The Clean House: Integrity and Influence

Introduction: The Contagion of Celebration

Last week, we talked about being “Stewards.” This week, Paul shows us that stewards must also be “Housekeepers.” Jack pointed out a dangerous progression: a generation that ignores sin leads to a generation that accepts it, which eventually leads to a generation that celebrates it. If the Church becomes indistinguishable from the world, our “defense of the hope” loses its power.

Section 1: The Leaven in the Dough

1 Corinthians 5:1–8 (ESV)

1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. 2 And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.

3 For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. 4 When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.

6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. 8 Let us therefore celebrate the festival, not with the old leaven, the leaven of malice and evil, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Discussion:

• Observation: Paul was more concerned with the Church’s reaction (arrogance/boasting) than the specific sin itself. Why does “celebrating” or “ignoring” sin in our community make it “highly contagious”?
• Reflection: Paul uses the imagery of the Passover. Since Christ is our Passover Lamb, how does that motivate us to “clean house” in our own lives during this Holy Week?
• Application: Jack mentioned that “Yeast = Sin.” How do we “mourn” for a brother or sister caught in sin without becoming “judgmental” or “puffed up” ourselves?

Section 2: Examining the “Us”

1 Corinthians 5:9–13 (ESV)

9 I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10 not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? 13 God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”

Discussion:

• Observation: Paul draws a hard line: we aren’t called to point fingers at the world, but at “US.” Why do we often find it easier to judge “outsiders” (politicians, neighbors) than to call out greed, reviling, or swindling within our own circles?
• Reflection: Jack noted that “Eating” (Breaking Bread) is a symbol of respect and fellowship. How can we be “more involved in one another’s lives” so that encouragement and correction feel like an act of love rather than an attack?
• Application: Looking at Paul’s list in verse 11 (greed, idolatry, reviling, etc.), which of these “socially acceptable” sins do we most often ignore in our modern church culture?

⚓ The Bridge: Judgment Begins at Home

Paul tells the Corinthians to judge themselves so they can be holy. Peter takes this a step further: If God is going to judge the whole world, He starts with His own family first. our ability to suffer well for Christ depends on our house being in order.

1 Peter 4:12–19 (ESV)

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed…

17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

Discussion:

• Observation: Peter links “Judgment in the Church” with our ability to “Suffer according to God’s will.” How does hidden sin in our lives make us “surprised” or “ashamed” when trials come?
• Reflection: Jack challenged us to ask God: “Lord, is there anything in my life that is foreign to You?” How does asking this privately prevent the “public purging” Paul describes in 1 Corinthians?
• Application: During this Holy Week, how does “entrusting our souls to a faithful Creator” help us deal with the areas of greed or pride that we’ve been trying to hide?

Weekly Challenge: Holy Week Reflection

UP (Intimacy with God): Spend 10 minutes in silence this week. Ask: _“God, am I walking closer to You? Is there anything in my life that is foreign to Your holiness?”

IN (Investment in Community): Identify one person in the group you can offer “encouragement” to this week. If you see someone “wandering,” how can you “step in” with sincerity and truth (v. 8) to help bring them back?

OUT (Influence in the World): Commit to not judging “outsiders” this week. Instead, focus on “doing good” (1 Peter 4:19) so that when the world looks at the “Clean House” of the church, they see the power of Christ resurrected.