1 Corinthians 5:11–13: But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person. For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore “put away from yourselves the evil person.”
The church must not judge and condemn those who are outside the faith. That judgment is future, and God will take care of it. Paul emphasized once again the importance of separation from the world. Christians are not to be isolated, but separated. We cannot avoid contact with sinners, but we can avoid contamination by sinners. If a professed Christian is guilty of the sins named here, the church must deal with him. Individual members are not to “company” with him (1 Cor. 5:9—“get mixed up with, associate intimately”). They are not to eat with him, which could refer to private hospitality or more likely the public observance of the Lord’s Supper (see 1 Cor. 11:23–34). Church discipline is not easy or popular, but it is important. 1
Application
- Why is the sin outside the church different from the sin inside the church?
- If daily repentance is not a part of your life, your future testimony is in jeopardy.
Thought to Share
Why do people seem more concerned about their calorie count than their daily intake of sin? – TWEET IT
Prayer
Lord, please forgive me today for sinning against You in my thoughts and deeds.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (1 Corinthians) (electronic ed., Vol. 44). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
