inful brethren must not be permitted to share in the fellowship or the company of faithful brethren.

hen Paul wrote to the Corinthians, there were many besetting problems facing the congregation. These troubles were all likely reported to him by members of Chloe's household (1 Cor. 1:11). We have no idea who Chloe was, nor just who in her family might have had communication with the apostle. Apparently, however, they were well-informed Christians who knew that sin was running amuck in the church of God at Corinth. They were obviously alarmed about several issues in the church and wanted Paul's inspired perspective and directive in dealing with the troubles.

irst Corinthians chapter five begins with Paul stating that a common report was circulating regarding blatant, gross immorality among the brethren in Corinth.

his instance of ungodliness was well known to Christians and likely to the Corinthian community at large. Paul indicated that the immorality at Corinth was so repulsive that even Gentiles knew better than to practice such (verse 1). "Gentiles" is quite obviously used to distinguish believers from unbelievers, for the Corinthians were by nature Gentiles as far as their physical heritage was concerned. What a shame that unbelievers behaved better than Christians!

nregenerate Corinthians had quite an infamous reputation for their immorality in the first century. In that age, if one were to say of someone that he possesses the "morals of a Corinthian," you would be giving him no compliment at all. So, blatant sin practiced by those who previously were "washed, justified and sanctified" (1 Cor. 6:9-11) did incalculable damage to the cause of Christ. Paul could not let this pass without warning, rebuke, admonition, and a stern expectation that such a situation would be immediately corrected.

n particular, some brother in the church was guilty of "having his father's wife." This involved sexual sin. Many questions about this episode are unanswerable. For instance, "Was the man's father still living?" "Was the 'father's wife' an actual birth mother to the sinning brother at Corinth, or was she a step-mother?" "Was the man actually married to her, or was he carrying on a lustful tryst?" "What caused the Corinthians to turn a blind eye to this sin?" "Why was the church 'puffed up' instead of mournful over this situation?"

e might venture some guesses in answering these questions but much remains unknown about why this problem existed in the first place. Apparently the woman in question was not a Christian, for no instruction is given to the church about what should be done regarding her sin. Paul showed the Corinthians that they had responsibility to judge those who were inside the fellowship of the church (verses 12-13). God would judge sinners outside the church.

aul writes to the Corinthians as if he is shocked by their complacency regarding this case of sexual immorality.  It is almost as if he is saying, "I simply cannot believe these reports I am hearing about you! Surely, you know better than to behave this way." He also seems surprised that the thought has apparently not occurred to the Corinthians that "he who has done this deed might (should) be taken away from among you" (verse 2). Rather, the Corinthians had gloried in this sinful brother's behavior and Paul wrote, "Your glorying is not good" (verse 6). What made the Corinthians so proud ("puffed up" NKJV; "arrogant" NASB) concerning this man? Was he a prestigious member of the Corinthian society? Was he a wealthy man by whom these brethren may have been employed? Was he a "heavy contributor" to the first day of the week collection (1 Cor. 16:1-2)? We simply do not know the answers. The fact that Paul did not have to call him by name is evidence, however, that everyone in the church knew of whom Paul wrote. This was not a private affair. It was well known to them all.

aul forthrightly commanded the Corinthians to "deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus" (verse 5). Further, he enjoined that they should "purge out the old leaven" (verse 6). Finally, he reminded them of earlier instruction that they were "not to keep company with sexually immoral people" (verse 9). The apostolic expectation of the church was clear. They must not allow this sinning brother their approval and fellowship. They were "not even to eat with such a person" (verse 11), indicating that their social relationship with this brother could not continue as long as he practiced his sin.

as it difficult for the church to obey this instruction? Yes, we think so. It is difficult for modern churches of Christ to obey, too. But before we quickly criticize the Corinthians, we might take a close look at our own congregation to see how lax or reluctant we have been to keep these directives. We have all made our share of excuses as to why we should not (or will not) "put away the evil person" (verse 13). Neglect of this command makes us all guilty of sin in one way or another. The Lord is simply not pleased with this and we will answer for our disobedience.

he leavening of the church by sin is destroying our ability to be lights in the middle of darkness (Phil. 2:16). God expected better of the Corinthians, and He expects better of us. & (Via Biblical Insights, Vol. 4, No. 7, July 2004)

A GOOD CONSCIENCE

By Bob Myhan

any of us have heard it said that an individual should be guided by the dictates of his own conscience. “A good conscience is all that is necessary,” it is affirmed. But is this the case? What role should the conscience play in one's religious life? It surely must play some role therein for the reason that the Bible says quite a lot about it.

he conscience is defined as “The inner sense of what is right or wrong in one’s conduct or motives, impelling one toward right action” Webster’s Encyclopedic Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language). It is one's conscience that either approves or disapproves of his actions depending on whether they are believed by him to be morally and ethically right or morally and ethically wrong (Rom. 2:14,15; John 8:9). Thus what one believes to be right or wrong is the moral standard by which his conscience judges his actions. However, what one believes may not be the truth; therefore, one’s conscience should not be followed as an infallible guide.

he conscience is the ethical nature of the heart of man (1 John 3:18-22). But the heart also has an intellectual nature (Matt. 9:4; 13:10-15). It is “the truth” that shall make us free, not just what we believe to be the truth (John 8:32). We will be judged by the word of God, not merely by our belief of what is right and wrong (John 12:48). When one knows the truth, but continues to act contrary to it, he will sear his conscience (1 Tim. 4:1-2). This is the most dangerous condition in which one could be. &

[To be continued next week]