Read 1 Corinthians 5
Highlights:
Refrain from spiritual pride and open sin (I Cor. chap. 5 — 6). Power in the Blood (5:7)! Marriage "101" according to the Lord (chap. 7). Our conversation weakens or strengthens others (8:8-13), wherefore, be careful not to deprive the Lord's anointed ones of their reasonable support (9:9-14). Strive to go the distance for the Lord (9:24).
It was reported to Paul that one member of the church in Corinth was committing fornication or adultery with his father's wife (I Cor. 5:1), which seems to mean that he had an ongoing sexual relationship with his stepmother. This was also forbidden in the Old Testament Law for the nakedness of thy father's wife shalt thou not uncover (Lev. 18:8). It is assumed that his father was still alive but not indicated. Paul admonished them to immediately excommunicate the offending member: In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ . . . To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (I Cor. 5:4-5).
Our great concern should be not only how our lives affect our relationship with God but also, equally important, how they affect our church, families, and Christian friends. People once diligent to guard their mouths are becoming more worldly, condoning and even indulging in questionable conversation all in the name of fun. But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints; Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks (Eph. 5:3-4). Paul says that fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness should not be once named among you.
When leaders of a church body overlook and allow obvious ongoing sin among its members, it encourages a sinner to continue in his own sin. It also is a corrupting influence on others to follow his immoral lifestyle.
If we believe what God has said in His Word about sin, there is accountability for it. Consequently, the decision to say or do nothing, merely in the interest of "harmony," is in opposition to what the Holy Spirit led Paul to write: I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer (reviler), or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. . . . put away from among yourselves that wicked person (5:11-13). And such were some of you. The key word here is WERE because all who have truly received Christ as Savior and Lord should have forsaken their sinful thoughts and been washed . . . sanctified and justified (6:11).
Thought for Today:
Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the Kingdom of God (I Cor. 6:9-10).
Word Studies:
5:11 a railer one who is verbally abusive, a reviler; 6:9 effeminate male homosexual who takes the feminine role; abusers of themselves with mankind sodomites; 7:1 not to touch a woman not to marry; 7:5 Defraud ye not one the other to not deprive each other of marital rights; 7:12 let him not put her away let him not leave her or divorce her; 7:32 without carefulness free from anxieties.
Cross References:
For I Cor. 6:16: See Gen. 2:24. I Cor. 9:9: See Deut. 25:4.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Edward Mantych • Government Officials: Gov. Robert Ehrlich, Jr. (MD) and Gov. John Lynch (NH) • Country: Jordan (5 million) in southwestern Asia • Major languages: Arabic and English • Religious tolerance • 93% Muslim; 5% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Prayer with an upright spirit and heart is a delight to God (Prov. 15:8).
Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Peter 5:7