One for All, All for One

Bethel Mennonite Church - Gladys VA

In the first few verses of 1 Corinthians 5 we see that the Corinthians had a poor response to sin in the church. A man, who “has his father’s wife,” is being allowed to continue to participate in the life of the church (v. 1). Rather than mourning the sin of this man, the Corinthian believers are puffed up and arrogant (v. 2).

Paul provides instruction for handling the unrepentant sinner by delivering a man such as this to Satan for the “destruction of the flesh,” (v. 5). Here, “destruction of the flesh” could refer to destroying sinful nature and desires rather than a physical destruction of the body. There are two reasons given for this approach to unrepentant sin in the church. First, that this man’s spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord (v. 5). Perhaps his separation from the church may help him to recognize his separation from God. Secondly, the spiritual health of the church was at risk because they were tolerating sin (v. 6). In providing instruction, Paul clarifies his meaning in a previous letter which we do not have access to. He exhorts the Corinthians to be more concerned with their association with a brother living in sin than with ungodly people outside of the church (v. 9-12).

Although a difficult chapter of Scripture to study, there are some practical lessons for us. We know from this passage and others throughout the New Testament that God cares about the purity of His Church. Ephesians 5:3-7 reminds believers to not have fornication, uncleanness, or covetous named among them and to not have fellowship with unfruitful workers because the wrath of God will come to such people. Also in Ephesians, Paul tells the church that God desires to a “glorious church” without spot or wrinkle, holy and without blemish (v. 25-27).

In one sense, it is important to sacrifice the individual for the good of the whole. However, if that is all we get from a study of 1 Corinthians 5, we are only seeing one side of the issue. Because Paul was addressing a specific issue in the Corinthian church, he primarily emphasized one side in his letter. A balanced approach will seek to be both truthful and loving, to discipline and forgive. In a healthy, balanced church, the good of the group and the good of the individual are both important and necessary.

So, while we are called to deal with unrepentant sin in the church, we are also called to work toward the restoration of the one who sinned. Attitudes that help to maintain a path to repentance while correcting or disciplining include: Godly sorrow, patience (Matt. 18:15-17), and humility (2 Tim. 2:24-25, Gal. 6:1). May God help us to be a church that cares about personal holiness and cares enough about each other to do the unpleasant work of dealing with sin when one of us falls. May we also have the heart of Jesus and lovingly work for the repentance of one who falls that none may perish.

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