Introduction
In chapters 1-4, Paul corrected the “thought” problems of the church: their wrong ideas about God’s power and work and His servants. Now Paul deals with their “moral” problems. But the two are connected; their moral problems come because they aren’t thinking right about God and His world.
In chapter 5, Paul addresses immorality in the church and the refusal of church leaders to deal with the offender. Paul outlines three reasons why the church had to exercise loving, but firm discipline in dealing with the offending member.
The Problems in the Church, vv. 1-5
A. The First Problem Identified–>sexual immorality
- “Porneia” = broadly refers to sexual activity outside marriage, including homosexuality.
- A Christian man is having sexual relations with his mother-in-law, something that even pagans find repulsive. The woman in the relationship is not a church member because she is not referred to.
B. The Second Problem Identified–>tolerance of sin in the church
- Corinthian Christians were proud of their acceptance of this man.
- They thought is said something good about them!
- Instead of glorying in their acceptance, they should have been grieving, both for the sinner and what they must do to him.
C. The Prescription for the Problems
- Paul has judged the situation according to Scripture.
a. Matthew 7:1-5 forbids hypocritical judgment; judging others by a different standard than we judge ourselves.
b. “While Christians are not to judge one another’s motives or ministries, we are certainly expected to be honest about each other’s conduct,” Wiersbe.
2. “Deliver such a one unto Satan” = remove the person from the spiritual protection and social comfort of the church.
a. The church should not ignore his sin, and let him ignore it, pretending it wasn’t there.
b. If the man refused to face his sin, the church must face it for him, for his sake and the sake of the church.
c. Church expulsion for unrepentant members is to be handled by the church collectively, not by leaders alone, v. 4.
3. “For the destruction of” his rebellious flesh.
4. “That his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” = the goal is restoration of fellowship and correction.
The Principle of Purity in the Church, vv. 6- 8
A. Illustration of Passover preparations, Exodus 12:15.
B. The Bible warns about several kinds of believers who should not be permitted fellowship in the local church:
1. the member who will not settle personal differences, Matthew 18:15-17.
2. the member who has a reputation for being a flagrant sinner, 1 Corinthians 5:9-11.
3. those who hold and teach false doctrine, 1 Timothy 1:18-20.
4. those who cause divisions, Titus 3:10-11.
5. those who refuse to work for a living, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-12.
C. We should lovingly seek to restore those who are overtaken by sin, Galatians 6:1.
The Practice of Christian Separation, vv. 9-13
A. Don’t imitate or be like the world. We are called to be holy.
B. Don’t fellowship with Christians living in blatant sin. To do so is to condone his sin and to disobey the Word of God.
C. Don’t judge non-Christians. However, we are to exercise church discipline for church members living in sin, calling them to repentance.