1. Discipline Problems I Corinthians 5

2. Introduction The apostle now takes up various moral and spiritual problems in the congregation. These subjects form the major portion of the letter (ch 5-14). A number of them were raised by specific questions the Corinthians appear to have asked in the letter Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus brought to Paul inEphesus ( I Co 7:1; 8:1; 12:1). But before he takes uptheir quesitons, he must deal with several moral lapses in the congregation (Ch 5 & 6) In addition to being concerned about having the Word of God preached correctly to its members, a Christian congregation must also be concerned that its members lead godly lives in keeping with the gospel that has saved them from the guilt of sin and has cleansed their hearts. If immorality is not checked or if it is tolerated, a congregation will cease to be Christian. To maintain its Christian character, a congregaiton must exercise church discipline. Because the Cornthian congregation was remiss in this regard, the apostle had to spell out tot hem why they should exercise church discipline and how they were to go about it.

3. When is preaching the truth not enough? When we do not live godly lives according to God’s Word motivated by the gospel we nullify the Word When immorality is tolerated the congregation ceases to be Christian When a congregation is negligent in exercising church discipline we must learn how to go about it

4. Sin that called for discipline I Corinthians 5:1-8 1. What sin had the congregation failed to discipline? 2. How does Paul describe their attitude toward this sin? 3. How was the process of excommunication to be carried out? 4. What two reasons for excommunication are given in verses 6 & 7? Why is the Passover (and Easter) reference appropriate?

5. 2 Corinthians 2:6-11 The punishment inflicted on him by the majority is sufficient for him. Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. I urge you, therefore, to reaffirm your love for him. The reason I wrote you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. If you forgiven anyone, I also forgive him. And what I have forgiven- if there was anything to forgive – I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes. 1. In what respect was the excommunication of the impenitent sinner effective? 2. What must be the attitude of the congregation toward the penitent sinner?

6. Understanding More … What is the greatest incentive for avoiding immorality? What is the purpose of excommunication for the guilty person? For the congregation? Should more church discipline be practiced today? What hinders that from happening?

7. I Corinthians 5:9-13 1. Among whom is Christian discipline to be practiced? 2. How were the Corinthians distorting Paul’s directive? 3. What can we learn from Paul regarding Christian attitudes toward immorality, both within and without the congregation? 4. Which of the sins Paul mentions are we least likely to discipline today?

8. Expanding the text Whatcan we learn from Paul regarding Christian attitudes toward immorality, both within and without the congregation? Which of the sins Paul mentions are we least likely to discipline today? Why?