1 Corinthians 5

Summary

 

1 Corinthians 5 addresses the serious issue of sexual immorality within the Corinthian church. Paul urges decisive action, calling for the removal of the unrepentant individual to maintain the purity and witness of the church. The chapter highlights the importance of addressing sin within the community of believers and upholding a standard of holiness.

 

1. The Case of Immorality (1 Corinthians 5:1-2): Paul addresses a scandalous situation within the Corinthian church—a case of sexual immorality that even the surrounding non-believing community finds unacceptable. A man is involved in an inappropriate relationship, and the Corinthian church has not taken decisive action.
2. Paul's Rebuke and Instruction (1 Corinthians 5:3-8): Paul strongly rebukes the Corinthians for their complacency and lack of discipline in dealing with the sinful behavior. He emphasizes the need for church discipline and instructs them to remove the immoral person from their midst, likening the sinful influence to leaven that can permeate the entire church.
3. Clarification on Association (1 Corinthians 5:9-13): Paul clarifies that his instruction about avoiding association with immoral individuals pertains to those who claim to be believers but persist in unrepentant sin. Believers are not to judge the world, but they have a responsibility to maintain purity within the church.

 

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