Keep the Community of the Church Pure
Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 (NASB)
9 I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; 10 I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. 11 But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? 13 But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.
SUMMARY
Paul is clarifying that when he previously wrote the letter to the Corinthians not to associate with the immoral people, he meant it regarding the people of believers (within the church)—not that they should cut off relationships with the people of the world. He says God will judge those who are outside the church, but removing wicked and immoral men within the church is what Corinthians ought to do to keep the church pure. He warns not to associate with any so called-brother if he is immoral, sinning against God.
MEDITATION & REFLECTION
Paul is not regarding the sins of unbelievers in the same way as those of his brothers within the church. He is so right as those who don’t know God and His commands may act according to their sinful desires, but believers—who know God—know what displeases Him. I don’t think Paul is talking about someone who is trying to walk with God, but stumbles into sexual or ungodly sin from time to time—but rather someone who is repeatedly continuing ungodly, immoral behaviors without heartfelt repentance. I think Paul is very clear and firm about the harsh punishment of removing such a person from the church because he knows that a believer with an unrepentant heart is not a true believer.
APPLICATION
I’m amazed how stern Paul is when addressing sins within the church. Sometimes it seems easier to just avoid any kind of conflict than to face and confront issues within church. I realized it may be a cowardly act. I would correct my children behaving horribly in public because I love them. If they’re not my child, I wouldn’t care what they do. In the same way, I think Paul wants us to not blindly accept our brothers and sisters, but to be able to lovingly discern and address their behaviors when necessary. After all, church is a community in the covenant relationship with God, and Jesus has purchased it with his own blood. It is precious, and each one of us who belong in this community has a duty to keep it pure.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, today’s QT made me reflect on who I am in the body of believers. I’m afraid even some of my actions, speech and behaviors might have stumbled other believers, and may have brought down the community. I realize any ungodly action on my part not only mourn my spirit, but the whole body of our church. Lord, if there’s any impurity and ungodly thoughts within me, please help me remove them. At the same time, give me courage to be able to lovingly talk to a brother or sister if there’s strong conviction in me to do so. Covering my eyes will not resolve any problem. We are the community in a covenant relationship with you. Help us to live worthily to represent your holy name. Amen.
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