Dealing with Sin

1 Corinthians 13:6-7

Dealing with sin must always involve love for truth so that sin is not tolerated, it is dealt with in God’s way, and that we are careful to deal with facts, rather than assumptions and rumors.

Private Sin a Brother Commits Against You (Matthew 18:15-17)

  • No one else is involved until you make personal contact with the offending brother (v. 15)
  • Next step: witnesses taken to confirm facts — this could not be public sin, or else they would already know (v. 16)
  • If he refuses to repent, take it before the church — make it public (v. 17)

Private Sin without Witnesses — Rumor (John 8:1-11)

  • Woman allegedly caught in adultery — Guilty? … Popular opinion said ‘yes,’ but maybe not?
  • No witnesses (v. 7; cf. Deuteronomy 17:7), incomplete evidence (no man — Leviticus 20:10)
  • Crowd leaves, Jesus tells her to go and sin no more (v. 9-11)

Public Sin Requiring Withdrawal of Fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:1-13)

  • Has the potential to lead others into sin (v. 6)
  • Well-known, not a rumor (v. 1-2)
  • Do not associate with the offender (v. 11), take note of him (2 Thessalonians 3:14)

Public Sin Requiring Immediate Public Rebuke (Galatians 2:11-14)

  • Has already led others into sin (v. 13)
  • Documented, public evidence (v. 12-13)
  • No private meetings beforehand (v. 11,14)