Purity in Christ: A Call to Holiness
Paul’s rebuke of the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 5 reveals a deeper issue than the scandal of an unrepentant man in their midst. The real problem was the church’s indifference to sin, their willingness to turn a blind eye rather than uphold the holiness of Christ’s body. Their failure to address the situation did not stem from ignorance but from pride. Instead of grieving over sin, they tolerated it, boasting in their status and social connections. They placed cultural values above the reality that God’s church is meant to be holy, set apart, and pure in Christ.
Paul reminds them that just as a little leaven affects the entire batch of dough, unchecked sin in the church spreads, influencing and corrupting the entire body. The imagery of leaven in bread-making carries significant weight. In the Jewish Passover tradition, all leaven was removed from the home as a sign of purification. Paul applies this principle to the church, emphasizing that they are already unleavened in Christ because He, the true Passover Lamb, was sacrificed for them. Since they have been made pure by Christ’s work, they are called to live out that reality by refusing to let sin fester within the body of believers.
This passage does not call for self-righteous judgment but rather for righteous discernment within the household of faith. Paul makes it clear that the church is not to remove itself from the world, nor is it called to judge unbelievers, for that is God’s role. Instead, the church must uphold its identity as the dwelling place of God by addressing unrepentant sin among those who claim the name of Christ. This is not about perfection but about a heart that refuses to justify or persist in rebellion.
Sin is not an isolated act; it has an effect on the entire community. A single drop of ink can stain an entire glass of clear water. When the church tolerates unrepentant sin, it muddies the testimony of Christ’s transforming power. This is why Paul urges the Corinthians to cleanse out the old leaven—to restore the purity that Christ has already secured for them. Their holiness is not something they must achieve by effort, but something they must uphold by walking in the reality of Christ’s life within them.
Practical Reflection
Consider whether there are areas where tolerance of sin has replaced a true desire for holiness.
Remember that holiness is not about legalism but about living in the purity Christ has already provided.
When interacting with fellow believers, encourage them to live in alignment with the reality of who they are in Christ.
Prayer of Trust
Father, You have already made us holy in Christ, and we walk in the confidence of that truth. You have removed the old leaven and made us new, calling us to reflect Your purity in how we live and in the community of believers. May we uphold the holiness of Your church, not through self-righteous judgment but through love that calls one another to live in the reality of Christ’s redemption. We rest in Your sufficiency, knowing that You alone sustain the purity of Your people. Amen.
Final Thought
Holiness is not about striving but about living in the purity Christ has already secured. The church is called to reflect His life, removing the old leaven so that His righteousness is seen through His people.
(Credit: Insights drawn from the Grace and Truth Study Bible, 1 Corinthians 5.)