5.What did Paul intend to achieve by such an action? .

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To save the man’s spirit in the Day of the Lord Jesus.

Notice that Paul was not attempting to insure the man’s admittance to Heaven when he died but to prevent his destruction when the Lord returns. The goal is not to go to Heaven when we die. It is to be permitted by the Lord to enter the new world of righteous behaviour.

Looking for and hasting unto [hastening] the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness (II Peter 3:12,13).

Perhaps the thought here is that fiery afflictions and other tribulations would fall on the sinner, bringing pain to his body and torment to his mind. Then, if he repented, his spirit would be saved in the Day of the Lord although his life on earth had been destroyed. He would be "saved by fire," as was Lot.