Blessed Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
500 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678106
The Apostle Paul is deeply concerned about the toleration of sin within the church in Corinth and he is urging the leadership of the church to take the step to discipline this errant brother. He tells them his assessment of this man’s spiritual state, as though he was present with them. He needs to be disciplined so that there is a restored order in the church, an intolerance for sin to fester.
The church that does not deal with sin but allow sin to fester taints and compromises the testimony of Christ in His body. The church consists of God’s people called out from the world unto holiness with God. When the church allows the world and its filth into the church, it loses its divine power. The purpose of dealing the sin is help the errant believer come back to God. It is restorative.
The Apostle Paul pointed out there is gross immorality that is tolerated in the Corinthian Church. Fornication (sexual immorality) in the sight of God is likened to idolatry. There is a man within the congregation that has laid with his father’s wife, that is, his step-mother. And this sin has not been dealt with. The offender continues to live in sin. Moral purity, he reminded them, is what brings glory and honour to God. The exercise of great spiritual gifts without moral purity is a mockery. We serve God in holiness. This is true worship and service. Sin must be repented of and the offender disciplined.
The Apostle Paul has made plans to visit the church in Corinth. When he comes, he will not hesitate to single out and mark those who are prideful, sowing discord through inciting factions, full of empty talk but void of the spirit’s power. The Lord has granted him such spiritual wisdom to restore the peace and harmony of the church. He speaks with authority, carrying out his divine mandate. And his response toward the rebellious will be with chastisement and toward the humble and submissive, he will come in love and a spirit of gentleness. [William MacDonald]
The Apostle Paul sought to expose the empty words of these gainsayers in Corinth that sought to divide the church by creating factions. The Apostle Paul has sent Timothy to restore the peace by bringing to remembrance his mentor’s teaching for church unity and harmony. He is urging the Corinthians to submit to his leadership. He has not brought cunningly devised fables but the wisdom of God to prosper their ways. He brings them to remembrance the demonstration of God’s power in the founding of the church and the strengthening of it through the preaching and teaching of the Word with power for one and a half years whilst he dwelled with them.
To be puffed up is to be filled with pride and self-conceit, a haughty spirit, lacking in humility and graciousness. It describes an inflated ego and a superiority complex. It is a prideful contempt of others and an air of self-importance that puts down others to elevate oneself. The character of biblical love is without such self-exaltation or arrogance but is in fact filled with lowliness.
The Apostle Paul sent Timothy to support the work of the gospel in Corinth because he was faithful in the Lord. Timothy was also sent to Philippi – Philippians 2:19-22 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. 20 For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. 21 For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ’s. 22 But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel. He was a convert in the Apostle Paul’s ministry.
The Apostle Paul exhorts them to follow him since he is their spiritual father. He sets for them an example and he entreats them to listen to his admonitions. He has explained to them not to undermine the unity in Christ’s church by forming factions. He writes not to shame them nor to cause them to feel uncomfortable but as lovingly he encourages to follow his leadership.
The Apostle Paul spoke with a taint of sadness. Like the natural father whose grown up children who may have benefited in their lifetime from the help and nurture of others who may be friends or close relatives. But the father is the one who has imparted life to them. And the Apostle Paul painstakingly took time over a period of year and six months to teach them the doctrines of life. Having been blessed, it seemed they have forgotten their father.
The Apostle Paul addressed the church in Corinth as his beloved sons. It was a term of endearment, a loving entreaty, giving his care for their welfare. He understood the tender care of a loving father in his Lord and he expresses that love likewise to his spiritual children. His rebuke them but warning them that they may have a correct perspective of their Christian stewardship. Hendricksen said well, “He wants the Corinthians to listen to him for their own benefit.” He seeks in them a humble, patient and teachable heart their good.