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"And have not rather mourned..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 5:2

A WHOLE LIST OF PROBLEMS

The Corinthian Church had begun well. They were blessed with so many spiritual gifts! Sadly, worldly influence affected them adversely. Factions arose within their ranks. Discontent and a critical spirit threatened them further. Given such a background, other graver problems arose.

“It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you,
and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles-
that a man has his father’s wife!
And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned,
that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:1-2

1. “It is actually reported”

a) This was not gossip or hearsay.

b) This was a known fact.

2. “Sexual immorality”

a) This was not the usual kind of immorality seen in the world.

b) The problem deserved special attention.

3. “That a man has his father’s wife”

a) This is not a reference to the man’s own birth-mother.

b) It is likely that this was his father’s second wife.

c) Nevertheless, this would have been his step-mother.

d) She could have been a much younger woman.

4. “Not even named among the Gentiles”

a) Roman law dictates that this was a punishable crime.

b) This incestuous relationship would have warranted the death penalty.

5. “And you are puffed up”

a) The Corinthians prided themselves as being very liberal.

b) They were so puffed-up that they accepted this situation.

6. “And have not rather mourned”

a) There should have been mourning over such a sin committed in the church community.

b) There was no indication of any spiritual sorrow.

7. “That he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you”

Paul was of the opinion that the offender should have been put under church discipline and be excommunicated!