Paul was serious about removing any person from the community of faith who was not serious about dealing with sin! In this case, a man was in an immoral relationship with his step mother (and proud of it). Paul knew that to continue to allow acceptance of such behavior among believers would destroy the beauty of true christian community! This chapter is not unclear!
Now for the rubber and the road. Notice the second thing on the list…greedy. Being a pastor, I am aware that most christians choose to give significantly less than 10% of their income to ministry. Many give nothing! And we are possibly the richest christian culture of all time. We choose to spend everything we have on ourselves AND, generally are proud of it.
If we were to take this chapter literally (and I believe we should), how would we apply this to christians who don't give generously to ministry? Would this be a damning or purifying effort in the American church? What do you think? Would you be one who would have to be removed?
Something to think about.
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