What steps should we take to avoid associating with "anyone who claims to be"? Setting the context 1 Corinthians 5:11: “But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a verbal abuser, a drunkard, or a swindler. With such a person do not even eat.” Paul addresses professing believers whose ongoing, unrepentant sin dishonors Christ and endangers the church. The command is clear: deliberate distance is sometimes necessary. Why the command matters • Protects Christ’s reputation (Ephesians 5:27) • Preserves the purity of the church (1 Corinthians 5:6-7) • Promotes the offender’s repentance by removing false assurance (1 Corinthians 5:5; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15) Situations that call for separation • Persistent sexual immorality • Greed that exploits others • Ongoing idolatry (including anything exalted above God) • Habitual verbal abuse or slander • Drunkenness or substance enslavement • Swindling, fraud, or manipulative gain These are not occasional lapses but settled patterns that a professing believer refuses to leave. Step-by-step obedience • Examine the facts carefully – Galatians 6:1 urges “you who are spiritual” to restore gently, so be sure the charge is accurate (Deuteronomy 19:15). • Follow Jesus’ restoration process first (Matthew 18:15-17) – Private appeal → small group confrontation → church announcement. – Only after refusal at every stage does separation apply. • Withdraw informal fellowship – “Do not even eat” (1 Corinthians 5:11) signals ending shared meals, casual get-togethers, small-group participation, and ministry partnership. • Maintain respectful distance – 2 Thessalonians 3:15: “Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” – Be cordial in public settings, but do not act as if nothing is wrong. • Keep communication open for repentance – If the person seeks help, be ready to listen, pray, and walk through repentance. • Let church leadership guide the process – Hebrews 13:17; they carry the responsibility for discipline’s timing and scope. Heart attitudes to cultivate • Humility—“Let him who thinks he stands be careful” (1 Corinthians 10:12). • Grief over sin—not personal irritation (1 Corinthians 5:2). • Hope for restoration—God’s aim is redemption, not permanent exile (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). • Obedience above feelings—Galatians 1:10 warns against seeking human approval over God’s will. When repentance appears • Welcome back with forgiveness and reaffirmed love (2 Corinthians 2:7-8). • Allow time to rebuild trust; restoration may be gradual (Proverbs 28:13). • Celebrate God’s grace and testify to His cleansing power (Luke 15:7). Closing reminders • Separation is never about personal superiority; it is about faithfulness to Christ. • The goal remains a pure, loving, truth-honoring community where sinners find both conviction and mercy. • “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58). |
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