City Life Starter

Written by Scott Fiddler

The Word

9 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; 10 I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. 11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? 13 But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.

I Corinthians 5:9-13 (NASB95)

Reflection

Paul had previously written the Corinthians that they were not to associate with people living in sin. The Corinthians mistakenly thought Paul was talking about how they were to treat everyone. Paul is now writing to make sure they understand the distinction e.g. that there is a difference between how they are to treat someone in the church (“so-called brother”) and a non-Christian when it came to the issue of sin.

Paul wasn’t telling the Corinthians not to associate with the immoral people of the world (v. 10); Jesus had specifically sent Christians to engage the world (John 17:18). They were to show mercy to the unredeemed, so they might be drawn to God (Matthew 9:10-13).

As to those in the church claiming to be Christian but who were immoral—Paul calls them “so-called brothers”–Paul says the Corinthians were to judge such a person and, if necessary, remove them from the church (I Corinthians 5;12-13).

By “judging” Paul is talking about confronting the person. Jesus had previously explained the process. We are to confront someone in the church living in sin, and if they don’t repent, we should take one or two others with us and try again. If they still refuse to repent, we are to tell the church leadership. If they still refuse, they must be removed from the church (Matthew 18:15-17). After that we should not even associate with the person (I Corinthians 5:9-11).

Paul knew that might sound harsh, so he gives three reasons for treating those living in sin in the church differently from non-Christians living in sin:  sin is like leaven and could corrupt others in the church (v. 6-7), and Jesus had died for the church (v. 7); and, removing such a person made it more likely the person would repent and be saved (v. 5).  

Application

The process Jesus and Paul describe is often referred to as church discipline, but here the interesting thing about church discipline and how it concerns us. The first two steps of the discipline process have nothing to do with church leadership. The first steps are left to the responsibility of church members. I suspect this is because church members are usually in a better position to know a fellow church member is living in sin and therefore is in a better position to confront that person. By judging such conduct instead of ignoring it, the church member is protecting the body of Christ from corruption and giving the church member an opportunity to repent and get back on track with the Lord. Looking the other way is not merciful because it neither benefits the church member living in sin or the church. 

So, when it comes to a Christian in the church living in sin, judge the sin and confront the church member. With those outside the church show mercy because the mercy of God leads people to repentance. With both, always act in love. 

Prayer

Lord, help me to be obedient to You in the difficult task of confronting those in the church who have declared devotion to You but are living in sin so that they may repent and turn back to You. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.