1 Corinthians 5:1-13

The church is responsible to put members living in unrepentant sin outside its membership.

Church discipline:

1. When? (vv. 1-3)

2. How? (vv. 4-5a)

3. Why? (vv. 5b-13)

Discussion Questions

1. [Observation] Read 1 Corinthians 5:1-13. What do you think is the main point of this passage?

2. [Reflection] Consider 1 Corinthians 5:1-3. What is Paul’s attitude toward egregious unrepentant sin in the church? Have you been witness to egregious unrepentant sin in the church? What was the attitude of the church towards this sin? How does this compare and contrast with Paul’s attitude?

3. [Reflection] Have you ever been a part of a church when someone was being removed from membership as an act of discipline? What did you think about it at the time? Do you think the church did it well? Why or why not?

4. [Observation] Consider 1 Corinthians 5:4-5a and Matthew 18:15-20 (pay special attention to Matthew 18:17-18, 20). What are all the similarities between these two passages of Scripture? Where does the church get its authority to put someone out of the church and why is the assembling together of the church important in that regard?

5. [Application] Consider 1 Corinthians 5:5b-13. How can you help our church to “celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth”?

6. [Reflection] Consider 5:7. Does the sacrifice of Christ as your passover lamb motivate you to live a holy life? In what way? Explain.

7. [Reflection] Consider 1 Corinthians 5:9-12. Paul says that we are not to judge outsiders. Are you ever tempted to judge outsiders? Explain.

8. [Application] How is God calling you to respond to this message on 1 Corinthians 5:1-13?