Introduction

First Corinthians 5 confronts a scandalous situation: sexual immorality that even pagans would condemn, and a church proud rather than grieved. Paul commands decisive action—not to punish but to save.

The Scandal (verses 1-2)

It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you—a kind that even pagans don't tolerate: a man is sleeping with his father's wife. And you are proud! Shouldn't you rather have been filled with grief and put out of your fellowship the man who did this?

• Worse Than Pagans: Even unbelievers would condemn this
• Misplaced Pride: The church was arrogant, not grieved
• Grief Required: Sin in the community should cause sorrow

Paul's Judgment (verses 3-5)

Though absent in body, Paul is present in spirit and has already judged the one who did this. When you are assembled and Paul is with you in spirit, with the power of the Lord Jesus, hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.

• Corporate Action: The church must act together
• Handed to Satan: Expulsion into the realm outside the church
• Redemptive Purpose: The goal is eventual salvation

The Leaven Principle (verses 6-8)

Your boasting is not good. Don't you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough? Get rid of the old yeast so you may be a new unleavened batch—as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. Therefore let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

• Leaven Spreads: Tolerated sin infects the whole community
• New Identity: You are unleavened—live accordingly
• Christ Our Passover: His sacrifice calls for holy living

Clarification (verses 9-13)

Paul's previous letter said not to associate with sexually immoral people—but he didn't mean immoral people of this world, or the greedy, swindlers, or idolaters. You would have to leave the world! He means not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer but is sexually immoral, greedy, an idolater, slanderer, drunkard, or swindler. Don't even eat with such people. What business is it of Paul's to judge those outside the church? God will judge them. "Expel the wicked person from among you."

Key Takeaways

• Church Discipline Matters: Sin must be addressed, not tolerated
• Redemptive Goal: Discipline aims at restoration, not destruction
• Leaven Spreads: Unchecked sin affects the whole community
• Inside/Outside: Judge the church, not the world

Reflection Questions

• Does your church take sin seriously, or is tolerance valued over holiness?
• How does knowing discipline is for redemption change how you view it?
• What "leaven" might be spreading unaddressed in your community?