“And you are proud! Shoudn’t you rather have gone
into mourning and have put out of your fellowship
the man who has been doing this?”
(1 Corinthians 5:2).
Paul abruptly introduces a new matter: a cas of incest, which had brought discredit to the church and, above all, to the name of God.
Such nefarious conduct was very scandalous and shameful. Despite this, church members felt pleased and proud of their spiritual condition. Instead, however, they should have hung their heads, ashamed that such ungodliness could be taking place among them. They were full of arrogance; therefore, they had to humble themselves before the Lord and take measures to remedy the situation. Hence, Paul asks,
“Don’t you know that a little yeast
leavens the whole batch of dough?”
(1 Cor. 5:6).
Keep clearly immoral members in the church, with justification of wanting to help them restore their life, is to ignore the danger of their influence on the group of believers. It is often better for the individuals to be separated, so they may perceive that their actions are not in harmony with Christian norms, and therefore cannot be tolerated. The church must disapprove of sin and help the sinner. Always!
We must never forget, above all things, that it is God who judges the thoughts, words, and actions of all. Whether or not the person recognizes divine sovereignty, it is the Lord who judges all aspects of life. He approves or condemns according to His wise justice.
Here, the problem was not only social, it was also a moral and spiritual problem. The Bible clearly tells us how someone who is in error should be treated, taking the biblical steps of disapproval, correction, and reinstatement (see Matt. 18:15-20). In addition, prevention should be emphasized, because it is always better to prevent than to cure.
“Do not envy the oppresor, and choose none of his ways;
for the perverse person is an abomination of the Lord,
but His secret counsel is with the upright” (Prov. 3:31-32).
We must have deep respect for human life and dignity. We are to teach and apply the principles that value children, adolescents, youth, adults, and elderly. This also involves sexuality, which is considered a gift from God within the context of mutual love and trust between a man and a woman, expressed in marriage.
The church needs to protect those who suffer and act
to restore victims and aggressors. We need to lift up the fallen,
as well as strenghten those who are standing.
“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, so also to them,
for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matt. 7:12).
God bless you, may you always walk in integrity…