Summary: In chapter 5, there is a sharp transition to the subject matter to address a
specific case of sexual immorality in the church in Corinth. While that issue itself
is important, this section also serves to further help the Corinthians and all
believers see themselves as a spiritual community with a responsibility toward
one another.
Paul uses the provocative image of handing someone over to Satan as a way of talking
about removing this man from the church. The goal of Paul’ s instructions here are:
● the salvation of the man who is being immoral
● the purity of the church
Paul says that not only is this for the man’ s good but for the good of the community.
● the imagery of yeast (verses 6-7)
● the imagery of Passover (verses 7-8)
Paul warns against associating with someone who claims to be a believer and
disregards God’ s law. (verses 9-11)
Questions for Reflection/Discussion:
-Have you ever seen a process take place to ban someone from remaining a part of the
church?
-If not, what keeps people from practicing these instructions?
-Is there anyone in your life who claims to be a believer that you need to confront
about active sin?
