When acceptance is not Acceptable

Read 1 Corinthians 5.

The church at Corinth was proud of the fact that they were accepting of everyone and all behaviors. This incestuous relationship mentioned here was open and well-known in the congregation.  "Your boasting is not good." (v6)  Scripture does not mince words when it comes to sin.  Sexual behavior outside of the marriage between one man and one woman is consistently condemned in the Bible.  "Let him who has done this be removed from among you." (v.2b)   But the bluntness of this passage goes on: "...you are to deliver this man to Satan..." (v.5)  "Purge the evil person from among you." (v13)

Who are we to judge?
God is the Judge and He has given His word to be implemented by His people.  This and other passages (see chapter 6) make it clear that the church is to be a place where godly people protect from false teaching and to deal promptly with wrong behavior.

Why is this so important?
Like yeast in a lump of dough (vv.6-7), sin is a cancer.  If not dealt with decisively and correctly, the sin will spread and kill the ministry of that church.  This symbolism is carried over into the Lord's Supper, or Communion.  The bread used for that celebration is to be unleavened. (vv.7-8) as a sign of purity, "sincerity and truth".

What is the ultimate purpose of such church discipline?
It is not to embarrass people into submission to church authority.  It is not meant merely to rid the local church of unrepentant people.  There two purposes of such discipline:
1. The process is to be conducted in love by those who are committed to restoring the sinning believer to full fellowship in the congregation.  Any other motives are illegitimate and unbiblical!  Matthew 18:15-20 provides a step by step process, including the Lord's confirmation of the judgment of the two to three witnesses.
2. The wayward congregant is to express repentance and demonstrate they have forsaken the sin.  This is the requirement for restoration.  If there is no admission of guilt and no willingness to change, then the church must let the person go.  In the context of false doctrine, 1 John 2:19 states: "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us.  But they went out, that it might be plain that they all are not of us."

Why are most churches failing to follow the commands of church discipline?
1. It is a sorrow-filled process.  Those who are committed to the person's restoration carry a huge load of brokenness over the situation.  Galatians 6:1-5 cautions those who would do such ministry.
2. It is a time consuming process.  Bearing one another's burdens is not accomplished in a single meeting.  Restoring one's relationships takes consistent trust-building interactions.
3. It is based upon voluntary accountability.  Without the willingness of committed people in the church and the willingness of the sinning person, restoration is not possible.

Fortunately, in this case, it appears from 2 Corinthians 2:5-11 that the church and this individual listened and followed God's word.