Daily Lesson for Monday 20th of July 2026
Dealing with matters of sexuality is always hard. It was hard for Paul, and it is for us, too. In these situations, we must be faithful to the Scriptures and address the issue with prayer and love. We must never forget that our goal is restoration.
Read again 1 Corinthians 5:1-13. How does Paul tell them to deal with this situation?
Paul makes it clear in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 that sexual scandals require church discipline. He says that the incestuous man should be removed (1 Corinthians 5:2), judged (1 Corinthians 5:3), delivered to Satan (1 Corinthians 5:5), and “ ‘put away’ ” (1 Corinthians 5:13, NKJV). The church members were told “not to associate with” him (1 Corinthians 5:9,11, ESV), nor “even to eat with such a one” (1 Corinthians 5:11, ESV). Paul employs strong language that may sound offensive to modern ears, but his words must be understood in their historical context. Also, one must remember that he is dealing with a flagrant, sinful lifestyle. Usually, in extreme situations, strong language is necessary. In any case, a brief explanation of some expressions is helpful.
“Let him . . . be removed from among you” (1 Corinthians 5:2, ESV; also 1 Corinthians 5:13). This refers to church discipline.
“Deliver this man to Satan” (1 Corinthians 5:5, ESV). Because this man did not choose to be under the protection of God by living in obedience to Him, he would be vulnerable to Satan. So, this expression can merely mean something like “Let him reap the fruit of his decisions.”
“Not to associate” (1 Corinthians 5:9,11, NASB), “not even to eat with such a one” (1 Corinthians 5:11, RSV). Close association with sexually immoral people was considered dangerous because they might influence others to imitate their conduct. In ancient times, sharing a meal could mean sharing values, as well. We are all susceptible to the influences that are around us, and we need to protect ourselves the best we can, especially in dealing with something like this.
“That his spirit may be saved” (1 Corinthians 5:5, NASB). Church discipline is rehabilitative. It intends to bring sinners back to their senses and cause them to abandon their sinful lifestyles. This is possibly what Paul meant by “destruction of the flesh” (1 Corinthians 5:5). It is possible, too, that the incestuous man in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 is the repentant man referred to later (see 2 Corinthians 2:5-10). Church discipline reaches its purpose when the erring member is reintegrated into church fellowship.



Bible Master 2026 – The Weekly Bible Quiz
Date: July 19, 2026
The Biblical Person of the Day
Eli—the priest who intervened too late
Profile
Short Story
The Decisive Moment
7 Special Facts About Eli
Strengths & Weaknesses
experienced
did not intervene firmly enough with his sons
The Mistake That Shaped His Life
His story shows that responsibility must not only be recognized, but also exercised courageously.
Key Verse
The Life Lesson
Application for Today
A Question for You
Connection
A Priest in Shiloh
The Encounter with Hannah
The Guilt of His Sons
Too Weak in Correction
God’s Judgment Is Announced
The End of a Priestly Line
Final Thought
His life story shows that responsibility is not fulfilled by holding a good position, but through courageous, faithful, and timely action.

Lesson 4: Sin in the Church
4.1 Dissonance Between Faith and Practice
When Faith No Longer Shapes Life
1. Introduction
2. The Biblical Foundation
3. Connection to Today
4. Central Message of the Lesson
Genuine faith must be visible in practical life; a church must not tolerate sin in the name of tolerance, but should lead people toward repentance and restoration with love, sorrow, and responsibility.
5. Theological Focus
6. Spiritual Deepening
7. Application in Daily Life
8. Reflection Question

July 19–25, 2026
BELIEVE HIS PROPHETS
Weekly Reading from the Spirit of Prophecy
Ellen White | Prophets and Kings
Chapter 14: “In the Spirit and Power of Elijah”
Faithful to God’s Truth in a Time of Apostasy
Read online
Introduction
Commentary
Summary
Message for Us Today
Reflection