1 Corinthians 5:3-5
For my part, even though I am not physically present, I am with you in spirit. As one who is present with you in this way, I have already passed judgment in the name of our Lord Jesus on the one who has been doing this. So when you are assembled and I am with you in spirit, and the power of our Lord Jesus is present, hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.
This is a really important perspective to hold and share with our churches and families. We do not serve each other or our children well by allowing or enabling them to live in sin. There comes a time when a person needs to be turned over to Satan in order to experience the full consequence of their sin.
However, before we get overly enthusiastic about doing so, Paul gives us three important points to consider:
1. It is to be done in the name of Jesus.
This is not some magical incantation to be said before or after we do something (for example prayer, worship, or ministry). Rather, it is a state of heart -- we are to have the very nature and character of our indwelling Lord and Savior.
2. We are to only turn someone over to Satan by the instruction of Paul.
In other words, we must fully grasp the instruction of Scripture and base the decision on nothing less than Biblical and Apostolic authority.
3. When someone is turned over to Satan it must be done with the power of Jesus.
Why?
Because any one person or group of people is susceptible to being influenced by jealousy, bitterness, spite, or envy. Therefore, it must be done with the power of Jesus as evidenced by the confirmation of the church.
One of the hardest decisions we will ever make is to hand someone over to Satan.
But the purpose is not for damnation; rather it is to be restored (flesh destroyed and spirit saved).
Paul tells us to stay away from people who choose to live in flagrant, unrepentant sin and let them live their immoral lives away from the love, peace, and joy of the church. Hopefully, as they experience the full implication of lost fellowship, they will become so disgusted with their sin, it will cause them to turn and repent.
Prayerfully consider this lesson before taking any action. Is your heart right? Does it reflect the nature and character of Jesus?
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