Outline: Dealing with Immorality in the Church

I. The Problem: A Scandalous Immorality (vv. 1-2) A. Report of Fornication (v. 1a) 1. Such as is not so much as named among the Gentiles. 2. That one should have his father’s wife cf. Leviticus 18:6ff.; 19:17; Luke 17:3-4 B. The Corinthian Church’s Response: Arrogance, not Humiliation (v. 2) 1. They are puffed up. 2. They have not mourned. 3. The offender is not taken away from among them.

II. Paul’s Judgment and Command (vv. 3-5) A. Paul’s Judgment as if Present (v. 3) 1. Absent in body, but present in spirit. 2. Judged already concerning him that hath done this deed. B. The Assembly’s Authority and Action (v. 4) 1. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2. When ye are gathered together, and my spirit. 3. With the power of our Lord Jesus Christ. C. The Sentence: Deliverance unto Satan (v. 5) 1. For the destruction of the flesh. 2. That the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Cf. Matthew 18:15ff.

III. The Leaven Analogy: Purity of the Church (vv. 6-8) A. Boasting in Sin is Not Good (v. 6) 1. Your glorying is not good. 2. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. B. Christ Our Passover Sacrificed (v. 7) 1. Purge out therefore the old leaven (cf. Exodus 12:14-15). 2. That ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. 3. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us. C. The Feast of Sincerity and Truth (v. 8) 1. Let us keep the feast. 2. Not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness. 3. But with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

IV. Clarification on Association (vv. 9-11) A. Previous Letter’s Instruction (v. 9) 1. I wrote unto you in an epistle. 2. Not to company with fornicators. B. Not the World’s Fornicators (v. 10) 1. Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters. 2. For then must ye needs go out of the world. C. The Present Command: A Brother in Sin (v. 11) 1. But now I have written unto you not to keep company. 2. If any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner. 3. With such an one no not to eat.

V. The Church’s Internal Responsibility (vv. 12-13) A. Judging Those Within (v. 12) 1. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? 2. Do not ye judge them that are within? B. God Judges Those Without (v. 13a) 1. But them that are without God judgeth. C. The Final Command: Put Away Wicked Person (v. 13b) 1. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

Cleansing Out the Old Leaven

“Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.” 1 Corinthians 5:6-7 (Read vv. 1-13)

In this powerful chapter, Paul addresses a truly shocking situation within the Corinthian church: open and unrepentant immorality. What is even more alarming than the sin itself is the church’s response, or, more accurately, the lack thereof. They were “puffed up” and arrogant, rather than sorrowful and concerned for the purity of their fellowship and the soul of the offender.

Paul’s message is unequivocal: this kind of blatant sin cannot be tolerated within the body of Christ. He calls for decisive action, not out of malice, but out of a deep concern for the spiritual health of the entire congregation, as well as the one who had sinned. The analogy he uses is profoundly insightful: “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.”

Think about how leaven works. A small amount of yeast can cause an entire batch of dough to rise and expand. Similarly, a small amount of unaddressed sin, especially scandalous sin, can permeate and corrupt the entire community of believers. It can normalize what is abnormal, desensitize hearts to wickedness, and ultimately damage the church’s witness to the world (cf. Revelation, chapters 2-3).

Paul reminds the Corinthians that “Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.” This is a direct reference to the Jewish Passover, during which the Israelites were required to remove all leaven from their homes before observing the feast. Christ, our true Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed to cleanse us from the leaven of sin. Therefore, as believers, we are called to live as “unleavened bread” — in sincerity and truth, free from malice and wickedness.

This doesn’t mean we are perfect, but it does mean we are to be intentional about pursuing holiness and addressing sin when it rears its head within our fellowship. It’s not about being judgmental of outsiders, as Paul clarifies in verses 12-13. Our primary responsibility is to maintain the purity and integrity of the church, the assembly of believers.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb, who cleanses us from all sin. Forgive us for the times we have tolerated leaven in our lives or in Your church. Grant us discernment, humility, and courage to “purge out the old leaven,” that we may walk in sincerity and truth. Help us to guard the purity of Your church, for Your glory alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection Questions

What “leaven” might be present in our lives or within our church community that needs to be purged out?

How can we, as individuals and as a church, cultivate a greater sense of humility and a genuine mourning over sin, rather than arrogance or indifference?

In what ways does our commitment to purity demonstrate the truth that “Christ our passover is sacrificed for us”?

[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]

“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is required in stewards that a man be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:1-2

St. Paul and all who are called by God through the Church to preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ are ministers and servants of Christ, and they are stewards of the mysteries of God. To them, the saving Word of God has been entrusted, and they are to use that Word to extend and build up the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. As servants of Christ and stewards of God’s Word, they are required to be faithful, not to men but to Christ and His Word!

Elsewhere, St. Paul writes: “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts” (1 Thess. 2:4; cf. Gal. 1:1,9ff.).

St. Paul was faithful to his Lord Jesus Christ. He was unwilling to compromise the Gospel for the sake of temporal peace and tranquility; and he traveled throughout the Roman Empire, sometimes enduring great hardship, so that others could hear of Christ Jesus and the salvation He won for all by His innocent sufferings and death upon the cross (cf. Gal. 1:6ff.; 2 Cor. 11:22ff.; 2 Tim. 4:6-8).

Where the preaching of God’s Word was rejected, St. Paul shook off the dust from his feet and moved on; but, where the Gospel was received in faith, Paul continued on there, nurturing and building up the believers with the Word of God (Acts 13:44-51; 18:1-11).

Called pastors today are also servants of Jesus Christ, entrusted with the precious and saving Gospel. As a minister of Christ and a steward of God’s Word, a pastor is to be faithful, not to men, but to God, who called and placed him into this office. Pastors are to shepherd and feed the Church of Jesus Christ with the pure and sincere Word of God, and to administer Baptism and the Lord’s Supper according to Christ’s institution (cf. 1 Pet. 5:1-4; Acts 20:28; 2 Tim. 3:14-4:5; Jer. 23:28).

It is as St. Paul says, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” (v. 2). What matters is not how men judge a pastor’s faithfulness but whether or not he is judged faithful by his Lord (cf. v. 3-4).

As believers and members of Christ’s Church, we also share in this stewardship of God’s mysteries. We have been entrusted with the saving Word of God and the task of using that Word to disciple all nations (cf. Matt. 28:18-20). We are to send men to preach the Gospel in all the world (cf. Mark 16:15-16), forgiving the sins of penitent sinners and retaining the sins of the impenitent as long as they do not repent (cf. John 20:23). And, as servants of Jesus Christ, we are accountable unto Him for this stewardship.

As believers, our allegiance is not to men, church denominations, or traditions. Our allegiance is to Christ and His Word, for He has the words of eternal life (cf. John 6:66-69). Instead of judging other stewards of Christ, we must examine ourselves and ask ourselves if we we have been faithful to God’s Word and used the Word entrusted to us to carry out this great work for our Lord and Savior, or have we compromised the Word or hidden it away among ourselves (cf. Luke 19:10-27)? Have we supported the faithful preaching and teaching of God’s Word, or have we been unfaithful stewards of those things entrusted to us by the Lord?

As we reflect on our failures as servants of Christ and stewards of His mysteries, we can be thankful that our Savior was faithful in the task entrusted to Him by His Father, for our Lord Jesus Christ did not fail or come short in accomplishing the redemption of our souls. He fulfilled perfectly in our stead all that God’s holy law demands of us, and He paid in full the just punishment for our sins and the sins of the whole world when He suffered and died on the cross (cf. Isa. 53:6; Heb. 4:15; 7:26-27; 9:11-14,27-28; 10:19ff.).

Through faith in our crucified and risen Savior, we have God’s forgiveness for our sins and the assurance of eternal life with Him in heaven!

Again, the Bible says: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16).

And, as forgiven children of God through faith in Christ Jesus, we use the time He has entrusted to us in this world to be His faithful servants and stewards of His saving Word.

Dear Lord Jesus Christ, forgive us for any laziness or unfaithfulness on our part; and move us to be good stewards of Thy Word, sharing its sacred truths with people everywhere that they, too, might know Thee as the only true God and their only Savior from sin and the everlasting punishments of hell. Amen.

[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” Psalm 19:7-11

In a world constantly shifting and uncertain, we often seek things that promise stability, satisfaction, and wisdom. We pursue wealth, knowledge, and experiences, hoping to find lasting joy and security. Yet, King David, in Psalm 19, points us to a treasure far surpassing anything this world can offer: the very Word of God. While the wonders of God’s creation testify to His almighty power and His unfathomable wisdom, the Word of God reveals to us who this awesome God is and what He has done for our salvation.

David, the psalmist, begins by exalting the “law of the Lord,” declaring it “perfect, converting the soul.”

Imagine something so flawlessly designed, so utterly complete, that it possesses the power to transform the very core of our being. This is not just a set of rules, but a divine guide that leads us from spiritual death to life, from darkness to light. It brings about a radical change, turning our hearts towards God because of His great mercy towards us for Jesus’ sake.

David speaks of the “testimony of the Lord,” calling it “sure, making wise the simple.” In a world filled with conflicting narratives and uncertain claims of truth, God’s testimony stands firm and unyielding. It is reliable, trustworthy, and utterly dependable. And what is its effect? It takes the “simple” — those who lack understanding and spiritual insight — and imbues them with profound wisdom. It’s a wisdom that transcends earthly knowledge, guiding us in the paths of righteousness.

The “statutes of the Lord” are described as “right, rejoicing the heart.” When we align our lives with God’s perfect will, an innate joy springs forth. These are not burdensome decrees, but principles that lead to flourishing and contentment. Similarly, the “commandment of the Lord” is “pure, enlightening the eyes.” It shines a holy light on our path, exposing sin, clarifying truth, and revealing the divine will. It dispels self-delusion and reveals a new way forward through faith in Christ Jesus and His atoning sacrifice on the cross.

David delves into the profound nature of “the fear of the Lord,” asserting it is “clean, enduring for ever.” This isn’t a cowering dread, but a reverent awe and respect for God’s holiness, which leads us to repentance, pointing us to the cross of Christ and guiding us to a life that honors Him. This “fear” is not fleeting but eternal, a constant source of spiritual cleansing and guidance. And the “judgments of the Lord” are declared “true and righteous altogether.” Every decree, every decision, and every judgment of God is absolutely just and right, without blemish or error.

Having extolled the multifaceted perfections of God’s Word, David makes an astonishing declaration: “More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.” Think of the allure of gold, its perceived value, its power to purchase earthly pleasures. Yet, David says God’s Word is more desirable. It offers a richness, a satisfaction that no earthly wealth can provide. And it is “sweeter than honey,” offering comfort and delight to the soul that surpasses any physical pleasure.

Finally, David reveals the practical benefits of embracing this divine treasure: “Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.” God’s Word serves as our divine warning system, alerting us to dangers, guiding us away from error, and protecting us from harm. It’s a compass in life’s storms.

And the ultimate promise? “In keeping of them there is great reward.” This reward is not merely earthly prosperity, but a deep, abiding peace, a closer walk with God, and the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.

Today, let us ask ourselves: Do we truly desire God’s Word more than gold? Do we find it sweeter than honey? Do we daily seek its warnings and cling to its promises? May we continually turn to the perfect, sure, right, pure, clean, true, and righteous Word of God, finding in it the priceless treasure that saves and transforms our souls and brings forth great reward.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the precious gift of Your Word. We confess that often our desires are fixed on earthly things. Forgive us for overlooking the immeasurable value of Your perfect law, sure testimony, right statutes, pure commandments, clean fear, and true judgments. Open our hearts to desire Your Word above all else. May it convert our souls, make us wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus, rejoice our hearts, enlighten our eyes, purify our lives, and warn us against error. Grant us the grace to keep Your Word, knowing that in doing so, there is great reward. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]

“The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge. There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.” (Psalm 19:1-6)

Take a moment, wherever you are in this vast world, to look up. Perhaps you see the vast expanse of a clear, blue sky, or the countless pinpricks of light that are stars on a moonless night. Perhaps you see the intricate dance of clouds forming and reforming. What do you hear? Psalm 19 tells us that what we see and what we hear in the natural world is a constant, undeniable testimony. The heavens themselves are proclaiming the glory of God, and the firmament — the expanse above us — is showcasing His masterful handiwork. Day after day, and night after night, creation “uttereth speech” and “sheweth knowledge.”

This isn’t a language we learn in schools. It’s not English, Spanish, Mandarin, or Swahili. Yet, as the psalmist declares, “There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.” The silent sermon of the skies resonates universally, reaching every tribe, every nation, every continent.

The sun, as Psalm 19 describes it, is like a “bridegroom coming out of his chamber,” radiating joy and strength, and like a “strong man to run a race.” It faithfully rises and sets, warms the earth, and sustains life, all according to a divine decree. This consistent, powerful, and life-giving celestial body serves as yet another daily reminder of the God who ordained its existence and its purpose.

This profound truth brings us to a sobering reality, beautifully articulated by the Apostle Paul in Romans 1:18ff.: “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse…”

The intricate design of a flower, the unfathomable complexity of the human eye, the precise orbital mechanics of our solar system, the sheer power of a thunderstorm – these are not random occurrences. They are undeniable fingerprints of an all-wise, all-powerful God. The order, beauty, and intricate balance of the universe speak volumes about its Creator. God has made Himself known through His creation, so plainly that no one can claim ignorance. All people, in every corner of the globe, are therefore “without excuse.” The testimony of creation is so clear that it leaves humanity morally accountable.

Consider Paul’s encounter in Athens, as recorded in Acts 17:21ff. The Athenians, known for their love of novelty and philosophical discourse, spent their time seeking out “some new thing.” Paul, however, used their own altar “To the Unknown God” as a springboard to declare the God who made the world and all things therein. He emphasized that this God “giveth to all life, and breath, and all things… For in him we live, and move, and have our being.” Even among those immersed in their own intellectual pursuits and diverse deities, the natural world around them pointed to a singular, sovereign Creator.

Therefore, let us recognize and respond to the undeniable testimony of creation. May our hearts be softened to the truth that is proclaimed not only by the heavens, but by every blade of grass, every ocean wave, and every breath we take. For the voice of God’s glory echoes throughout all the earth, leaving all without excuse.

What will our response be to such an evident God? Let us humble ourselves before Him, give Him the glory He is due, and seek to know Him more fully through His revealed Word and through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Open our eyes, O Lord, to see Your unfathomable knowledge and power in all of creation, and give us the wisdom to seek You out and learn of You and Your unfathomable mercy in Jesus Christ, Your Son and our only Savior. In His name we pray. Amen.

[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]

“36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 40 And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. 41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42 And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:36-42

A piercing truth often comes with a painful sting. We tend to trust those in authority, particularly in matters of faith. We rely on our religious leaders, our church bodies, and the traditions we’ve inherited, often without questioning if they align with divine truth, revealed to us in the Bible. Yet, the story of Peter’s sermon on the Day of Pentecost, recorded in Acts 2, serves as a powerful reminder that even deeply religious people, led by their trusted guides, can tragically miss God’s clearest revelation. It also shows us the path back to Him when that painful truth is revealed.

Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, stood before a crowd of devout Jews gathered in Jerusalem for the feast of Pentecost. He didn’t mince words. He declared that the very Jesus whom they and their religious leaders had rejected and crucified God had made “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). This was a gut-wrenching revelation. Imagine the guilt, the shame, the profound realization that they had participated, however unknowingly, in the rejection and murder of their long-awaited Messiah. Their hearts were “pricked,” pierced by the weight of their grave error. Their immediate, desperate cry was, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).

Peter’s answer was direct and to the point. He didn’t offer complicated rituals or lengthy penance. He laid out a clear path to reconciliation with God and new life: “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call” (Acts 2:38-39). Furthermore, he exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this untoward generation” (Acts 2:40).

This ancient account holds profound relevance for us today. Just as those in Peter’s audience, we too can find ourselves blindly following our church bodies and religious leaders, even when they lead us astray. History is replete with examples of religious institutions falling into error, embracing doctrines or practices that deviate from God’s Word. Our comfort in tradition or our loyalty to a particular denomination can sometimes overshadow our personal responsibility to discern truth. When we encounter a truth that challenges our long-held beliefs or exposes an error within our spiritual landscape, the question that should echo in our hearts is the same as that of Peter’s hearers: “What shall we do?”

Peter’s words offer the timeless answer. First, repent. This is not merely feeling sorry for ourselves; it’s acknowledging our error, turning from it, and looking to God in faith for mercy and forgiveness in His Son, Jesus Christ.

Second, we are to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins (cf. Matt. 28:18-20). Baptism signifies our union with Jesus Christ and our participation by faith in the new covenant He established through the shedding of His holy and precious blood on the cross (cf. Col. 2:11-15; Jer. 31:31-34; Heb. 8:6ff.; 9:11ff.; Mark 16:16; John 3:14-18). It signifies our union with Christ in His death for our sins, that, as Christ was raised from the dead, we should be raised up in newness of life, alive to God through faith in Christ Jesus (cf. Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 2:26-29). It signifies the washing away of our sins and guilt and a new identification in Christ (cf. Acts 22:16).

Third, Peter promised the gift of the Holy Spirit, who would indwell believers and guide them into all truth by giving them a right understanding of the Scriptures. This promise, Peter emphatically stated, “is to you, to your children, and to all who are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” It’s a universal invitation, extending to every generation and every person God draws to Himself. Finally, the call to “save yourselves from this untoward generation” is a summons to separate ourselves from the prevailing attitudes, values, and errors of the world around us — even from religious distortions — and to turn to Jesus, the Christ, who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

The immediate response of three thousand souls on that day was a testament to the power of God’s truth. They “gladly received his word” and were baptized. Their conversion was not a superficial experience; “they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42). Their lives were profoundly reshaped by their encounter with the resurrected Lord and the truth of God’s Word made known to them through Peter.

Let us, then, examine our own hearts and the spiritual paths we walk. Are we diligently seeking God’s truth, even if it challenges our comfort zones or familiar traditions? Are we willing to repent when the Holy Spirit convicts us of error, regardless of how deeply ingrained it may be within our religious upbringing? The path Peter laid out is not just for a crowd in Jerusalem two millennia ago; it is God’s enduring invitation to us. It is the way to reconciliation, forgiveness, the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit, and true fellowship with Christ. May we respond with the same earnestness as those on Pentecost, and find our salvation in Him alone.

Have mercy upon me, O God, and forgive my sins, which caused the innocent sufferings and death of Christ Jesus, Your Son, and my Savior. Join me to Christ Jesus in my baptism and make the forgiveness and life He won for me on the cross my own through faith in His name. And grant me Your Holy Spirit and teach and guide me with Your Word, keeping me in the true faith unto life everlasting. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

[Scripture is quoted from the King James Version of the Bible.]