What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 5:11? But now I am writing to you Paul distinguishes his current instructions from a previous letter (1 Corinthians 5:9: “I wrote you in my letter…”) to clear up confusion and to speak with fresh urgency. Similar apostolic follow-ups appear in 2 Thessalonians 3:14, where believers are told to “take special note” of disobedient members. The shift from past to present underscores that obedience to Scripture is not optional or dated. Not to associate with anyone “Associate” involves deliberate, habitual fellowship. Scripture repeatedly warns against close ties that blur moral lines: • 2 Thessalonians 3:6 — “keep away from every brother who leads an undisciplined life.” • Ephesians 5:11 — “Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.” God calls the church to loving engagement with unbelievers (cf. 1 Corinthians 5:10), yet to guarded separation from professing believers who defy His standards. Who claims to be a brother The person professes faith, enjoys church privileges, and is treated as family. Jesus warned of false professions (Matthew 7:21-23). John echoes: “The one who says, ‘I know Him,’ but does not keep His commandments, is a liar” (1 John 2:4). The standard is not perfection but genuine repentance evidenced by obedience (James 2:17). But is sexually immoral Persistent sexual sin voids the credibility of a Christian claim (Ephesians 5:3). Paul later states, “Neither the sexually immoral… will inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). Unrepentant immorality brings public reproach and demands church discipline (Matthew 18:15-17). Or greedy Greed is worship of self-interest. Jesus said, “Watch out and guard yourselves against every form of greed” (Luke 12:15). A covetous life contradicts the self-denial that marks discipleship (Colossians 3:5). An idolater Idolatry is any rival allegiance. Even modern pursuits—career, pleasure, possessions—can be idols (1 John 5:21). Paul later pleads, “Flee from idolatry” (1 Corinthians 10:14), for it usurps God’s rightful throne. Or a verbal abuser Abusive speech tears down those made in God’s image. Scripture insists, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth” (Ephesians 4:29) and condemns reviling (Titus 3:2). A pattern of harsh words signals an unbridled heart (James 3:8-10). A drunkard Drunkenness enslaves and distorts God-given faculties. Proverbs 23:20-21 warns that drunkards “become poor,” and Ephesians 5:18 commands, “Do not get drunk with wine.” Habitual intoxication denies the Spirit’s control. Or a swindler Swindling is theft masked as business. 1 Corinthians 6:10 places swindlers alongside thieves who “will not inherit the kingdom of God.” God requires honest scales (Proverbs 11:1). With such a man The phrase personalizes the instruction: this is about real people in the assembly. Titus 3:10 directs, “Reject a divisive man after a first and second admonition.” The goal is corrective love, aiming for repentance (2 Corinthians 2:6-8). Do not even eat Shared meals in first-century culture signified acceptance and fellowship. Refusal to eat with the unrepentant brother creates a clear, loving boundary that highlights the seriousness of sin (Romans 16:17; 2 John 10-11). Discipline protects the church’s holiness and, prayerfully, awakens the offender to repentance. summary 1 Corinthians 5:11 commands intentional separation from anyone who professes Christ yet persists in flagrant sin. The church must withhold normal fellowship—even table companionship—to guard its witness, preserve purity, and urge the wayward believer toward repentance. |
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