Tolerance
When Sin Is Addressed in the Name of Tolerance Instead of Jesus
SCRIPTURE:
1 Corinthians 5:1-2 CSB - It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and the kind of sexual immorality that is not even tolerated among the Gentiles -- a man is sleeping with his father's wife. And you are arrogant! Shouldn't you be filled with grief and remove from your congregation the one who did this?
OBSERVATION:
In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses sexual immorality. The question posed to Paul was, “What should we do with this man?” This behavior was apparently justified as an act of “tolerance.” “See how loving we are!” Is it truly loving to confront someone's sin in the name of tolerance rather than in the name of Jesus? The fact that this sin was considered so unacceptable in Greek culture says a lot. Paul understood that this kind of incestuous relationship was seen as taboo even among their pagan neighbors, yet the Corinthian Christians seemed to accept this behavior.
1 Corinthians 5:1-2 CSB - It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and the kind of sexual immorality that is not even tolerated among the Gentiles -- a man is sleeping with his father's wife. And you are arrogant! Shouldn't you be filled with grief and remove from your congregation the one who did this?
OBSERVATION:
In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses sexual immorality. The question posed to Paul was, “What should we do with this man?” This behavior was apparently justified as an act of “tolerance.” “See how loving we are!” Is it truly loving to confront someone's sin in the name of tolerance rather than in the name of Jesus? The fact that this sin was considered so unacceptable in Greek culture says a lot. Paul understood that this kind of incestuous relationship was seen as taboo even among their pagan neighbors, yet the Corinthian Christians seemed to accept this behavior.
The ancient Roman writer and statesman Cicero said this type of incest was an incredible crime and practically unheard of. Truly, it was not even named among the Gentiles.
It should have been enough that this is declared sin by the Bible (Leviticus 18:8, Deuteronomy 22:30, and 27:20); it should have been enough that the worldly culture itself considered it sin, but the Corinthian Christians didn’t seem bothered by it at all. – David Guzik
.
Paul uses the word immorality, or that which is not moral or right. He adds the Greek word porneia to it, which means any kind of extramarital sex, including homosexuality.
Sexual immorality was an accepted fact of life for the common person in Greek culture, but it was not to be so among the followers of Jesus. – Davd Guzik
It should have been enough that this is declared sin by the Bible (Leviticus 18:8, Deuteronomy 22:30, and 27:20); it should have been enough that the worldly culture itself considered it sin, but the Corinthian Christians didn’t seem bothered by it at all. – David Guzik
.
Paul uses the word immorality, or that which is not moral or right. He adds the Greek word porneia to it, which means any kind of extramarital sex, including homosexuality.
Sexual immorality was an accepted fact of life for the common person in Greek culture, but it was not to be so among the followers of Jesus. – Davd Guzik
Apparently, this man was engaged in an ongoing sexual relationship, possibly married to or cohabiting with his stepmother (his father’s wife). The woman remains unnamed and may not be a believer, but this man is part of the church. There is a suggestion that this was a long-standing relationship and likely well known.
Paul gave clear instructions on how to handle this man. Again, this was not merely a “one-night stand” or a lapse in judgment. It was openly done and widely tolerated by some in the church. Not an easy situation, but if it isn't addressed, the change, forgiveness, and grace this man needs won't be received.
Tolerance does not mean we're showing love, grace, and mercy. Tolerance implies we know better than Jesus does.
Sin was the very reason Jesus came to this earth. We all have it – it’s terminal without His intervention.
Paul would address a topic that many churches have struggled with throughout history.
1 Corinthians 5:5 CSB - hand that one over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.
If this were the end of the story, we would think, “How tragic!” The church followed Paul’s instructions. Later, after the man repented, Paul said he should be restored to fellowship.
2 Corinthians 2:6-8 CSB - This punishment by the majority is sufficient for that person. As a result, you should instead forgive and comfort him. Otherwise, he may be overwhelmed by excessive grief. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.
Paul gave clear instructions on how to handle this man. Again, this was not merely a “one-night stand” or a lapse in judgment. It was openly done and widely tolerated by some in the church. Not an easy situation, but if it isn't addressed, the change, forgiveness, and grace this man needs won't be received.
Tolerance does not mean we're showing love, grace, and mercy. Tolerance implies we know better than Jesus does.
Sin was the very reason Jesus came to this earth. We all have it – it’s terminal without His intervention.
Paul would address a topic that many churches have struggled with throughout history.
1 Corinthians 5:5 CSB - hand that one over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.
If this were the end of the story, we would think, “How tragic!” The church followed Paul’s instructions. Later, after the man repented, Paul said he should be restored to fellowship.
2 Corinthians 2:6-8 CSB - This punishment by the majority is sufficient for that person. As a result, you should instead forgive and comfort him. Otherwise, he may be overwhelmed by excessive grief. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.
Restoring work towards sinners is just as important as rebuking work. – David Guzik.
When the offender is made to feel that, while his sin is punished, he himself is loved; and that the end aimed at is not his suffering but his good, he is more likely to be brought to repentance. - Charles Hodge.
When the offender is made to feel that, while his sin is punished, he himself is loved; and that the end aimed at is not his suffering but his good, he is more likely to be brought to repentance. - Charles Hodge.
We must always teach the true principles of Romans 6:23.
Romans 6:23 CSB - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Without understanding that our sin—regardless of size—separates us from God, we would be lost with no hope of salvation. But Jesus offers us forgiveness, grace, mercy, and eternal life.
Handling someone in the name of “tolerance” rather than in the name of Jesus isn't truly loving. It can keep them from experiencing eternal life, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and freedom from their bonds. Think about where you might be today if someone had chosen tolerance instead of sharing forgiveness.
Romans 6:23 CSB - For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Without understanding that our sin—regardless of size—separates us from God, we would be lost with no hope of salvation. But Jesus offers us forgiveness, grace, mercy, and eternal life.
Handling someone in the name of “tolerance” rather than in the name of Jesus isn't truly loving. It can keep them from experiencing eternal life, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and freedom from their bonds. Think about where you might be today if someone had chosen tolerance instead of sharing forgiveness.
Love never slights holiness, but holiness never slays love." – G. Campbell Morgan.
PRAYER:
Jesus, may I always speak the truth in love, remembering that Your kindness leads to repentance. When I interact with people and their sins, may I not label them by their sins but remember that they need Your forgiveness, grace, and mercy. May I always handle them in the powerful name of Jesus, not in the name of tolerance.
Jesus, may I always speak the truth in love, remembering that Your kindness leads to repentance. When I interact with people and their sins, may I not label them by their sins but remember that they need Your forgiveness, grace, and mercy. May I always handle them in the powerful name of Jesus, not in the name of tolerance.
There is forgiveness in the mighty name of Jesus!
Posted in 07 - 1 Corinthians
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