Imagine discovering that a member of your community is involved in behavior so scandalous that even outsiders would raise an eyebrow. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul dives into this uncomfortable truth.
The Reading: 1 Corinthians 5
World English Bible1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles, that one has his father’s wife.
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2 You are puffed up, and didn’t rather mourn, that he who had done this deed might be removed from among you.
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3 For I most certainly, as being absent in body but present in spirit, have already, as though I were present, judged him who has done this thing.
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4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, you being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
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5 are to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
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6 Your boasting is not good. Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole lump?
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7 Purge out the old yeast, that you may be a new lump, even as you are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, has been sacrificed in our place.
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8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old yeast, neither with the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
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9 I wrote to you in my letter to have no company with sexual sinners;
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10 yet not at all meaning with the sexual sinners of this world, or with the covetous and extortionists, or with idolaters; for then you would have to leave the world.
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11 But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brother who is a sexual sinner, or covetous, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or an extortionist. Don’t even eat with such a person.
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12 For what do I have to do with also judging those who are outside? Don’t you judge those who are within?
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13 But those who are outside, God judges. “Put away the wicked man from among yourselves.”
What This Chapter Is Really Saying
The Situation at Hand
In this letter, Paul addresses a shocking case of sexual immorality in the Corinthian church - specifically, a man who is in a relationship with his father's wife. Paul is appalled that instead of being upset and mourning the situation, the church members are prideful and boastful.
Paul's Judgment
Although he's not physically present, Paul states that he's already judged the man's actions. He calls for decisive action: the church should remove the individual from their community. Paul believes this tough love approach is necessary for the sake of the man's soul and the integrity of the church.
A Call to Purity
Paul uses the metaphor of yeast to illustrate how a little sin can spread and affect the whole community. He urges the Corinthians to purge out this 'old yeast' of immorality and embrace a new start, emphasizing that Christ's sacrifice is what truly enables this transformation.
Boundaries with Fellow Believers
Interestingly, Paul clarifies that he doesn't mean for them to avoid all sinners in the world - this would be impossible! Instead, he's addressing the accountability within the church. If someone who claims to be a brother or sister in Christ is living in a way that's harmful and unrepentant, that person should not be welcomed into the community as usual. It's about protecting the church's purity and mission.
Why It Matters
Accountability Matters
This chapter reminds us of the importance of accountability within our faith communities. It's easy to look the other way when someone is making harmful choices, but love sometimes means standing up and addressing issues directly.
The Balance of Grace and Truth
Paul's call for discipline isn't just about condemnation; rather, it's about restoration. The goal is to bring the individual back into a right relationship with God, which requires both grace and truth.
A Fresh Start
The invitation to remove the 'old yeast' speaks to the hope of renewal. Everyone has areas in their life that need a fresh start, and this chapter encourages believers to seek transformation and live in sincerity and truth.
If you're looking to become part of a community that values accountability and growth, check out Sancta to find a church near you. It's a great way to connect with others who share your faith journey.
Coming Up Next: 1 Corinthians 6
In the next part of our journey through the New Testament, 1 Corinthians 6 tackles the issue of lawsuits among believers and how to handle disputes. You won't want to miss Paul's insights on maintaining unity and integrity!