How can we identify behaviors listed in 1 Corinthians 5:11 within our community? Seeing the Standard “ 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 man do not even eat.” (1 Corinthians 5:11) Key Terms Unpacked • Sexually immoral (porneia) – any sexual activity outside the covenant of one-man-one-woman marriage • Greedy (pleonexia) – a grasping desire for more, no matter who is hurt • Idolater – giving worship, trust, or ultimate loyalty to anything other than the living God • Verbal abuser (reviler) – one whose speech tears down, mocks, slanders, or bullies • Drunkard – habitually controlled by alcohol or any intoxicant • Swindler (extortioner) – exploiting or cheating others for personal gain Practical Markers for Each Behavior Sexual immorality • Open cohabitation or ongoing affairs acknowledged yet unrepented • Persistent pornography use that is dismissed as “normal” • Sexual relationships celebrated outside biblical marriage Greed • Regular business practices that overcharge, deceive, or exploit workers • Chronic dissatisfaction, hoarding, or gambling that damages family stability • Ministry or church involvement motivated mainly by personal financial gain Idolatry • Participation in occult, New Age, or inter-faith worship services • Consistent prioritizing of career, sports, or hobbies over gathered worship • Social-media personas exalting self-image while marginalizing the Lord Verbal abuse • Patterns of gossip, slander, or public shaming (Psalm 101:5) • Bullying language in homes, groups, or online threads (Ephesians 4:29) • Sarcasm or ridicule that wounds rather than builds up Drunkenness • Repeated intoxication where family, work, or church life suffers (Proverbs 20:1) • Reliance on alcohol or drugs to cope instead of seeking the Lord (Ephesians 5:18) • Refusal to acknowledge substance control as sin despite loving confrontation Swindling • Fraudulent contracts, unpaid debts, or pyramid schemes (Micah 6:11) • Manipulating benevolence funds or charity for personal benefit • Pressure tactics that coerce donations or purchases Guardrails Against Misjudgment • Confirm facts through “two or three witnesses” (Deuteronomy 19:15; 1 Timothy 5:19). • Distinguish between a stumble followed by repentance and a settled, ongoing pattern (1 John 3:9). • Examine personal motives first (Matthew 7:3-5). Scriptural Steps When Persistent Sin Appears • Private confrontation done gently (Matthew 18:15; Galatians 6:1). • If unheeded, widen the circle to one or two others (Matthew 18:16). • If still unrepentant, involve the church body (Matthew 18:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6). • Separation is a last resort meant to awaken repentance, protect the flock, and honor Christ’s name (1 Corinthians 5:5, 13). Living as a Watchful, Gracious Community • Regular teaching on holiness keeps everyone clear on the standard (Ephesians 5:3-5). • Accountability groups and transparent friendships surface hidden patterns early (Hebrews 3:13). • Celebrating genuine repentance reminds all that Christ restores (Luke 15:7). • Maintaining personal devotion and corporate worship keeps hearts sensitive to sin and quick to extend grace (Hebrews 10:24-25). |
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