How does 1 Corinthians 5:12 guide us in judging those inside the church?

◄ 1 Cor 5:12's role in church judgment? ►

“For what business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?”

Why Judging Inside the Church Matters

• Protects the holiness of Christ’s body (Ephesians 5:27)

• Guards the church’s witness before a watching world (Matthew 5:16)

• Rescues the stumbling believer from greater ruin (James 5:19-20)

• Obeys God’s call for discipline that begins “with the household of God” (1 Peter 4:17)

What Kind of Judgment Paul Calls For

• Discerning, not condemning (John 7:24; Romans 14:13)

• Scripture-shaped, not opinion-shaped (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

• Aimed at repentance and restoration (2 Corinthians 2:6-8)

Practical Steps for Faithful Church Judgment

1. Examine yourself first (Matthew 7:3-5).

2. Go privately to the brother or sister (Matthew 18:15).

3. If unrepentant, bring one or two witnesses (Matthew 18:16).

4. If still unrepentant, tell it to the church (Matthew 18:17).

5. If necessary, remove fellowship to awaken repentance (1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15).

Guardrails That Keep Judgment Christ-like

• Gentle spirit: “Restore him in a spirit of gentleness” (Galatians 6:1).

• Truth in love: “Speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15).

• Humble awareness: “Watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

• Clear evidence: “Do not entertain an accusation… unless it is brought by two or three witnesses” (1 Timothy 5:19).

The Goal: Purity and Restoration, Not Punishment

• Purity: “Remove the wicked man from among yourselves” (1 Corinthians 5:13).

• Restoration: “You ought rather to forgive and comfort him… reaffirm your love” (2 Corinthians 2:7-8).

• Witness: “By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

Living Out 1 Corinthians 5:12 Today

• Stay alert to sin that damages Christ’s reputation.

• Practice discipline with tears, not triumph (Acts 20:31).

• Keep Scripture, not culture, as the final arbiter.

• Celebrate every time a wandering believer is restored—heaven certainly does (Luke 15:7).