1 Corinthians 5:1–5 (ESV) —
1 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. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
3 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. 4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.
NOTE: For all of their arrogant pride, it does not seem to be in their great spirituality, for they are allowing open incest in the church. At that time, even Pagans abhorred the practice and it was against the law in Rome. Paul is very clear that the church, probably the leadership, was to address the situation. From other passages, we know that the person should be confronted privately, and then with two or three. If he refuses to listen, you should expel him from the church. As to what should be told to the church, there are probably laws today against libel, and so it would seem to be important to do it quietly. The purpose of church discipline is not to embarrass but rather to encourage repentance in the individual. Without the benefit of the church, people struggling with sin, are in even greater danger from Satan. He is terrible taskmaster and sin saps our bodies dry.
PONDER:
- Am I involved in church leadership, and have I overlooked a very public sin?
- Am I involved in public sin and defending my actions even though they are opposed to Gods' word?
PRAYER: Lord, help us to see our sin and be repentant. Protect us from the devil's wiles. Have mercy on us.
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