1 Corinthians 5:1-13
The apostle now approaches a very painful subject. Apart from distressing divisions there was in the Corinthian assembly a serious moral sin which, although committed by one individual, was polluting the whole assembly (cf. Joshua 7:13 . . .). Moreover this "leaven", which should have plunged the Corinthians into mourning and shame, did not prevent their "glorying". It is rather like a man, who has contracted leprosy, pretending to ignore his disease and hiding his sores under fine clothing. In the name of the Lord, the apostle appeals for sincerity and truth (v. 8). He does not hesitate to expose this evil without regard for people’s feelings. Before undertaking any service and any Christian witness, the conscience must be in order. And holiness requires believers not only to abstain from evil in their individual pathway, but to keep themselves separate from those who live in sin while professing themselves to be children of God (v. 11). What is the real reason why we must, as individuals and an assembly, beware of all fellowship with and indifference to evil? It is in no way our superiority over others but rather the infinite value of the sacrifice which paid the penalty for our sins (v. 7).