It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and sexual immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, namely, that someone has his father’s wife. You have become arrogant and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst. (vv. 1-2)

While they boasted of their knowledge and eloquent words, they had no discipline.

You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have become kings without us; and indeed, I wish that you had become kings so that we also might reign with you! (1 Corinthians 4:8)

They allowed evil things to happen in their church. Even now, many churches permit immorality to run rampant without any form of correction. Church leaders pretend to take action—holding meetings, speaking with those involved, and so on—but in the end, no one is disciplined. They say we must love and forgive.

Sexual immorality and other crimes usually occur in secret. They are not exposed until someone brings the matter to light. Once revealed, both leaders and members often refuse to get involved. From their youth, they have been taught that the community must be protected from falling apart at all costs. In reality, there is no fear of God among them. God’s Word is trampled under their feet. All they care about is their fragile community—one that God will one day destroy with fire. This is because they have no understanding of God or His purposes. They speak of the Last Day and of judgment, yet they do not believe it. Instead, they malign and exploit others for their own gain and pleasure. It is no surprise that some religious leaders commit acts of sexual immorality or even crimes. Such deeds are hard to prove, for it is difficult to find two or three witnesses.

But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that ON THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY MATTER MAY BE CONFIRMED. (Matthew 18:16)

Only a few in the church of Corinth realized that something was terribly wrong. Their wisdom came from God. They reported the matter to Paul. While the church leaders were busy discussing theology and rules, the apostles, such as Paul, were praying to God day and night.

People judge by outward appearance, but God gives a new heart to His chosen. They may seem small and unimportant, yet their words carry power because their authority comes from God.

Many churches today are afraid to discipline or remove members because of money. They rely on funds to maintain their community and to pay ministers’ wages. But if such a system leads the church into temptation, it must be removed. Why do we need church buildings? Why can’t ministers have another job to earn their living?

God was righteous in closing the church doors through the pandemic, calling us to look back and repent.

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I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people; I did not at all mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the greedy and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to leave the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is a sexually immoral person, or a greedy person, or an idolater, or is verbally abusive, or habitually drunk, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a person. For what business of mine is it to judge outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the evil person from among yourselves. (vv. 9-13)