In the previous chapters, Paul tells the Corinthians that they were puffed up (1 Cor 4:6), despite having the appearance of humility in putting themselves under others - by saying things like “I am of Paul”, and “I am of Apollos”. This is because they were using this association to Paul and Apollos as a means of looking down on others who did not have some direct connection to these eminent men - perhaps because they were preached to by them, or were baptised by them. No wonder Paul thanked God that he did not personally baptise most of them (1 Cor 1:14-15)!

In this chapter, Paul warns them of another area where it may appear they have humility, but in fact they are puffed up (1 Cor 5:2).

In the Corinthian church, there was a member who had committed a grave sin of incest. Despite knowing about it, rather than mourning and dealing with the immorality happening, the members tolerated and even accepted this member.

On the surface, this may appear to be a show of humility - rather than presumptuously acting on behalf of God to excommunicate this man, they chose to reserve judgment.

However, Paul told them that their doing so was being puffed up instead. This is because they only considered the flesh and not the spirit. If they were aware of what their “magnanimity” was doing to the church - causing the whole lump to become leavened - they should be mourning that they have allowed the body of Christ to suffer. Instead, they thought they knew better, forgetting that Christ died so they could be free from sin, and not to condone it.

Are there areas where we may deceive ourselves into thinking that we are demonstrating humility, but in fact, we are puffed up against others, or worse still, against God?

We may think we are being humble, like the Corinthians, or even being zealous for God, like the Pharisees who opposed Jesus. But if we fail to guard our hearts properly, we may end up becoming self-righteous and proud instead, thinking that we know better than others, or that we alone are being zealous for God.

We should always humble ourselves before the word of God. The sword of the Spirit is sharper than any sword, and can reveal our true hearts and intentions (Heb 4:12).

Let us examine our thoughts and motives via God’s words today.