1 Corinthians: A 9-Day Devotional For WomenSample

The Danger of a Little Leaven
1 Corinthians 5

In this section of his letter, Paul deals with a case of sexual immorality by a man who was part of the Corinthian church. The man’s sin was so perverse that Paul says it would not be tolerated even by unbelievers—but shockingly, those within the church were not addressing it at all. Rather, the church was acting as if they could simply overlook the sinful behavior—or worse, accept it. 

The way that we conduct ourselves directly affects our brothers and sisters in Christ. By God’s good design, the church functions as a body (1 Cor. 12:12–31). What one part of that body does has profound implications for the body as a whole. In addition, as those who bear the name of Christ, we are responsible before God to maintain a good reputation within our communities. Otherwise, our witness will be sullied and we will be no different from unbelievers. How will the unbeliever see a need for Christ if the people inside the church behave as immorally as those outside it? 

The purity of our minds and bodies is a major concern in Scripture. We are responsible (in the power of the Holy Spirit) to keep ourselves pure and to encourage such purity in other Christians. This is because we are called to be like Christ— to live such godly lives that others will be able to see a reflection, however slight, of the goodness and purity of Christ. We cannot live any way we please. Sin is serious business. It offends God and harms the sinner, the person(s) sinned against, the church, and the witness of the gospel. 

Church discipline is sometimes necessary to protect the integrity and witness of the church. When this is the case, the goal is always the restoration and healing of the one sinning. We are called to expose sin (Eph. 5:11), but never for the purpose of shaming a beloved brother or sister, or out of a spirit of self-righteousness: 

Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Eph. 4:15–16) 

If we want to know Christ more intimately and love him more deeply, our lives must be marked by purity. Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). Though the meaning in the Beatitudes refers to an eternal seeing, it is also true that those who pursue purity have clearer spiritual sight now. The Lord can trust that they will not drag his Spirit into places and situations of defilement. Demonstrate Christ’s love for you by living a pure life. —Carol Cornish