The Roman Catholic Church has been scandalized by immorality among the priesthood. While not as publicly exposed, the Protestant Church is experiencing a rising tide of immorality among its leaders and members. Prominent evangelical leaders are being exposed from time to time and some are even coming forth to admit it, like Ray Boltz who wrote, “May Anchor Holds,” “Thanks for Giving to the Lord,” confessed recently that he is homosexual.
Question: Does the Bible speak to the problem of immorality in the local church. Absolutely and in our text today, 1 Cor. 5:1-3. Please observe with me four issues discussed in this passage:
- Flagrant immorality – verse 1 – a member was living with his father’s wife, which made her his stepmother.
- Flippant indifference on part of church – verse 2- even arrogant and proud of their liberality. Illus: Myers Park Baptist, Charlotte, advertised proudly that it received homos and honored same sex marriages. Removed from membership in State Convention.
The Solution to the Problem:
- The Scandal of Immorality in a Local Church:
- Discipline of the offender – verse 3-5; Matthew 18:15-17
- Dismiss the offender – verse 12-13
- Love, forgive and redeem the offender – 2 Cor. 2:6-8
- The Sanctity of the Church:
- To protect its integrity –Matthew 5:16
- To prevent infection of entire body – verse 6
- The Solemn Responsibility of all Members:
- Cleanse yourself of all impurities through Christ’s sacrificial blood.
- Celebrate the feast out of a clean heart – verse 8
- Avoid Internet Porn. Like a plague
Conclusion: Appeal to congregation to admit their sins, repent, be cleansed and forgiven.