How does 1 Corinthians 5:11 relate to Matthew 18:15-17 on church discipline? Key Texts “But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.” “15 If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. 16 But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’ 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” Why Both Passages Matter • Matthew 18 gives the step-by-step pathway. • 1 Corinthians 5 shows the endpoint when repentance is refused. • Together they form a complete, Spirit-inspired pattern for maintaining purity and unity in the body. The Shared Aim: Restoring the Wayward Brother • Both passages assume the offender is “a brother.” • Goal: rescue him from sin and protect the flock (Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20). • Discipline without hope of restoration is foreign to Scripture. The Process in Matthew 18 1. Private confrontation – one-on-one. 2. Small group confirmation – bring witnesses. 3. Congregational appeal – involve the whole church. 4. Relational separation – treat as an outsider if unrepentant. The Directive in 1 Corinthians 5 • Paul addresses members who have reached stage 4 but are still treated as insiders. • Command: “do not even eat” with the unrepentant sinner. • Focus: habitual, open rebellion in matters listed (also see v. 12-13). • Purpose: – Preserve the church’s witness (v. 6-8). – Awaken the sinner through godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10). How They Fit Together • Matthew 18 outlines the how; 1 Corinthians 5 emphasizes the when and the seriousness. • Paul assumes the earlier steps have failed: the sin is public and ongoing. • Jesus’ “treat him as a pagan” = Paul’s “do not associate … do not even eat.” • Both call the church to judge those inside (1 Corinthians 5:12) while leaving outsiders to God (v. 13). Practical Steps for Today • Start privately, prayerfully, gently (Proverbs 27:6). • Escalate only if repentance is resisted. • When removal becomes necessary: – Make the decision corporately (1 Corinthians 5:4-5). – Withdraw normal fellowship without hatred (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). – Keep the door open for restoration upon repentance (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). Guarding Grace and Truth • Discipline is an act of love (Hebrews 12:6 – 11). • Church purity safeguards the gospel’s credibility (Ephesians 5:27). • Mercy triumphs when the sinner turns (Luke 15:20-24). Related Scriptures • Titus 3:10-11 – reject a divisive person after two warnings. • 1 Timothy 5:19-20 – publicly rebuke persistent elders. • Revelation 2:2, 14-16 – Christ holds churches accountable for tolerating sin. |
    |