1 Corinthians 5:9-13 ESV: A Call to Holiness
I Don't Write to You Not to Associate
In 1 Corinthians 5:9-13, the apostle Paul writes to the Corinthian church, addressing a crucial matter: the importance of separation from immoral people. He clarifies that his previous instruction to not associate with immoral people (1 Corinthians 5:9) was not a call to abandon all social contact with non-believers. Instead, it was a warning to avoid fellowship with those who claimed to be Christians but lived in willful, unrepentant sin.
But Rather to Not Associate with Anyone Named a Brother
Paul emphasizes that his concern lies with those who profess to be brothers in Christ, yet engage in sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, reviling, drunkenness, or swindling (1 Corinthians 5:10-11). These individuals, masquerading as Christians, bring shame to the body of Christ and contaminate the congregation.
Do Not Even Eat with Such a Person
Paul's instruction is clear: do not even eat with such a person (1 Corinthians 5:11). This is not a call to judge those outside the church, but to maintain the integrity of the Christian community. By separating from professing Christians who refuse to repent, the church protects its spiritual health and upholds the standards of holiness set by God.
For What Have I to Do with Judging Outsiders?
Paul reminds the Corinthians that it is not their responsibility to judge outsiders (1 Corinthians 5:12). The world will be judged by God; the church's focus should be on disciplining its own members (1 Corinthians 5:12-13). By doing so, the church demonstrates its commitment to righteousness and purity, reflecting the character of God.
Conclusion
In 1 Corinthians 5:9-13, Paul underscores the importance of maintaining a holy community. The church is called to separate from professing Christians who engage in immoral behavior, not to judge outsiders, but to uphold the standards of God's kingdom. As believers, we are tasked with promoting holiness within the church, emulating the character of our holy God.
