1 Corinthians 5:9-13: A Call to Holiness
In 1 Corinthians 5:9-13, the apostle Paul continues to address the issue of sexual immorality in the Corinthian church. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining moral purity and avoiding association with those who claim to be Christians but engage in sinful behavior.
The Command to Avoid the Immoral
1 Corinthians 5:9-10
"I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people—not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world."
Paul reminds the Corinthians that his previous letter instructed them to avoid associating with sexually immoral people. However, he clarifies that he was not referring to the morally corrupt people of the world, as it would be impossible to avoid them completely. Instead, he is concerned with those who claim to be part of the church but engage in sinful behavior.
Do Not Associate with So-Called Christians Who Sin
1 Corinthians 5:11-13
"But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral, or greedy, or an idolater, or abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Do not even eat with such people. What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside."
Paul emphasizes the importance of separating from those who claim to be Christians but persist in sinful behavior. He lists various forms of immorality, including sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, abuse, drunkenness, and swindling. The Corinthians are instructed not to associate with such individuals, not even to the extent of sharing a meal together. Paul acknowledges that it is not his place to judge those outside the church, but emphasizes the importance of holding those within the church accountable for their actions.
