How did Paul tell the Corinthians to handle the man who was living in sin?
Paul instructed the Corinthians to deal severely with the man by turning him over to the power of Satan so his flesh could be touched, unless he repented and got right with God. The purpose was corrective, aiming at repentance, not mere punishment.
Les explains that Paul dealt with the situation severely, telling the Corinthians to turn the man over to the power of Satan so his flesh could be touched, unless he turned around in repentance and got right with God. This is a picture of how believers must deal with sin today: God hates sin and will not wink at it, even though He has paid for it and forgiven it because of Christ's death on the cross. Paul said all profited from this situation—Paul, the congregation, and the guilty party. The Corinthians' obedience and their reception of Titus with fear and trembling refreshed Titus's spirit and brought Paul comfort and joy.