Twin City church of Christ Blog
“March 26, 2024 - Deliver This Man to Satan”
Categories: 2024 Reading DevotionalsDeliver This Man to Satan
Reading: 1 Corinthians 5:3-5
Paul is frustrated that the Corinthians have allowed a man in their midst with a sinful incestuous relationship. What does he want them to do? “Let him who has done this be removed from among you”(1 Cor 5:2). Paul describes his own judgment: “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”(1 Cor 5:3). Unlike other cases, Paul does not advocate gentle restoration (Gal 6:1) or repeated admonitions (Titus 3:9-11). This man appears to be involved in continual, eyes-wide-open sin. Something must be done.
Paul wants the group to act. “When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his sprit may be saved in the day of the Lord”(1 Cor 5:4-5). Note the repeated references to Jesus here. Despite modern misunderstandings, Jesus advocates strong action when his followers persist in sin. Paul is also with them (“my spirit is present”). Together, they “deliver this man to Satan.” This is similar to when Paul speaks of two men whom he “handed over to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme”(1 Tim 1:20). The Corinthians are declaring that the man is now serving Satan rather than Jesus and has no part among the people of Jesus. This action is “for the destruction of the flesh,” an odd phrase that may mean that he can experience again the sting of sinful living. But Paul stresses the ultimate goal of expelling the man is “that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.” We take such actions to save our erring brothers.
Paul’s words stress that there are times when a group of believers must act to remove unrepentant sinners from among them. In some cases, patient, gentle approaches are out of place. Jesus wants his people to be united in their love for their brothers and their hatred of sin. We care too much to act as if sin is no big deal.
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One Thing to Think About: Why does this seem harsh to many modern readers?
One Thing to Pray For: Courage and love to act appropriately about others’ sin
