he seeks to restore the purity and holiness of the church, reminding the believers of their calling to be set apart and to live according to the standards of Christ.
Paul’s shame at the acceptance of sexual immorality within the Corinthian church highlights the stark contrast between the behavior of believers and the world. He urges them to renounce and correct such sinful conduct in order to maintain the integrity of their faith and fulfill their role as ambassadors of Christ in the world.
PUNISHMENT is prescribed! (1 Corinthians 5:3-5)
Sexual Sins are to be judged and renounced! (1 Corinthians 5:3-4)
In 1 Corinthians 5:3-5, Paul addresses the need for punishment when it comes to sexual immorality within the church. He asserts that the believers should not only renounce and judge such sins but also take appropriate disciplinary action.
Paul’s point is clear: sin should never be accepted as the norm within the church. It is not enough to simply acknowledge the presence of sexual immorality among the believers; it must be confronted and dealt with decisively.
The problem that Paul identifies is that sin is often overlooked for the sake of unity. The Corinthians may have been turning a blind eye to the sexual immorality within their community, perhaps in an effort to maintain harmony and avoid conflict. However, Paul emphasizes that this approach is detrimental to the spiritual health of the church.
According to Paul’s principle, a failure to confront sin within the church brings God’s judgment upon the entire community. By allowing sexual immorality to persist without taking disciplinary action, the church is sending the message that such behavior is acceptable and permitted. This not only tarnishes the reputation of the church but also undermines its witness to the world.
To rectify this situation and restore the purity of the church, Paul prescribes punishment. He specifically mentions handing the offender “over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.” This strong language indicates the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate action. The punishment serves as a wake-up call for the offender as well as a deterrent for others who may be tempted to engage in similar behavior.
Paul’s prescription of punishment for sexual immorality in the Corinthian church highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity of the faith community. It underscores the seriousness of sin, as well as the need for accountability and discipline within the body of believers. By addressing and renouncing sexual immorality, the church can strive to live in accordance with God’s standards and be a shining example in the world.
The SINNER is to be judged and renounced! (1 Corinthians 5:5)
In 1 Corinthians 5:5, the apostle Paul highlights the importance of judging and renouncing a particular sinner within the faith community. This verse carries significant weight in addressing the issue of sexual immorality among the Corinthian believers.
Paul makes it clear that the offender, involved in a specific case of incestuous relationships that was widely known within the church, is to be removed from the fellowship and protection of God’s people. The purpose of this action is twofold: to discipline the offender and to protect the purity and witness of the faith community.
By emphasizing the need to judge and renounce the sinner, Paul is not advocating a judgmental or condemning attitude. Instead, he is calling for a righteous evaluation of the situation and a firm stance against sin. The aim is to restore the individual involved as well as to preserve the integrity of the church.
As believers, we are called to live according to God’s standards and uphold biblical principles of purity and holiness. When sexual immorality or any other sin occurs within the church, it is crucial to address it with love and a genuine desire for repentance and restoration. Ignoring or condoning such behavior would not only harm the spiritual health of the community but also compromise the church’s testimony to the world.
Furthermore, judging and renouncing the sinner is not meant to isolate or shun them indefinitely. Rather, it is a disciplinary measure intended to bring about repentance and spiritual growth. The ultimate goal is the salvation of the individual’s soul, as Paul states that the offender should be handed “over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.”
The mandate to judge and renounce a sinner in 1 Corinthians 5:5 highlights the importance of addressing sin within the faith community. It calls for a compassionate yet firm response to sexual immorality or any other form of wrongdoing. The intention is to discipline the offender, protect the integrity of the church, and ultimately aid in the restoration and salvation of the individual involved.
The PLEA for Purity! (1 Corinthians 5:6-8)
In 1 Corinthians 5:6-7, the Apostle Paul draws upon the story of the Passover from the book of Exodus to support his plea for purity within the church. He refers to the Passover as a significant event in Israel’s history, where the Israelites were instructed to remove all leaven from their households for a week. Leaven symbolizes sin and corruption in the Bible.
Paul uses this analogy to emphasize the need for believers to rid themselves of any sinful practices or influences within the church. Just as the Israelites were called to remove leaven from their homes, Paul urges the Corinthians to cleanse themselves of the person involved in the incestuous relationship. He states, “Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” (1 Corinthians 5:6).
By comparing the leaven to the influence of sin, Paul highlights the danger of allowing even a small amount of immorality to spread throughout the faith community. Just as a small amount of leaven can leaven the whole lump of dough, the presence of sexual immorality in the church, if left unaddressed, can negatively impact the entire body of believers and hinder their witness to the world.
In verse 7, Paul continues to make his case by exhorting the Corinthians to “cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” Here, Paul presents Christ as the ultimate Passover lamb who was sacrificed for the sins of humanity.
By identifying Jesus as the Passover lamb, Paul emphasizes the importance of living according to the new life and freedom that believers have in Christ. Just as the Israelites were called to remove the leaven from their households in preparation for the Passover feast, Paul urges the Corinthians to cleanse themselves of sin and walk in the righteousness and holiness made possible through Christ’s sacrifice.
Paul’s reference to the Passover in Exodus reinforces his plea for purity within the church community. By drawing parallels between the removal of leaven and the removal of sin, he emphasizes the significance of addressing and renouncing sexual immorality or any form of wrongdoing. The Passover serves as a powerful reminder of the need for believers to live in accordance with God’s standards and uphold biblical principles of purity and holiness.
Paul’s conclusion in 1 Corinthians 5:8 emphasizes the need for purity and how believers should prepare themselves as they await Christ’s return. He draws a parallel between the Corinthians’ need to cleanse themselves of sin and the Jewish practice of preparing for the feast of Unleavened Bread.
The feast of Unleavened Bread was a significant event in the Jewish faith. It followed the Passover feast and lasted for seven days, during which the Israelites were required to remove all leaven from their households. Leaven, in this context, represents sin and impurity. By removing leaven from their homes, the Israelites were symbolically purifying themselves and committing to a holy and righteous lifestyle.
Paul uses this imagery to convey an important message to the Corinthians. Just as the Israelites prepared themselves for the feast of Unleavened Bread by removing leaven, believers are called to prepare themselves for Christ’s coming by purging sin from their lives. They are to live in a state of purity and holiness, aligning their actions and attitudes with God’s standards.
The call for purity is not limited to the avoidance of sexual immorality, although that is specifically addressed in the context of the Corinthian church. It encompasses all forms of sin and wrongdoing. As believers, we are called to examine our hearts and lives, identifying any areas of impurity or disobedience, and taking deliberate steps to cleanse ourselves from them.
Preparing like the Jews for the feast of Unleavened Bread requires intentionality and self-reflection. It involves acknowledging our shortcomings, repenting of our sins, and embracing God’s forgiveness and grace. It also entails cultivating a lifestyle of obedience to God’s Word, allowing His Spirit to work in us and transform us into vessels of purity and righteousness.
By emphasizing the need for purity in light of Christ’s return, Paul underscores the significance of living a life that honors God. As we await His coming, we are called to be a holy and set-apart people, reflecting His character and values to the world around us. This preparation involves an ongoing commitment to removing the leaven of sin from our lives and letting the light of Christ shine through us.
The exhortation by Paul in 1 Corinthians 5:8 to prepare like the Jews for the feast of Unleavened Bread serves as a reminder of the need for purity in the lives of believers. As we anticipate Christ’s return, we are called to cleanse ourselves from all forms of sin and wrongdoing, aligning our lives with God’s standards of holiness. This preparation requires intentional self-reflection, repentance, and a commitment to pursuing a lifestyle of obedience and righteousness. May we strive to live in purity as we eagerly await the return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
The PRINCIPLE is Proclaimed! (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)
The principle proclaimed in 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 centers around the idea of separation or disassociation from immoral individuals. In these verses, the apostle Paul is addressing the Corinthians and reminding them of what he had previously taught them regarding this matter.
Paul starts by emphasizing that he did not mean for them to completely isolate themselves from the sinful world. It is impossible to live in this world without encountering sin. However, he clarifies that believers should not associate closely with people who willingly practice immorality, especially within the church community.
The principle of separation is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the faith community and upholding a strong testimony to the world. If believers continue to associate intimately with those who engage in immorality, it not only compromises their own spiritual growth but also tarnishes the reputation of the church as a whole.
To underscore the importance of this principle, Paul goes even further by instructing the Corinthians to not even eat with such individuals. This means refraining from sharing meals or participating in activities that involve close fellowship with those who persist in immorality.
By implementing this principle, believers send a clear message that they take sin seriously and desire to maintain a lifestyle of holiness. Additionally, it serves as a form of discipline for those individuals who are involved in sexual immorality, marking them as needing correction and calling them to repentance.
The principle proclaimed in 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 highlights the significance of separating from those who willingly engage in immorality, both within and outside of the church. This separation is not meant as a means of judgment or condemnation but rather as a way to uphold the purity of the faith community and to maintain a compelling witness to the world.