Addressing Sin in the Church
The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, addressing a disturbing report he had received. A member of the church was engaging in incest with his stepmother, a sin so severe that even the pagans would not tolerate it. What’s more, the church was boasting about this man’s presence among them, rather than mourning over his sin.
A Call to Action
Paul rebuked the Corinthians for their arrogance and commanded them to take action. He had already judged the incestuous man, and now the church must carry out that judgment by removing him from their midst. This was not a decision for the church leaders alone, but for the entire congregation.
The Importance of Church Membership
This passage highlights the importance of church membership. A local church is responsible for affirming the faith of its members and overseeing their discipleship. When a member engages in unrepentant sin, the church must take action to correct them. In extreme cases, this may involve excommunication, or removing the person from the church.
Excommunication: A Last Resort
Excommunication is a serious step, but it is sometimes necessary to protect the purity of the church. When a member refuses to repent of their sin, the church must separate themselves from that person. This is not done out of hatred or anger, but out of love and a desire to see the person restored to fellowship with God and the church.
The Role of the Congregation
In this passage, Paul emphasizes the role of the congregation in addressing sin within the church. The entire church, not just the leaders, is responsible for judging those within their midst. This is a key aspect of congregational church government, where the members of the church work together to make decisions and take action.
A Warning Against Tolerating Sin
Paul warns the Corinthians against tolerating sin within their midst. Using the metaphor of leaven, he notes that even a small amount of sin can spread quickly and corrupt the entire church. The church must be vigilant in addressing sin and taking action to correct those who engage in it.
A Goal of Restoration
The ultimate goal of excommunication is restoration. By separating the unrepentant person from the church, the hope is that they will come to realize the error of their ways and repent. When this happens, the church can welcome them back into fellowship, and the person can be restored to a right relationship with God and the church.
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