Episode 2826 - Lesson 4 - Monday July 20 - Dealing with Scandals

Dealing With ScandalsDealing with matters of sexuality is always hard. It was hard for Paul, and it is for us, too. In these situations, we must be faithful to the Scriptures and address the issue with prayer and love. We must never forget that our goal is restoration.Read again 1 Corinthians 5:1-13. How does Paul tell them to deal with this situation?Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 5 that sexual scandals require church discipline. He says that the incestuous man should be removed (1 Cor. 5:2), judged (1 Cor. 5:3), delivered to Satan (1 Cor. 5:5), and " 'put away' " (1 Cor. 5:13, NKJV). The church members were told "not to associate with" him (1 Cor. 5:9, 11, ESV), nor "even to eat with such a one" (1 Cor. 5:11, ESV). Paul employs strong language that may sound offensive to modern ears, but his words must be understood in their historical context. Also, one must remember that he is dealing with a flagrant, sinful lifestyle. Usually, in extreme situations, strong language is necessary. In any case, a brief explanation of some expressions is helpful."Let him ... be removed from among you" (1 Cor. 5:2, ESV; also 1 Cor. 5:13). This refers to church discipline."Deliver this man to Satan" (1 Cor. 5:5, ESV). Because this man did not choose to be under the protection of God by living in obedience to Him, he would be vulnerable to Satan. So, this expression can merely mean something like "Let him reap the fruit of his decisions.""Not to associate" (1 Cor. 5:9, 11, NASB), "not even to eat with such a one" (1 Cor. 5:11, RSV). Close association with sexually immoral people was considered dangerous because they might influence others to imitate their conduct. In ancient times, sharing a meal could mean sharing values, as well. We are all susceptible to the influences that are around us, and we need to protect ourselves the best we can, especially in dealing with something like this."That his spirit may be saved" (1 Cor. 5:5, NASB). Church discipline is rehabilitative. It intends to bring sinners back to their senses and cause them to abandon their sinful lifestyles. This is possibly what Paul meant by "destruction of the flesh" (1 Cor. 5:5). It is possible, too, that the incestuous man in 1 Corinthians 5 is the repentant man referred to later (see 2 Cor. 2:5-10). Church discipline reaches its purpose when the erring member is reintegrated into church fellowship.