June 23, 2022

I Corinthians 5: 1-3 (NIV)

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you . . . And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have been filled with grief and have put out of our fellowship the man who did this? . . . I have already passed judgment on the one who did this, just as if I were present.

Many who claim Christ live in ignorance of or in rebellion against God’s Word, misunderstanding grace and casting a poor reflection on the Christian life.*

Paul’s words in this verse remind us that sexual sin is not new. What I find interesting is that he accuses the Corinthians of being proud of the sexual immorality they have allowed among them. Were they proud of themselves because they weren’t judgmental? Did they see themselves as modern-thinkers because of their tolerance? Did they accept sexual sin as just an alternate life-style? 

When I learned that my friend, a member of my church, was living with her fiancé, having set a wedding date sometime in the near future, was it my place to confront her? Should I have gone to the elders when I learned of her situation? Am I looking for excuses for myself for having done nothing? To be honest, I am relieved that I didn't say anything to anyone - it's all ancient history now . . . but does that make it right?

Paul had no such qualms. We may be willing to tolerate blatant sin in the congregation, afraid to offend the offender, but not Paul. We may fear accusations of being judgmental but Paul makes it clear that he has already passed judgment. Paul is authorized to administer church discipline and he is bold in performing his duty. Shouldn’t the elders in my church – and yours – be so audacious? Shouldn't church members be more proactive in holding each other accountable?

Continued unrepentant sin should never be tolerated in the body of Christ.*