April 16, 2023
Sermon Summary
This week, Pastor Chris continued in our series through the book of 1 Corinthians with a word on healthy sexuality. The city of Corinth was a hub of immorality, similar to our city and much of our nation today. However, Paul was speaking directly to the church in Corinth, calling them to repentance. Chris shared about the danger of indifference in relation to sexual immorality and the important role of discipline for every believer. Unhealthy sexuality will always lead to bondage, but following God’s blueprint for sex can usher in healing, freedom, and victory in Christ.
1. The Dangers of Indifference
1 Corinthians 5:1-2 (ESV)
1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
2. The Role of Discipline
1 Corinthians 5:3-5 (ESV)
3 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. 4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.
Hebrews 12:4–6 (ESV)
4 In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.”
3. The Reasons for Discipline
1 Corinthians 5:5-8 (ESV)
5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord. 6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
4. The Realm of Discipline
1 Corinthians 5:9-13 (ESV)
9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”
Discussion Questions
- What is God’s blueprint for healthy sexuality? What is the world’s blueprint?
- Chris shared how Paul was not speaking to the unbelievers in Corinth, but to the church in Corinth. What is the danger of believers in the church becoming indifferent in the area of sexual immorality?
- What is indifference? Have you ever been guilty of indifference in the area of sexual immorality, either in your own walk or toward another?
- What is the role of believers in judging other believers, according to 1 Corinthians 5:1-13? What is the correct spirit and circumstance in which we are to judge?
Application Questions
- Are you struggling with an area of sexual immorality? In boldness, share your struggle with your discipler and get prayer for freedom from this stronghold.
- Do you need a weekend of more intensive healing from sexual sin? Register for our freedom immersion scheduled for this weekend, and allow the Lord to usher in true breakthrough for your soul.