1 Corinthians 5

📖 Background

Paul confronts a serious issue of immorality within the Corinthian church—a man living in a relationship condemned even by secular standards. Paul admonishes the church for tolerating this sin and calls for church discipline to maintain holiness and protect the community. He explains that the church must remove the “old yeast” of sin to be a pure “new batch” of believers. The chapter underscores the importance of moral integrity and communal responsibility.

🧭 Major Themes

Addressing sexual immorality in the church (verses 1–2)

The necessity of church discipline (verses 3–5)

Avoiding association with unrepentant sinners within the church (verses 6–8)

Distinguishing between judging the world and judging within the church (verses 9–13)

🔎 Reference Scriptures to Consider

Leviticus 18:6–18 – Laws against sexual immorality

Matthew 18:15–17 – Process for church discipline

2 Corinthians 2:5–11 – Restoring a repentant sinner

Ephesians 5:3–11 – Avoiding impurity among believers

Proverbs 27:17 – Iron sharpens iron

❓Reflection Questions

How does your community handle sin and discipline?

Are there ways you might be overlooking serious issues for the sake of peace?

What role does accountability play in your spiritual growth?

How can you balance grace and truth in confronting sin?