Bible Reading

1 Corinthians Chapter 5 - Do Not Be Puffed Up

The Corinthians had an appearance of humility, but were puffed up. What about us?

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2 min read

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.

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See Also

Reflection on 1 Corinthians Chapter 1

Reflection on 1 Corinthians Chapter 1

At the beginning of Paul’s epistle to the church in Corinth, he begins his greeting by emphasising his calling by the Lord Jesus Christ as an apostle, urging the believers to recognise that we all share this calling. He seeks to remind us that our faith is not centred on the self but rather collective, rooted in Jesus Christ.  He swiftly addresses the fact that the Corinthians were rife with division and pride. They boasted allegiance to various leaders, such as Paul, Apollos, Cephas, and Christ. Paul questions them: “Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptised in the name of Paul?” Their strife and division reflect man’s tendency to prioritise personal differences and grievances over the unifying truth of the gospel. Therefore, Paul’s rejection of sectarianism reminds them, and us, to rise above rivalries and centre our faith on Jesus Christ alone. Paul goes on to speak about the power and wisdom of God. He says, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.” (1 Cor 1: 18). The world and its wisdom may dismiss the idea that salvation is attained through Jesus’ dying on the cross. Although it is perceived as a weakness, Paul argues that this perceived weakness, in light of man’s wisdom, is God’s power. This paradox shows us that God’s wisdom often contradicts our human logic, and it challenges us to reflect on how much we trust the Lord. How much do we trust in Jesus Christ when His will and plan for us seem to go against our plans or what we envision them to be? The cross truly dismantles this pride for “the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men” (1st Cor 1: 25). Lastly, Paul speaks about God using the foolish and weak to shame the wise and strong. Very often in our lives, God uses what seems small and insignificant to accomplish His purpose. In John 6:9, a young boy offers his small lunch, which seems insignificant and impossible, yet the Lord Jesus uses it to feed over 5000. God’s strength and wisdom shine through what man considers foolish and weak.  In a world that exalts pride and division, Paul urges us to be united and humble and to rely on the Lord Jesus. May all glory be given to the Lord.

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