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.
In chapter 11 of this letter, Paul seems at a loss for words at the abuses of the Lord’s Supper. His exclamation is translated simply, What?!? It would have been appropriate to use a similar exclamation here. Paul had just finished the long introduction to the letter about problems at the church and started the details with this story of outrageous incest with a stepmother. The word for arrogant could also be proud and boasting. What?!? You can see Paul’s exasperation and also his sober response. Kick him out! Church discipline is one of the most painful things for church leadership, second only to the rot and cancer resulting from not doing church discipline.
Come to Cape Community Church tomorrow as we learn that cancer requires a cutting out of the body that which is killing it. Not removing this man for the sake of peacekeeping is like ignoring a tumor to avoid invasive surgery and long recovery. The results of both are dire. As shepherds of the church the elders are required to guard against wolves who would destroy the unity of the body and like a surgeon, remove cancerous cells. Pray for us as we seek to be obedient.
Dear Lord, thank you that Jesus is the head of the church. Help us to guard the body so the church can be effective in evangelizing the world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church