“It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you” (1 Corinthians 5:1-2).

The divine precept of church discipline was discussed by Jesus Himself before the church was established (cf. Matthew 18:15-18). It is a standard of which the church in Corinth was aware, and should have followed. The apostle Paul showed his astonishment for their neglect to “deliver such a one to Satan.” They knew what should have been done, but failed to do so. Unfortunately, the neglect of church discipline continues, and is prevalent today.

The reason for their negligence is noted by Paul – “and you are puffed up” (v. 2). The problem of pride is at the core of refusal to practice church discipline. This is seen on both an individual level, and the congregational level. This is the case with any sin, but is interesting in this particular instance. How were they “puffed up”?

Paul spent the greater part of the first four chapters dealing with the topic of pride. The sectarian spirit in Corinth was driven by pride. Their Pagan roots affected the way they viewed the gospel. It became a mere philosophy, and as such, those who preached the gospel were viewed as philosophers. This proved to foment strife. For “each of [them] says, ‘I am of Paul,’ or ‘I am of Apollos,’ or ‘I am of Cephas,’ or ‘I am of Christ’” (1:12). They each had an inflated view of themselves due to their decision to follow whichever preacher they considered best. This mindset was carnal, and showed their immaturity.

Pride would also be addressed later in the epistle when Paul touched on spiritual gifts. He noted, that they “come short in no gift” (1:7). The gifts of the spirit were abundant in Corinth, but the proper evaluation of such gifts was not. “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit” (12:4). The differences in gifts were not grounds for boasting, for all find their origin in the Holy Spirit – “For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (4:7).

It is evident that this arrogance existed on a congregational level as Paul addressed the problem of church discipline in chapter five. He wrote, “Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?” (5:6). The church was glorying in what they thought was an exceptional spiritual state (cf. 4:8). Yet, as they were glorying, the leaven of sin was leavening the whole lump. No church, or individual, is above the leavening properties of sin. Pride must be swallowed, and caution must be promoted. Congregations and individuals who think they can avoid the practice of discipline and remain faithful to God are deceiving themselves. Such was the case with the Corinthians – they thought they were good enough to ignore the responsibility of discipline without it affecting their standing with God.

There is another facet of this pride which could have been present with the Corinthians, and is in some instances present today. As Paul instructed, “If anyone among you seems to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (3:18-19). This is especially pertinent with regard to church discipline. There are many who question the effectiveness of withdrawing from disorderly brethren. Some make inquiries with honest desire to gain fuller understanding of the process, and reasoning behind it. However, some tend to think they know better. This arrogance undermines the wisdom of God. It is not our place to question our Lord’s judgment. If this last effort to save a soul should fail, it is not due to a blemish in God’s plan, but the hardness of man’s heart. In the case of the Corinthians, not only did they prove themselves to be faithful, but the one withdrawn from repented of his sin (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:3-11). God knows best.

It is important that we purpose in our hearts to serve God in every capacity. This passage applies to all Christians. If we fail to observe God’s law, we will fail to please Him.