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What do Will Smith's infamous Oscar slap and the ancient Corinthian church have in common? Both reveal profound truths about integrity, boundaries, and love within communities. Through a fascinating study of 1 Corinthians 5, we discover how maintaining purity within God's family isn't about punishment but about aligning our actions with our true identity in Christ.

For weeks, we've been building a foundation of understanding who we are in Christ—beloved, holy, righteous. Now we see how that identity plays out in community. When someone persistently acts in ways that harm others without remorse, the church faces a difficult but necessary decision. Like a hospital that welcomes the sick seeking healing but prevents the spread of disease, the church must sometimes establish boundaries for those who refuse to acknowledge how their actions affect others.

The difference between "I made a mistake and I'm sorry" and "I'll do whatever I want regardless of who it hurts" is the difference between humility and pride. And pride, as Paul warns, spreads like leaven through the entire community. By establishing loving boundaries, the church isn't rejecting people but protecting both its witness to the world and the individual's opportunity to recognize their disconnect from their true identity in Christ.

This teaching challenges us to see church discipline not as punishment but as restoration—creating space for natural consequences to lead someone back to alignment with who they already are in Christ. Whether you're struggling with your own failures or wondering how to respond to others', this message reminds us that we don't create holiness through our efforts; we simply live out the holiness Christ has already placed within us.

Have you ever wondered how to balance grace and accountability in your spiritual community? This message offers practical wisdom for navigating those waters with both truth and love.

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