05/16/2026
Last week, we saw in 1 Corinthians 5 that the church was to deal with the sin in their midst. The Word of God is the means by which the Holy Spirit would bring the cleansing needed to this church. Just like the church in Corinth, we need the Word of God to cleanse us. First Corinthians 5 has 5 admonitions we at Calvary Bible Church Grand Junction must heed if we want to be a healthy and holy church.
First, we must be on guard against all sin, but we must be especially vigilant in rooting out the sins of pride and sexual immorality. Pride is at the root of many other sins and will blind us to the presence of sin in our lives, therefore hindering us from mortifying our sin. Pride excuses sin, putting our souls in peril and hindering our gospel witness.
Pride has a subtlety that often makes it hard to identify, but not so sexual immorality. In nearly all of the “vice lists” in the Bible, sexual immorality is named. Sexual immorality is a broad category that encompasses adultery, homosexuality, po*******hy, lust, filthy talk, and more. In Ephesians 5, Paul calls us to imitate God. “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving. For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience” (Eph. 5:3–6). Sexual sin does not imitate God, but perverts and distorts His good design.
In a sexualized world, it is easy to become desensitized to sexual immorality. We face a constant onslaught from the entertainment industry. Sadly, many satisfy their lusts by regularly viewing po*******hy. While we can be blinded by pride, sexual immorality is obvious; its roots can be deep and the cravings strong. By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can and must battle pride and sexual immorality.
Second, we must see that our sin is never private; our individual sin affects the entire body. We might be tempted to think our adultery, p**n addiction, pride, gossip, anger, or jealousy doesn’t affect others in the church fellowship—but it does. All our sins affect others in the church. It will affect how I engage in worship. It will hinder my prayer life for my brothers and sisters. It will isolate me from fellowship and keep me from serving others. When our sins are not dealt with and they grow into full bloom, they also hinder the testimony of the church. The witness of the church in Corinth was certainly affected as they accepted sin in their midst, which even the watching world knew was wrong.
Third, each one of us must work for and care about the holiness of Christ’s church. If we think our sin does not affect others, then we will have little concern for others’ holiness and, therefore, the holiness of the entire church. The scriptures are clear—sanctification is corporate not individual. The Lord uses other people to help us grow in holiness. One of the first and most practical ways we can work for the holiness of others is to pray for them.
Fourth, there is a place for judgment in the church. In the church, sin must be dealt with. Judgment is the passing down of a sentence. Evidence is weighed, and a conclusion is drawn. This is what Paul instructs the church at Corinth to do. Paul has already pronounced judgment on this man, and the church must do the same thing. They must purge the evil person from their midst (v. 13). They must not tolerate or associate with those who claim the name of Christ while their lives reflect something else (9-11). A church that fails to judge sin will be an unhealthy church.
Fifth, we must never forget the gospel. Even amidst this sharp indictment, Paul reminds them of the gospel. “For Christ, our Passover Lamb, has been sacrificed.” Christ being described as our Passover lamb is a vivid image. What was the purpose of the passover lamb in Egypt? The blood of a lamb was shed, and its blood was applied to the door of the house, so the Lord’s judgment would pass over his people. So for Christians, the blood of Christ has been applied to us, and the judgment of God has passed over us. In the same way, Paul reminds us that we are already a cleansed people. “Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened” (1 Cor. 5:7). The gospel provides the fuel needed to wage war against sin in our lives and in the church, but it also assures us we are forgiven for all our past failings. When we know we are a forgiven people, we need not bear the guilt of sin, nor hide in shame. For the Christian, our forgiveness means our sin can be exposed, and we can still be assured of God’s love for us.
First Corinthians 5 calls us to examine our lives and the health and holiness of our church. Have you individually grown comfortable with sin? Growing comfortable with sin is like living with a rotting co**se in your home. The same is true in the church. The gospel reminds us there is hope. We are forgiven for all our sins: pride, sexual immorality, and tolerating sin. The gospel reminds us that we can live holy lives. As we humble ourselves and pursue holiness, we will experience true joy and peace and renewed fellowship with one another and with Jesus Christ.
