Unity: A Study in 1 CorinthiansSample

What does it say?

Paul condemned the fact that immorality was being tolerated in the Corinthian church.

What does it mean?

Apathy toward sin is dangerous, both personally and as a church body. Church discipline is God’s judgment on a believer’s immoral behavior through a reprimand by his or her church. God will judge those outside of the church, but His followers are to hold one another accountable. The goal of church discipline should be solely to restore the sinning believer to oneness with God and with other Christians, never to condemn or use as a source of gossip. God hates the sin yet loves the sinner.

How should I respond?

A moral failure inside the church has become commonplace. Yet Scripture demands that we not become indifferent. God does not tolerate blatant sin, and neither should His church. Do you have family members or friends close to you who are living a sinful lifestyle? If they aren’t a follower of Christ, use your influence to draw them to God. If they are a fellow-believer, will you lovingly confront them regarding their actions? Will you pray for God to put them in circumstances that will wake them up to the reality of their sin? Where do you need to put up guardrails against potential immorality? If you’re apathetic about sin, personally or corporately, you will find it spreading like cancer.