1 CORINTHIANS 5

FOLLOWERS OF JESUS ARE CALLED TO SEXUAL INTEGRITY

Paul confronts the Corinthians after hearing a concerning report of their sexual immorality. The believers in Corinth are acting more recklessly than those without faith. Specifically, Paul addresses a man who slept with his father’s wife, his step-mother. Not only are the Christians in Corinth acting sexually immoral, they are proud of their devious actions! The people of Corinth have misunderstood God’s grace. Instead of responding with righteousness, the Corinthians view forgiveness as a free pass for sinfulness.

Paul warns the Christians in Corinth not to associate with believers who act this way. Paul is not advocating for the believers to avoid sinners. Both Paul and Jesus regularly spent time with sinners and pursued those who were unrighteous, but Paul warns specifically against those who have accepted Jesus as the Savior, but do not act differently.