Faith is not just about what we believe—it’s about how we live. As you work through these devotionals, my prayer is that you will grow stronger, stand firmer, and live bolder for Christ. No matter what comes, you can remain unshaken because your foundation is in Him. – John O’Malley
Below is an excerpt from Bro. John O’Malley’s book, Unshaken: Strengthening Your Faith. If you would like to read the book in its entirety, please click here.
1 Corinthians 5:4-7
“In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.”
Learn About It
Paul instructs the Corinthian church on the necessity of church discipline. The church was tolerating unrepentant sin in their midst instead of addressing it. Paul rebukes them for being proud rather than sorrowful over this sin.
He tells them to “deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh.” This means removing the unrepentant person from church fellowship so they can experience the consequences of their sin. The goal is not punishment, but restoration—that the person might turn back to Christ and be saved in the end.
Paul uses leaven (yeast) as a metaphor for sin. Just as a little yeast spreads through an entire lump of dough, sin left unchecked will spread and corrupt the entire church. His command is clear: “Purge out therefore the old leaven”—remove the influence of sin so that the church remains pure.
Apply It to Me
Church discipline is often misunderstood or neglected today. Some believe confronting sin is harsh, while others ignore sin to avoid conflict. But biblical discipline is about love and restoration, not judgment.
• Do I tolerate sin in my own life that I should confess and forsake?
• Do I encourage holiness in my church, or do I ignore sin to keep peace?
• Am I willing to lovingly hold others accountable, or do I stay silent out of fear?
Paul’s warning reminds us that sin spreads if it is not dealt with. The goal of church discipline is to protect the body of Christ and bring the sinner to repentance.
Talk to God About It
Lord, help me to take holiness seriously in my own life and in my church. Give me wisdom to address sin with truth and love, seeking restoration rather than condemnation. Help me to be accountable and to encourage others to walk in righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Act on It
Examine your heart for any unconfessed sin that may be affecting your walk with Christ. Repent and take a step toward accountability. If you see a fellow believer struggling, pray for them and encourage them to seek restoration.
John O’Malley
If this article has been an encouragement to you, you can email Bro. O’Malley to let him know.