1 Corinthians 5 — Purity in the Church

Overview

In 1 Corinthians 5, the Apostle Paul addresses a serious case of sexual immorality within the Corinthian church that the congregation had failed to confront. A man was living in an incestuous relationship with his father’s wife—something even pagans would condemn. Paul’s rebuke is sharp and clear: the church must exercise biblical discipline to maintain holiness and purity in the body of Christ.

This chapter emphasizes the holiness of God, the necessity of church discipline, and the dangers of unchecked sin within the community of believers. It reaffirms the authority of Scripture to regulate moral conduct within the church and reminds us that the church must reflect Christ’s character.

Historical and Literary Context

Historical Setting: Corinth was a major port city in ancient Greece, known for its wealth, diversity, and rampant immorality. Pagan religious practices often included sexual immorality, and the church in Corinth, composed of new believers from such backgrounds, struggled with separating themselves from their old ways.

Literary Context: This chapter follows Paul’s discussion on divisions in the church (chapters 1–4), where he lays a foundation of apostolic authority. Here in chapter 5, he shifts from doctrinal error to moral failure, showing that both require correction. The tone is authoritative and pastoral, reflecting Paul‘s apostolic concern for the spiritual health and witness of the church.

Paul uses strong language, including metaphors such as leaven (vv. 6–8), to convey how sin spreads if left unchecked. This vivid illustration reflects Old Testament imagery tied to the Feast of Unleavened Bread, underscoring the call to holiness.

Key Themes and Doctrinal Points

1. The Authority of the Church to Discipline (vv. 1–5)

Paul affirms that the local church has the God-given responsibility and authority to discipline unrepentant members. Church discipline is not optional; it is essential to maintaining the purity of the church and the glory of Christ.

Doctrinal Point: Church discipline is a biblical mandate rooted in Christ’s own teaching (cf. Matthew 18:15-17) and affirmed by the apostles. It reflects God’s holiness and love.

2. The Holiness of the Church (vv. 6–8)

The church is called to be holy as Christ is holy. Paul compares the sinful man to leaven that corrupts the whole batch of dough. The church must purge such sin to remain a pure offering to God.

Doctrinal Point: The holiness of the church reflects the nature of Christ. Evangelical theology holds that believers are positionally sanctified in Christ but also called to pursue practical holiness.

3. The Danger of Tolerating Sin (vv. 1–2, 6)

The Corinthians had become proud instead of mournful over sin. Tolerance of blatant immorality leads to spiritual decay. Paul condemns not only the sin but the church’s failure to respond.

Doctrinal Point: Sin spreads like yeast; unchecked sin affects the entire body. Evangelical theology teaches total depravity and the need for constant sanctification through the Word and Spirit.

4. The Nature of True Fellowship (vv. 9–13)

Paul clarifies that he is not calling believers to judge outsiders, but to hold those within the church accountable. Fellowship in the body of Christ requires a shared commitment to holiness.

Doctrinal Point: Church membership entails mutual accountability. The evangelical understanding of the church emphasizes regenerate church membership and spiritual responsibility.

5. Separation from Persistent Sin (vv. 11, 13)

Paul calls the church to separate from those who persist in sin while claiming the name of Christ. This separation is both disciplinary and redemptive—meant to awaken the sinner to repentance.

Doctrinal Point: Evangelical theology upholds both grace and truth—calling sinners to repentance and restoration through loving, firm discipline.

Verse-by-Verse Analysis

Verse 1

“It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate: A man is sleeping with his father’s wife.”

Explanation: Paul is shocked by the presence of open and scandalous sin—a man cohabiting with his stepmother (likely his father’s second wife). This was condemned under Mosaic Law (Leviticus 18:8; Deuteronomy 22:30) and considered immoral even by pagan standards.
Application: The church must not normalize sin, even when the surrounding culture is tolerant. Holiness is not optional for the body of Christ.

Verse 2

“And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?”

Explanation: The Corinthian church was boasting in their tolerance, perhaps viewing themselves as spiritually mature. Paul rebukes their arrogance and calls for mourning and action—removal from fellowship.
Doctrinal Insight: Church discipline is not legalistic but necessary for spiritual health (Hebrews 12:11; Matthew 18:15-17).
Application: We should grieve over sin and address it biblically, not celebrate our “broad-mindedness.”

Verse 3–5

“For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit… hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.”

Explanation: Paul, using his apostolic authority, calls for severe action. “Handing over to Satan” likely refers to excommunication—removing the man from the protective fellowship of the church.
Cross-reference: 1 Timothy 1:20 shows similar language. The goal is not condemnation, but repentance and salvation.
Application: Biblical discipline aims for restoration, not shame. It’s a serious act meant to awaken the conscience.

Verse 6–8

“Don’t you know that a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough?… Let us keep the Festival, not with the old bread leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”

Explanation: Paul draws from Passover imagery. Leaven represents sin; removing it symbolized readiness for deliverance (Exodus 12:15-20).
Doctrinal Insight: Just as Israel removed leaven before Passover, the church must remove sin to celebrate life in Christ.
Application: Sin in the church affects everyone. We are to live in sincerity and truth as a redeemed people.

Verse 9–10

“I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world… In that case you would have to leave this world.”

Explanation: Paul clarifies a previous instruction. Christians are not to isolate from the world but to hold fellow believers accountable.
Cross-reference: John 17:15 – Jesus prays not for believers to be removed from the world but to be protected from the evil one.
Application: We are in the world but not of it. The church must be distinct without being isolated.

Verse 11

“But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral…”

Explanation: Paul targets hypocritical Christians—those who live in unrepentant sin while claiming faith.
Doctrinal Insight: Genuine faith produces fruit (James 2:14-17). Church discipline addresses those who dishonor Christ’s name.
Application: Membership in the church brings responsibility. Professing Christ demands consistent living.

Verse 12–13

“What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church?… ‘Expel the wicked person from among you.'”

Explanation: Paul distinguishes between the world and the church. Christians are not called to police the world’s behavior but to maintain holiness in the body of Christ.
Cross-reference: Deuteronomy 17:7 – The quoted command underlines the serious nature of communal purity.
Application: Judgment within the church is an act of obedience. Holiness is both personal and corporate.

Theological Implications and Connection to Jesus Christ

1. Christ as the Passover Lamb (v. 7)

“For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.”

Implication: Paul connects the believer’s holiness to Christ’s finished work. Jesus, as the sinless Lamb of God (John 1:29), was sacrificed so we could be purified and set apart.
Redemptive Theme: Just as Israel was redeemed from Egypt, Christians are redeemed from sin and called to live as new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17).
Application: Because of Christ’s sacrifice, we are empowered to live holy lives—not by law, but through the Spirit (Romans 8:3-4).

2. The Church as Christ’s Body

The purity of the church reflects on the reputation of Christ. We are His body (1 Corinthians 12:27) and His temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).
To tolerate sin within the church misrepresents Christ to the world. This calls for biblical discipline and pursuit of sanctification (Ephesians 5:25-27).

3. Christ’s Role as Judge and Savior

The phrase “that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord” (v. 5) points to Christ’s return and judgment.
Jesus is both the One who saves and the One before whom we will all stand (2 Corinthians 5:10). Discipline aims at readiness for that day.

Connection to God the Father

1. God’s Holiness

God the Father is utterly holy (Isaiah 6:3). His holiness is the foundation for the church’s call to holiness (Leviticus 11:44; 1 Peter 1:15-16).
As the Father called Israel out of Egypt to be a holy people, He calls the church to be set apart (Deuteronomy 7:6).

2. God’s Discipline as Loving Father

Hebrews 12:5-11 teaches that the Father disciplines those He loves. Church discipline reflects the Father’s heart to correct, restore, and mature His children.
The call to “mourn” in verse 2 reflects godly sorrow that leads to repentance—a sorrow the Father welcomes (Luke 15:20).

3. God’s Justice and Authority

God has delegated authority to the church to act in alignment with His justice. By exercising discipline, the church participates in the Father’s work of guarding His name and preserving holiness among His people.

Connection to the Holy Spirit

Although 1 Corinthians 5 does not mention the Holy Spirit by name, the role of the Spirit is deeply implicit in its theology and application:

1. The Spirit and the Holiness of the Church

The Holy Spirit is the One who sanctifies (Romans 15:16; 2 Thessalonians 2:13). The call to purge sin from among the believers is a call to live in alignment with the sanctifying work of the Spirit.
The church is described in 1 Corinthians 3:16 as the temple of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, harboring sin defiles what is sacred to God.

2. The Spirit Enables Discernment and Judgment

Spiritual judgment (discernment) is necessary for church discipline (see 1 Corinthians 2:14-15). The Spirit equips believers to judge rightly, not by worldly standards but by God’s revealed truth.

3. Restoration Through the Spirit

The goal of discipline (v. 5 – “that his spirit may be saved”) reflects the Spirit’s work in convicting of sin (John 16:8), drawing the sinner to repentance, and restoring fellowship.
Galatians 6:1 calls spiritually mature believers to restore one who is caught in sin “gently”—a fruit of the Spirit’s work.

Sermon Outline and Flow

Sermon Title: “A Holy Church in an Unholy World”

Text: 1 Corinthians 5

Introduction:

Hook: Share a modern story of moral compromise in a church that led to disillusionment or scandal.
Bridge: What happens when the church fails to deal with sin?
Big Idea: The church must reflect Christ’s holiness through loving correction, spiritual accountability, and Spirit-empowered discipline.

Main Point 1: The Tragedy of Tolerated Sin (vv. 1–2)

Explanation: Paul rebukes the church for arrogance in tolerating gross immorality.
Illustration: A home with a gas leak—ignoring the smell doesn’t make it safe.
Application: Tolerance of sin is not love—it’s spiritual negligence.

Transition: The solution isn’t harshness, but holiness guided by the Spirit.

Main Point 2: The Mandate for Church Discipline (vv. 3–5)

Explanation: Paul commands the church to remove the man for redemptive purposes.
Cross-Reference: Matthew 18:15-17 – the biblical process of church discipline.
Illustration: A shepherd removing a diseased sheep from the flock to protect the rest.
Application: Discipline must aim at restoration, not retribution.

Transition: This is not about punishment, but about preserving the testimony of Christ.

Main Point 3: The Call to Purity (vv. 6–8)

Explanation: Paul uses Passover imagery to call for sincerity and truth.
Illustration: Cleaning out a refrigerator—one spoiled item can affect everything.
Application: Christ our Passover Lamb was sacrificed so we can walk in newness of life. Holiness is now our identity.

Transition: Paul now shifts to our relationships inside and outside the church.

Main Point 4: Accountability in the Body (vv. 9–13)

Explanation: Paul clarifies the church must judge those inside, not outside.
Cross-Reference: 1 Peter 4:17 – judgment begins with the household of God.
Illustration: Firefighters protect their own station from fire—they must be vigilant within.
Application: Accountability is a sign of spiritual maturity, not judgmentalism.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Reinforce: The purity of the church matters because the world sees Christ through us.
Challenge: Are we lovingly holding one another accountable? Are we grieving over sin or growing comfortable with it?
Call to Action:
- Church leaders: Lead with courage in upholding holiness.
- Members: Commit to sincere and truthful fellowship.
- Everyone: Pray for the Spirit’s sanctifying power and seek restoration, not condemnation.

Closing Scripture: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

Illustrations and Examples

1. Leaven in Dough – Modern Analogy

Illustration: A small piece of mold in bread affects the entire loaf. Sin, like mold or yeast, spreads. One unresolved sin in a church can normalize compromise.
Application: We often think a “small sin” won’t hurt—but it shapes culture.

2. Hospital Protocol

Analogy: In hospitals, one infected person can cause an outbreak if not quarantined. Spiritual infection works the same way—what’s tolerated spreads.
Application: The goal is healing, not exclusion, just like quarantine aims to restore health.

3. Personal Story: Accountability Saved Me

A young man addicted to pornography was lovingly confronted by a mentor. At first offended, he later repented and now leads a ministry for purity.
Point: Accountability, when done biblically, leads to transformation.

Application for Today’s Christian

1 Corinthians 5, though confronting serious sin, gives timeless instruction for how believers are to pursue holiness, accountability, and Christlikeness in a fallen world. Here are key applications:

1. Discipleship: Pursue Holiness Together

Christians are not called to walk alone. Discipleship means mutual encouragement and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Small groups and one-on-one mentoring should foster transparent, truth-filled relationships where sin can be confessed and addressed in love (James 5:16).

Practical Step: Join or start a discipleship group focused not only on Bible knowledge, but also on heart transformation and spiritual growth.

2. Stewardship: Guard the Witness of the Church

The local church is a steward of God’s holiness on earth. We reflect Christ’s character to the world.
Allowing sin to go unchecked weakens the gospel message and misrepresents God’s grace as permissiveness (Romans 6:1-2).

Practical Step: As a church member, take active responsibility for the health of your church—not in pride or judgment, but in prayerful concern. Speak truth in love when necessary (Ephesians 4:15).

3. Living Out Faith: Walk in Sincerity and Truth

Paul calls us to keep the feast “with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (v. 8).
Christians are to live with integrity, not merely outwardly righteous but inwardly true (Psalm 51:6).

Practical Step: Ask yourself regularly—Am I tolerating sin in my life that needs confession and repentance? Am I walking in the truth or hiding behind appearances?

Connection to God’s Love

Though 1 Corinthians 5 appears severe, at its heart is a reflection of God’s deep love and care for His people. His discipline is not the absence of love but an expression of it.

1. Love Protects

God’s love for His church is protective. Just as a loving parent disciplines a child to keep them from harm, God calls for sin to be confronted to protect the individual and the whole body (Hebrews 12:6).

2. Love Restores

The goal of “handing over to Satan” (v. 5) is not punishment, but restoration: “so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.”
God’s redemptive love never gives up on the sinner. He wounds to heal, convicts to forgive, and disciplines to restore (Hosea 6:1).

3. Love is Sincere

Real love does not ignore sin or tolerate destructive behavior (Romans 12:9). It holds others accountable with a view toward Christ’s likeness.

Summary: 1 Corinthians 5 reveals a God who is both holy and loving—who disciplines because He desires reconciliation, purity, and eternal joy for His children.

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Holiness and the Covenant Community

Like Israel of old, the church is a covenant people called to be holy (Exodus 19:6; 1 Peter 2:9-10).
God’s pattern is clear: His people are to reflect His character in a world that does not know Him. This is part of the ongoing story of redemption through a holy nation.

2. Redemption Through Judgment

The pattern of redemption often includes judgment. God judged Egypt to redeem Israel; He disciplines the church to redeem the sinner.
1 Corinthians 5 fits within this motif—judgment of sin inside the church to preserve the gospel witness and call the sinner to salvation.

3. The Feast of Unleavened Bread and Christ as Fulfillment

Paul’s reference to the Passover feast (v. 7–8) reminds us that Christ is the fulfillment of Old Testament symbols.
Just as Israel removed leaven in preparation for deliverance, believers remove sin in light of Christ’s deliverance. We are now a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).

4. The Church as the Temple

As God dwelled in the tabernacle and temple in the Old Testament, He now dwells in the church by His Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).
The demand for purity reflects the same requirement given to the priests of old—God will not dwell in a defiled temple.

Reflection Questions

Use the following questions for personal meditation, journaling, or small group discussion. These are designed to deepen understanding, foster obedience, and strengthen the church’s walk in truth and love.

1. How do I personally respond when confronted with sin—in myself or in others?

Am I quick to confess and repent, or do I justify and conceal?
Do I avoid difficult conversations with fellow believers, or am I willing to lovingly speak truth?

2. In what ways might I or my church be tolerating sin in the name of grace or tolerance?

What biblical principles does 1 Corinthians 5 provide for handling ongoing sin in the church?
What’s the difference between loving correction and judgmentalism?

3. How does Paul’s command to “hand this man over to Satan” challenge modern views of church discipline?

Why is church discipline necessary, and how can it be done in a way that reflects God’s love and mercy?
Have I ever witnessed biblical discipline that led to repentance and restoration?

4. What does the image of leaven teach about the effects of sin within a community?

In what ways might “small sins” be quietly influencing my life or fellowship group?
How does sincere, Spirit-filled living contrast with malice and hypocrisy?

5. How does knowing Christ as our Passover Lamb change the way we view sin, holiness, and grace?

How should this motivate us to pursue purity in our thoughts, relationships, and habits?
Do I see my life as part of a larger redemption story where God is forming a holy people?

6. What is my role in guarding the witness and health of my local church?

Am I actively contributing to a culture of discipleship, accountability, and truth?
Do I pray for my leaders as they carry out their role in shepherding the church toward holiness?

7. How does this chapter help me better understand God’s character—His holiness, love, justice, and mercy?

How do I see God’s discipline as an act of love rather than punishment?
How does this deepen my trust in Him as Father, Savior, and King?