Explore The New TestamentSample

SAY WHAT? (What is the passage saying?)

• Paul addresses a report that a man is sleeping with his mother, most likely step-mother, and no one seems to have a problem with it! He writes that this is repulsive even to people who don’t follow God.
• The man does not seem to feel guilty for his actions so Paul says they should “hand him over to Satan,” which means kick him out of their group.
• Paul then makes it clear that Christians are called to live a different life with God. As a result, things like sexual immorality, drunkenness, greed, and slander cannot be tolerated in the church. He calls into question anyone who calls themselves a follower and acts this way.

SO WHAT? (What are the underlying principles?)

• Paul’s reaction sounds harsh, doesn't it? But Paul is thinking about the church as a whole. If the man would repent of his sin, it would be different, but he won't. Sometimes “tough love” is the only thing that works. Paul warns that if this guy sticks around, he could influence others to sin... and they can’t allow that to happen, because “a little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”
• The chapter closes with Paul making it clear that he is passing “judgment” only because this man claims to be a follower of Jesus. Paul says he doesn’t consider it his business to judge people outside of the church, only those inside. This practice keeps followers of Jesus accountable to other believers, but prevents them from becoming judgmental of people who choose not to follow Jesus or be a part of church. Christians don't hold non-Christians to Christian standards.

NOW WHAT? (How will you personally apply this passage?)

• We live in a culture where tolerance rules. While the Bible does teach us not to judge people, we learn that there needs to be accountability, and that there are consequence for our sin. We also learn that one person's sin can impact others and, when it does, the health of the group needs to be protected.
  • Do you have accountability in your life?
  • Are you experiencing any consequences of your sin?
  • Are you impacting others through your sin?
  • What needs to change in your life? Pray about it and ask God for help.