“Thy word have I hid in mine heart.” — Psalm 119:11
Faith that endures is faith continually nourished by God’s Word.
Is Scripture shaping my endurance or merely informing my mind?
John Bunyan said, “This book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book.”
Anchor my soul in Your Word, Lord.
Memorize one verse today to strengthen perseverance.
“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” — Revelation 2:10
The Christian life is not a sprint but a lifelong race of faith.
Am I running to finish well or merely to survive?
Thomas Brooks wrote, “A crown awaits those who endure, not those who merely begin.”
Give me grace to finish my course with joy and faithfulness.
Recommit today to faithfulness in small daily obedience.
“He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it.” — Philippians 1:6
God never abandons unfinished work — especially in the soul He redeemed.
Do I trust God’s commitment to complete His work in me?
Thomas Goodwin wrote, “God’s love begins a work that His power will complete.”
Finish Your sanctifying work in me, O faithful God.
Encourage another believer who feels discouraged in their walk.
“The righteous falleth seven times, and riseth up again.” — Proverbs 24:16
True believers may fall grievously, but they are never finally forsaken.
Do I confuse temporary stumbling with total ruin?
Richard Sibbes said, “There is more mercy in Christ than sin in us.”
Restore me when I fall and teach me to rise by grace.
Confess sin quickly and flee again to Christ.
“I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” — Luke 22:32
My faith endures because Christ prays when I cannot.
Do I remember that Christ intercedes even when I stumble?
John Flavel wrote, “Christ’s prayers in heaven are more effectual than our tears on earth.”
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for sustaining my faith through Your intercession.
Meditate today on Christ as your present High Priest.
“The trying of your faith worketh patience.”— James 1:3
God strengthens faith not by removing trials, but by sustaining us through them.
How has affliction matured my faith rather than destroyed it?
William Gurnall wrote, “Grace never thrives better than under the cross.”
Use every trial to deepen my endurance and trust in You.
Instead of asking “Why?”, ask “How is God strengthening me here?”
Text:
5 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and sexual immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father’s wife. 2 And [a]you have become puffed up and [b]have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst.
3 For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present: 4 in the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and [c]I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of [d]the Lord.
6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, also was sacrificed. 8 Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.
9 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people; 10 I did not at all mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the greedy and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. 11 But now I am writing to you not to associate [e]with any so-called brother if he is a sexually immoral person, or greedy, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Are you not to judge those who are within the church? 13 But those who are outside, God will judge. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.
Verse by verse commentary:
Verse 1: “ It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and sexual immorality of such a kind as does not exist even among the Gentiles, that someone has his father’s wife.”
The incestuous relationship described—which may have involved the man's deceased father's wife or a stepmother—is the type explicitly forbidden in Leviticus 18:8. While many immoral behaviors were tolerated in Paul’s contemporary Greco-Roman society, this specific form of incest was even condemned by non-believers.
Verse 2: “And you have become puffed up and have not mourned instead, so that the one who had done this deed would be removed from your midst.”
The primary problem addressed in this passage was not just the individual's sin, but the Corinthian church's inaction and tolerance of the immorality. This tolerance was coupled with a misguided sense of pride, possibly rooted in a flawed theological justification for the behavior. The church's clear duty was to exercise discipline by removing the offender ("excommunicating the offender") from their midst.
Verse 3: “For I, on my part, though absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged him who has so committed this, as though I were present:”
Paul instructed the Corinthian church to excommunicate an unrepentant, incestuous member to preserve the church's purity. Paul had already judged the individual; now, the church was to publicly enforce this separation by "deliver[ing] such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh" (1 Corinthians 5:5). This corrective discipline aimed to encourage repentance and save the person's spirit, despite causing suffering to their flesh. This immediate removal was vital for the church's health, as unaddressed sin—like "a little leaven"—could corrupt the entire congregation (1 Corinthians 5:6-7).
Verse 4: “ in the name of our Lord Jesus, when you are assembled, and I with you in spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus,”
Paul issues a serious command: the church must gather, and if the brother refuses to abandon his sin, they are to "deliver him over to Satan." This is a stunning statement—one that Paul clearly means. The Word of God substantiates this type of action. Recall, for instance, that Job was also delivered over to Satan. To act "in the name of our Lord Jesus" signifies that one's actions are in accord with His holy nature and desire.
Verse 5: “deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.”
The primary objective of this severe judgment is the individual's spiritual welfare and ultimate salvation following repentance. However, true restoration will reveal a profound, internal transformation—specifically, the elimination of the sinful behaviors and worldly enticements that led to the initial fall (referred to as the "destruction of the flesh"). This "destruction" is not physical; rather, it is a mortification (putting to death) of the sin in the believer’s life, enabling his spirit to be preserved and renewed on the Day of the Lord. The discipline serves as a catalyst, compelling the individual to confront their sin and repent, which ultimately brings forth a spiritual deliverance from the destructive and sinful behavior.
Verse 6: “Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?”
Paul criticized their "boasting" as being improper. He questioned their lack of understanding: didn't they realize that a small amount of leaven affects the entire batch? Leaven consistently symbolizes evil, not the gospel, and in this context, it represents sin, both in action and in nature.
Verse 7: “Clean out the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, also was sacrificed.”
Paul encourages the Corinthians by stating that in a fundamental sense, they are already purified, or "unleavened." The apostle then develops this imagery by referring to "our Passover lamb," suggesting that the Passover sacrifice was a foreshadowing, or "shadow of better things to come," that pointed toward the death of Christ.
Verse 8: “Therefore let us celebrate the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.”
Paul concludes his argument with a particularly beautiful parallel: comparing the observance of the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the life of holiness expected of Christians.
Verse 9: “I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people;”
Before writing the book of 1 Corinthians, Paul had already sent the Corinthians a letter (which no longer exists). In that letter, he had commanded them to distance themselves from believers who were living immorally. The Corinthians' response suggests two possibilities: they either misinterpreted Paul's instruction as a call for complete separation from the world, or they deliberately avoided the issue by claiming his request was unrealistic.
Verse 10: “ I did not at all mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the greedy and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world.”
The church appears to have misunderstood the guidance from a previous letter. They incorrectly ceased contact with non-believers in the world, while simultaneously permitting sin among their own members. This tolerance of internal sin posed a greater threat to the fellowship. God's intention is for us to engage with the world as witnesses.
Verse 11: “But now I am writing to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is a sexually immoral person, or greedy, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one.”
Paul explained his earlier instruction: He intended for them to cut ties with anyone claiming to be a brother who was living in consistent sin. This included “not even to eat with such a one,” as sharing a meal at that time symbolized acceptance and fellowship.
Verse 12: “For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Are you not to judge those who are within the church?”
Paul establishes a significant comparison between the Old Testament covenant community and the Christian church by citing the repeated command in Deuteronomy (for instance, Deut 17: 7) to "purge" or "expel" the wicked from Israel. This parallel indicates that the church possesses the authority to enforce discipline within its membership; however, this authority is not meant for regulating the conduct of non-Christians.
Verse 13: “But those who are outside, God will judge. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.”
Paul clarifies that his role is not to judge those outside the church; that is God's prerogative. Instead, the church's responsibility is to address and judge the evil within its own community. God will handle the judgment of those outside.
“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed.” — John 8:31
Temporary faith falls away; saving faith endures.
Is my faith marked by endurance or convenience?
Thomas Watson said, “Grace is not known by a flash, but by its lasting power.”
Grant me grace to continue steadfastly in Your truth.
Examine one area where perseverance is currently being tested.
“Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” — 1 Peter 1:5
My perseverance does not rest upon my grip on Christ, but Christ’s grip on me.
Do I find my assurance in my consistency or in God’s power?
John Owen wrote, “The perseverance of the saints depends not on their own strength, but on the immutability of God’s love.”
Lord, keep me by Your power when my strength fails.
Thank God today that your salvation is guarded by Him, not by you.
“He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it.” — Philippians 1:6
Providence does not merely escort us through time; it ushers us into eternity.
Is my hope anchored in present deliverance or final redemption?
Richard Baxter wrote, “Our home is above; here we are but travelers and strangers.”
Father, finish the work You began, and keep my eyes upon the shore.
End the day with thanksgiving that your salvation will not be lost.
“My soul, wait thou only upon God.” — Psalm 62:5
Providence often moves slowly so that faith may mature deeply.
Do I wait with patience or with irritation?
John Owen said, “The greatest patience is to wait silently for God to speak in His providence.”
O God, make waiting a school where I learn to trust You more.
Practice silent prayer for five uninterrupted minutes — waiting without asking.
“All things work together for good to them that love God.” — Romans 8:28
Goodness is not measured by sweetness but by sanctification.
What unwelcome providence has become a blessing in disguise?
Thomas Brooks wrote, “Afflictions are but as a dark entry into our Father’s house.”
Lord, sanctify my sufferings and make them servants of grace.
List the three hardest things God has used for spiritual good.
“The LORD will provide.” — Genesis 22:14
God did not provide the ram when Abraham left home, but when Abraham needed it most.
Do I despair too quickly when I cannot yet see the provision?
William Gurnall wrote, “God gets His tools ready before He sets His workmen to the task.”
Prepare my heart for future obedience before future trials arrive.
Recall one instance where God’s provision came “just in time.”
“Arise, for this is not your rest.” — Micah 2:10
Affliction loosens my grip from the things I cannot keep and directs me to the things I cannot lose.
How has suffering redirected my affections toward heaven?
Thomas Watson wrote, “God’s rod is a pencil to draw Christ’s image upon us.”
Wean me from the world, O Lord, and draw my soul upward.
Fast from one worldly comfort today and meditate on heaven.
Text:
4 Let a man consider us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 In this case, moreover, it is required [a]of stewards that one be found faithful. 3 But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human [b]court. In fact, I do not even examine myself. 4 For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted. But the one who examines me is the Lord. 5 Therefore do not go on [c]passing judgment before [d]the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and make manifest the motives of hearts. And then each one’s praise will come to him from God.
6 Now these things, brothers, I have applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to go beyond what is written, so that no one of you will become puffed up on behalf of one against the other. 7 For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?
8 You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have ruled without us—and how I wish that you had ruled indeed so that we also might rule with you. 9 For, I think that God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men. 10 We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are prudent in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are glorious, but we are without honor! 11 To this present hour we hunger and thirst, and are poorly clothed, and roughly treated, and homeless; 12 and we labor, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure; 13 when we are slandered, we try to plead; we have become as the scum of the world, the grime of all things, even until now.
14 I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15 For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 16 Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me. 17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and who will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church. 18 Now some have become puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall know, not the [e]words of those who are puffed up but their power. 20 For the kingdom of God does not consist in [f]words but in power. 21 What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?
Verse by verse commentary:
Verse 1: “Let a man consider us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.”
The tone of judgment and attack directed at Paul by some of the Corinthians is evident in these verses. The term "mystery" refers to a truth previously "kept secret for long ages" and "not made known . . . in other generations." This truth has now been clearly unveiled to those who possess the Spirit and are living in "the end of the ages."
Verse 2: “ In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found faithful.”
Obedient loyalty to one's master is the single most vital quality of a servant or steward.
Verse 3: “ But to me it is a very small thing that I may be examined by you, or by any human court. In fact, I do not even examine myself.”
Only God can ultimately determine a person's faithfulness, despite the individual having a clear conscience.
Verse 4: “For I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted. But the one who examines me is the Lord.”
Although Paul was unaware of any unconfessed or ongoing sin in his own life, he understood that his limited self-assessment was not the final judgment. His own sincere evaluation of his life did not guarantee his complete faithfulness. The Lord alone is the ultimate and only qualified Judge of any person's obedience and faithfulness.
Verse 5: “Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and make manifest the motives of hearts. And then each one’s praise will come to him from God.”
God alone knows the "hidden" inner motives, thoughts, and attitudes that drive us. Because ultimate rewards will be based on this inward devotion, and not solely on outward service, only God can truly grant the praise each person merits.
Verse 6: “Now these things, brothers, I have applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to go beyond what is written, so that no one of you will become puffed up on behalf of one against the other.”
A core issue within the Corinthian church was division, which Paul addresses by using his relationship with Apollos as an illustration. Both Paul and Apollos were united in Christ and actively using their spiritual gifts. It is essential for us today to heed the reminder that we must "not go beyond what is written," meaning the authority of the Scriptures.
Verse 7: “ For who regards you as superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?”
Since everything a person has comes from God's provision, pride is a form of self-deception. Therefore, why should anyone "boast"?
Verse 8: “You are already filled, you have already become rich, you have ruled without us—and how I wish that you had ruled indeed so that we also might rule with you.”
Paul's words to the Corinthians were a severe rebuke, yet delivered with a sarcastic tone of false praise. He suggested that their self-satisfaction mirrored an undeserved spiritual greatness, much like the Laodiceans described in Revelation. Despite this rebuke, Paul sincerely wished that the Millennial "coronation time" had actually arrived, so that all of them, including the Corinthians, could genuinely share in the glory of the Lord.
Verse 9: “For, I think that God has exhibited us apostles last of all, as men condemned to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world, and to angels, and to men.”
The apostles were, in God's sovereign wisdom and for His glory, displayed before men and angels as if they were the final, condemned spectacles in a Roman arena—worthless and destined for slaughter. This imagery is one of condemned prisoners brought out to fight and die. Like these doomed gladiators, they endured ridicule, spitting, imprisonment, and beatings. Nevertheless, God used them to build His kingdom, thereby glorifying His name through their suffering.
Verse 10: “We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are prudent in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are glorious, but we are without honor!”
Paul again uses sarcasm, this time directed at himself as if adopting the scornful attitude the arrogant Corinthians had toward him, in order to reprimand them.
Verse 11: “To this present hour we hunger and thirst, and are poorly clothed, and roughly treated, and homeless;”
The contrast was severe: the apostles and early preachers endured the suffering and low social status of slaves, while the Corinthian believers saw themselves as "kings" (v. 8). Prosperity preachers, take note of this verse!
Verse 12: “and we labor, working with our own hands; when we are reviled, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure;”
Paul willingly engaged in manual labor to support his gospel preaching, despite the fact that Greeks—including some members of the Corinthian church—viewed such work as undignified and suitable only for slaves. He did not harbor resentment about having to perform necessary labor to support the ministry.
Verse 13: “when we are slandered, we try to plead; we have become as the scum of the world, the grime of all things, even until now.”
One cannot fully comprehend the extent of the Apostle Paul's suffering in his efforts to disseminate the gospel of Jesus Christ. His ministry extended throughout Asia Minor, and it is documented that every inhabitant of the province of Asia, both Jew and Gentile, received the Word of God.
Verse 14: “I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children.”
These verses reveal Paul’s deep pastoral concern. The strong language used earlier was not meant to make the Corinthians feel inferior, but rather to heighten their awareness of the truth.
Verse 15: “For if you were to have countless tutors in Christ, yet you would not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel.”
Paul addresses the Corinthians' prideful claims of loyalty to other leaders like Apollos and Peter, which implied they no longer needed him. He counters by asserting his unique, foundational role as their spiritual father, reminding them that their attacks against him are therefore unwarranted.
Verse 16: “Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me.”
Spiritual leaders are called to offer a bold yet warranted example, demonstrating a Christlike character for others to follow.
Verse 17: “For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and who will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every church.”
Paul had so completely and faithfully discipled Timothy that he could confidently send him as his representative, knowing Timothy would follow his teachings. Timothy was to reinforce the eternal truths Paul had imparted, not merely offer advice, but present sound doctrine through both his instruction and his personal example.
Verse 18: “Now some have become puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.”
Some Corinthians accused Paul of being brave only when he was away from them, suggesting he was afraid of a face-to-face meeting (2 Cor 10: 1,2). While he has sent Timothy, perhaps to avoid a difficult confrontation, Paul makes it clear he will come in person if necessary. The nature of that visit, however, depends on the Corinthians' actions.
Verse 19: “But I will come to you soon, if the Lord wills, and I shall know, not the [a]words of those who are puffed up but their power.”
Paul states that his concern is not primarily with their rhetoric, but rather with the manifestation of power, i.e. holy living, in their personal lives.
Verse 20: “For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power.”
True spiritual quality is demonstrated not through eloquent speech, but through the strength and power of a holy life.
Verse 21: “What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or with love and a spirit of gentleness?”
Habitual sin necessitates the use of the rod of correction by spiritual leaders. Chapter 5 details and exemplifies a method for this necessary discipline.
