What other scriptures support the principle found in 1 Corinthians 5:12? \The Core Principle in 1 Corinthians 5 : 12\ “What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside?” Paul draws a clear line: believers are responsible to evaluate and correct sin within the household of faith, while final judgment of unbelievers rests with God. \Scriptures Calling for Judgment Inside the Church\ The New Testament consistently reinforces loving accountability among believers. • Matthew 18 : 15-17 — “If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately… tell it to the church… regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” • Galatians 6 : 1-2 — “Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness… Carry one another’s burdens.” • 2 Thessalonians 3 : 14-15 — “Take note of anyone who does not obey… Do not associate with him… yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” • 1 Peter 4 : 17 — “For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God.” • Ephesians 5 : 11 — “Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” • Hebrews 10 : 24-25 — “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds… encourage one another.” • James 5 : 19-20 — “Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death.” • Proverbs 27 : 5-6 — “Better an open rebuke than hidden love… Faithful are the wounds of a friend.” \Scriptures Urging Caution with Those Outside\ While we confront sin inside, Scripture urges humility toward the world. • Romans 12 : 19 — “Do not avenge yourselves… ‘Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” • Romans 14 : 4 — “Who are you to judge someone else’s servant?” • Luke 6 : 37 — “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.” • John 3 : 17 — “God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.” These verses echo Paul’s stance: evangelize and love the lost; leave ultimate judgment to God. \Living Out Both Sides of the Principle\ • Inside fellowship: pursue holiness together—confront, restore, protect the witness of the church. • Toward outsiders: show mercy, proclaim the gospel, trust God with final justice. Holding both truths keeps the church pure without becoming self-righteous, and keeps evangelism compassionate without compromising God’s standards. |
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