July 13, 2010, I Corinthians 5

Key Verses:

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

(I Corinthians 5:1-2)


Central Truth:

Biblical truth outweighs tolerance.


SOME THINGS NEVER CHANGE

A discussion on how to address immorality in the church . . . . Are we talking about 55 A.D. or 2010? Corinth was a pagan city in Greece; so it is safe to assume that pagan practices periodically infiltrated the church. In this case, a member of the congregation had begun relations with his father's wife. The leadership of the church handled the situation with a wink and a turned cheek. Paul was bitterly disappointed in this and reminded the church in his letter that "a little old yeast works through the whole batch of dough." He also ordered them to "expel the wicked man from among you."

Clearly, we live today in a culture of acceptance and tolerance. Many people come to church to hear the truth, but at the same time they do not want the truth to have any implications on their lives. They are looking for a body of Christ that will condone the choices they make, usually in regard to lifestyle. As a result, when hypocrisies in their lives are exposed, they become offended. They want to live life according to their preferences; so they are really searching for the gospel of tolerance rather than truth. However, what makes the Gospel powerful is its undying truths. When we as a church, or as individuals, begin to tolerate sin, it deprives the Gospel of its power.

It is difficult to hear, "No, you are wrong." Sometimes we are, though.