I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral
people—not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the
greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this
world. But now I am writing to you that you must not
associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is
sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler.
Do not even eat with such people. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11
Paul dealt
with immorality in the Corinthian church.
His wording was very harsh. “Do
not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister…” This severing of the relationship was an
internal judgment on those inside the church who sinned. Those sins included sexual immorality, greed,
lying, idolatry and alcoholism. There
needed to be a consequence—a penalty—that would hurt that person and make them
think twice.
It was for
their good that they be cut off. But
Paul did not judge those outside the church for their sin. He continues…
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are
you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside.
“Expel the wicked person from among you.” 1 Corinthians 5:12-13
“Expel” means to kick out. It’s for the good of the people too. If they see the consequences of sin, they
would be more aware of their sin and less likely to engage.
But
everyone’s a sinner, right? If
everyone’s kicked out for being a sinner, there would be no one in the
church. The sins Paul mentioned are
major sins (substance abuse, sexual immorality, swindling people, worshipping
other gods). If someone stubs their toe
and curses, that’s not cause to kick them out.
The key
here must be repentance. Do they
acknowledge their sin, hate it and take steps to keep themselves from sinning
again?