1 Corinthians 5: Set Apart

Vs 9-13 “I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people - not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy, or the swindlers, or idolaters. But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviled, drunkard, or swindler- not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges outsiders, purge the evil person from among you.”

To eat with someone is to break bread, sit down communally, accept them as a brother. We are a people set apart. If we call ourselves slaves of Christ. If we call ourselves followers of Jesus; we are to obey Him and His word. If we believe the Bible to be in inspired word of God, we are not here to question that word. We can separate from the non believers because they are not help to the same standard as we. As fellow believers we are held to a standard. And a believer who spits in the face of that standard without any sign of repentance or remorse, will bring all believers down. That one will call into question The whole church. Paul expected the Corinthians to disassociate with with all persons who called themselves brothers (believers), but had a consistent pattern of sin. The unrepentant person might suffer. They may suffer greatly under God’s judgement. But they won’t be an evil influence in the church; AND will more likely be saved under that judgement than if tolerated in the church. We, as a church, are doing a huge disservice to those continuing to live in sin by accepting them “in love” and “praying” for them. Their influence on the church has done more harm than we can fathom. As a Christian you are called to be more than just a happy face. You are set apart with higher standards. You are held and protected by the mighty God who made you. Believe that and go boldly in your faith.