Bible Discussion Thread

Hello dear everyone. Today I happened to read 1 Corinthians chapter 5. Continuation from yesterday never planned. So it is that I have read it many times, and understood. Today I read it and became unsure because I thought it was again a translation error. I have now gone over here and see that it is not the case. Paul writes so clearly in v. 5 and it seems that people who have come outside. Still can have a chance to come inside. What then is the destruction of the flesh? Didn't even Paul go around with chains and blemishes? What do you say? Are we talking about grace upon grace or is there another way? Grateful for the answer. GB

Hello Free. The account given in 1 Corinthians chap 5 is only one example of a very sad indictment against the quality of believers in that Church. The way I understand Paul's response to that evil act & that man's ongoing relationship, was clearly to cast out (disfellowship) that perpetrator of evil so that the Name of Christ & His Church be not shamed.

And Paul actually condemns the Church as well, not as those engaging in such an act, but as being "puffed up" (v2), or becoming proud & aligning with such behavior. But the apostle lays his condemnation against that man who defiled his father's bed, by engaging with his mother, or more likely, his step-mother. Paul stated that rather than being proud of this deed, the Church should have consigned this sinner into Satan's domain (the world), that perchance he might come to his senses, repent of his evil relationship, and be restored into fellowship; or else, that he be punished that his end might be death. Remembering that in those days, as the Church was in its infancy & being established, the LORD took very strict & swift action for such sins; we can think of Acts 5:1-11 (of Ananias & Sapphira). Fortunately for the Church today, or maybe, unfortunately, judgement against sin is not so immediate, but we do have the Holy Spirit's persevering with us, or else we must suffer.

The sequel to 1 Corinthians 5 is found in 2 Corinthians 2:6-8, where apparently the Corinthian Church did take action against that man, by way of some punishment. But now Paul says, that even though he had a very heavy heart in this matter & probably other matters concerning that Church, the matter most pressing now was that this sinner has learnt his lesson and needs to be forgiven & received that further sorrow should not overwhelm him. All this serves to us a beautiful example of our need to be watchful for creeping-in sin, but if we fall, expect discipline, be quick to turn away from sin, and be restored into sweet fellowship.

Thank you very much for your answer "Chris", I agree. Hope that all churches can grow up to see this great distinction between one who has sinned, and a church that can judge. God bless you and yours. John 3