1 Corinthians 5

1 - 8 Sexual Immorality Defiles the Church

Paul describes a specific case in which an unnamed member of the Corinthian church is living with his step-mother. Paul recommends that they "hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh so that his spirit be saved in the day of the Lord." I hope Paul means this figuratively - that the man must destroy his fleshly desires.

Paul then says that the old yeast (evil) must be cleaned out in the new dough so that the bread will rise.

9 - 13 Sexual Immorality Must Be Judged

Paul tells them not to associate with those who are sexually immoral, greedy, an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or robber (I guess going to drill is a bad idea . . . ) He tells them not even to eat with these people (may notes say this could mean communion supper) . For what have I do do with judging the outside? . . . God will judge the outside. "Drive out the wicked person from among you" (12 - 13).