What does "not to associate with sexually immoral people" mean for Christians? Setting the Context • 1 Corinthians 5:9–11 sets the ground rules: “I wrote you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would have to leave the world. 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 verbal abuser, a drunkard or swindler. With such a man do not even eat.” • Paul addresses a church tolerating blatant immorality in its own ranks (5:1-2). • His focus is purity inside the household of faith, not separation from lost neighbors who need the gospel. Who Are “Sexually Immoral People”? • Greek pornoi points to all sexual behavior outside God-ordained marriage (Hebrews 13:4). • Paul includes other open, unrepentant sins—greed, idolatry, abusive speech, drunkenness, swindling—showing the principle reaches beyond one category. What “Not to Associate” Means • No close fellowship that implies spiritual approval—Paul highlights table fellowship: “do not even eat.” • Withdrawal serves as church discipline (Matthew 18:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14). • The goal is redemptive: shock the person into repentance (1 Corinthians 5:5; Galatians 6:1). • Practically: – Do not host or join them for the Lord’s Supper or small-group communion. – Pause casual social outings that blur moral lines. – Decline ministry partnerships or leadership roles together. – Maintain clear, kind communication that the break is because of sin, not personal animosity. What “Not to Associate” Does Not Mean • It is not a ban on ordinary civil contact (workplace, family gatherings) when unavoidable—“since then you would have to leave the world.” • It is not shunning unbelievers; Jesus ate with sinners to call them to repentance (Luke 5:30-32). • It is not harsh humiliation—Paul commands gentleness and watchfulness over our own hearts (Galatians 6:1; 2 Timothy 2:24-26). • It is not permanent; reconciliation is immediate when repentance is evident (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). Biblical Reasons for This Command • Protection of the church’s witness—“a little leaven works through the whole batch of dough” (1 Corinthians 5:6). • Obedience to God’s call to holiness—“But among you … there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality” (Ephesians 5:3). • Love for the offender—immorality unchecked endangers souls (James 5:19-20). • Alignment with God’s judgment—“Expel the wicked man from among you.” (1 Corinthians 5:13; Deuteronomy 17:7). How to Live This Out Today • Churches: establish clear membership covenants, teach biblical sexuality, and use a gracious, step-by-step discipline process (Matthew 18:15-17). • Individuals: – Speak privately first; bring two or three if needed. – If rejection persists, involve church leadership. – After formal discipline, limit fellowship to purposeful, gospel-centered contact. – Keep doors open: occasional texts, notes, or brief conversations that express love and the hope of restoration. • Families: honor marriage vows, model purity, set digital safeguards, and keep transparent accountability. Guarding Our Own Hearts • “Let anyone who thinks he is standing be careful not to fall.” (1 Corinthians 10:12) • Regular self-examination (Psalm 139:23-24). • Pursue accountability relationships—“confess your sins to one another” (James 5:16). • Fill the mind with truth (Philippians 4:8). Hope and Restoration • God delights in mercy (Micah 7:18). • When a disciplined believer repents, the church must “forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.” (2 Corinthians 2:7) • The cross offers freedom from every sexual sin—“Such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Corinthians 6:11) |
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