Avoiding Sin

1 Corinthians 5

In a way, Paul uses the word “fornication” similar to the way we use it today. In today’s terms we use it as sexual intercourse between unmarried people. But Paul used the word as porneia (the root word for our pornography), and meant any extramarital intercourse. Corinth is also pretty similar to the morality we have today, if not worse. There are more people breaking the law of chastity, and at a younger age. Pornography has become more accessible and has become an addiction to some. Prostitutes are still around, and people continue to break their marital vows by adultery.

In order to be protected against sin, Paul suggested the saints to keep away from those that were committing the sins. Just like in today’s time, we are asked to choose friends wisely so that we won’t be peer pressured into doing things that goes against our values and beliefs. Christ put it in a very interesting way in Matthew 5:29-30. If you cut off that which is evil, you will have a greater chance of not being dragged down to “hell” with those that do evil.