MDB 34: I Cor 5

Now Paul introduces the second problem: not only is the church torn by cults of personality, but it also tolerates serious sexual immorality. It would appear that a blind eye was being turned to the particular instance to which Paul refers, apparently on the grounds that everything else - the signs, the wonders etc. - indicated that the church was healthy. But just as Paul has argued that fine speaking does not indicate gospel content and true gospel power; so signs and wonders might puff up, but in the Corinthian context they merely mask the problem. So seriously does Paul take the problem that he tells the Corinthians to dissociate from the sexually immoral - not the pagan immoral, but the one who claims Christ as saviour yet continues to live a life of sleaze and immorality.

Again, the lessons for us are obvious: America is a nation dominated by notions of success; and success hides a multitude of sins. If reports are to be believed, use of internet pornography is rife among conservative, evangelical, Reformed churches; Christian marriages collapse as often - if not more often - than non-Christian counterparts; and rates of premarital sex among Christian teens have been barely distinguishable from non-Christian teens for years. Yet church attendance remains high, budgets are met, programs hold steady or even expand; fallen church leaders get `quickie' repentance and restoration; and others fly under the radar because those who should act simply turn a blind eye.  "And you are arrogant!  Ought you not rather to mourn?"