FORNICATION IN THE CHURCH by Pastor O T Osawaru

Summary

This sermon delves into 1 Corinthians chapter 5, emphasizing the dangers of fornication within the church and the importance of living a holy life. The speaker warns against Christians engaging in immoral behavior, highlighting that such actions defile the church and mislead others. Believers are urged to separate from those who refuse to repent, ensuring the correction of sin in a way that preserves the individual's spirit. The message also addresses proper conduct between men and women, advocating for boundaries to avoid temptation. Ultimately, the sermon calls for believers to be exemplary in behavior, dress, and interactions, promoting holiness and obedience to God.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fornication in the church is a serious issue, and it is addressed in 1 Corinthians 5 as something that should not be tolerated among believers.
• 😀 The importance of church discipline is emphasized, where individuals who live in sin, especially fornication, should be separated from the community to encourage repentance.
• 😀 Pride and a lack of mourning over sin in the church contribute to the spread of immorality, and believers should not condone or celebrate sinful behaviors.
• 😀 Dressing in a seductive manner, especially by youth and leaders within the church, is seen as encouraging temptation and should be corrected to maintain the holiness of the body of Christ.
• 😀 Even though many believers might be involved in sin, church leaders are called to uphold the standard of righteousness and not give in to worldly pressures or behaviors.
• 😀 A little sin (like immorality or fornication) can spread and corrupt the whole church, just as a small amount of leaven affects the entire lump of dough.
• 😀 The church is reminded to focus on sincere, truthful worship, free from malice, as opposed to serving God while harboring sin or promoting it in the community.
• 😀 The need for individual responsibility is highlighted; each believer should avoid immoral behavior and ensure their actions align with God's Word.
• 😀 The church must not be passive about sin but actively work to separate from those who refuse to repent and are living in persistent sin, such as fornication or extortion.
• 😀 The message also stresses the importance of correct interaction with unbelievers, where the church is called to reach out to them but avoid mixing with unrepentant believers living in sin.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the teaching in 1 Corinthians 5?

The main theme is addressing fornication within the church and the importance of maintaining purity and moral integrity among believers. The speaker emphasizes the need to confront sinful behavior and not tolerate immorality within the congregation.

Why does the speaker refer to the fornication as a sin 'not even named among the Gentiles'?

The speaker highlights the severity of the sin by pointing out that it is a behavior so disgraceful that even non-believers (the Gentiles) would not accept or engage in it. The sin described in the passage is having a relationship with one's father's wife, which was considered morally unacceptable even by non-Christians.

What does the speaker mean by 'puffed up' in reference to the church members?

The phrase 'puffed up' refers to the pride or arrogance of the church members who were not mourning or addressing the sin of fornication. Instead of repenting and correcting the issue, they were proud and complacent, ignoring the serious consequences of such behavior.

What is the significance of delivering the sinner 'unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh'?

Delivering the sinner to Satan means allowing the person to face the consequences of their sin in order to bring about repentance. The punishment is meant to destroy the sinful flesh while allowing the individual's spirit to be saved. This act is intended to lead the sinner to reflect and turn back to God.

How does the speaker explain the concept of 'little leaven' in relation to sin in the church?

'Little leaven' refers to the idea that even a small amount of sin, like fornication or immorality, can spread and corrupt the entire church. Just as a little yeast leavens the whole dough, tolerating small sins can lead to greater moral decay within the church.

What is the importance of setting a good example according to the speaker?

Setting a good example is crucial because believers are called to live lives that reflect Christ's teachings. The speaker stresses that Christians should not be the ones promoting or tolerating sinful behavior, such as fornication, as it can mislead others and harm the church's integrity.

Why does the speaker advise separating from a brother who continues in fornication?

The speaker advises separation from such individuals to maintain the purity of the church. By not associating with unrepentant sinners, believers are sending a clear message that sin cannot be tolerated in the community of faith. This separation is meant to encourage the sinner to repent and return to God.

What does the speaker mean when they say 'your glorying is not good'?

The speaker is criticizing the church members for boasting or being proud despite the serious sin of fornication within their midst. This 'glorying' refers to the prideful attitude of tolerating sin instead of addressing and repenting for it.

How does the teaching in 1 Corinthians 7 relate to the broader message in 1 Corinthians 5?

1 Corinthians 7 is used to explain that relationships between men and women should be governed by respect and sanctity, emphasizing the importance of avoiding temptation that leads to fornication. The broader message in 1 Corinthians 5 addresses the consequences of sexual immorality, and 1 Corinthians 7 offers guidance on how to live a pure life.

What does the speaker say about the way believers should dress?

The speaker emphasizes that believers should dress modestly and appropriately, both at home and in public. They should avoid wearing seductive or revealing clothing that could lead others into temptation or cause them to stumble. The focus is on living in a way that honors God and doesn't promote sinful behavior.