Fortunately, the hearts of the Corinthians were honest and their minds were open to apostolic correction. Second Corinthians affirms that they repented and in their penitent state and for that reason, then they were and are suitable role models. Our lives, sermons, and radio and television messages must be filled with Christ to be effective and pleasing to God. That congregation sinned by not disciplining a brother who was openly committing adultery. In lieu of this course or a decision in one's favor, it is better to suffer personal loss than to reproach the church before the world.
Chapter Seven recommends marriage as a suitable alternative to lust and fornication.
The responsibilities of mature Christians regarding weaker members are noted in Chapter Eight. Weak Christians, of course, as earlier observed should strive to grow spiritually. The following chapter addressed a congregation's responsibility to financially support a Gospel preacher and his family. Chapter Ten resorts to Jewish histories to warn against apostasy and to exhort the Corinthians to be faithful. No more and no less a critical departure from the faith is detailed in Chapter Eleven.