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October 25, 2009 pm         Return to Corinthian Studies

Studies of 1 Corinthians (18)
JUDGING THOSE WHO ARE INSIDE
1 Corinthians 5:9-12

Tonight we continue our study of the 1 Corinthian letter.  In our last study we addressed the need to keep the church pure from those who are living in sin (and refuse to repent).  We also noted WHY we must do this (a little leaven leavens the whole lump).  Tonight we continue our study of dealing with brethren in sin as Paul makes a few more observations.

 I.                    What about the people of the world? (9-10)

a.        We HAVE TO associate with the people of the world – even the ungodly. 
John 17:15 – when Jesus prayed it was not that the Father take His disciples out of the world.
Some religions have a philosophy of isolation (Shakers, Amish, Catholic monks, etc.) but such is not what we are expected to do. 
Paul understood this in Philippians 1:20-26 knowing his need to stay in this world.
And in our text we notice that those of the world are not perfect either.   Those mentioned have serious sinful conduct.  So what is the point?

b.       How will we convert anyone if we isolate ourselves from the world?
Matthew 15:13 we are to the salt of the earth.
Matthew 5:16 notes that we are to let our light shine within the world. 
Phil. 2:15-16 describes this further.  We are to shine as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation.

c.        NOTE: This does not mean wholesale association with the ungodly nor approval of sinful behavior.

                                                   i.      We still have an obligation to keep ourselves unspotted from the world – James 1:27

                                                  ii.       Just as leaven in the church can corrupt it, so it is true with those of the world.   That is why Paul would later warn these same brethren not to be unequally yoked with them (2 Cor. 6:14-17).

                                                iii.      We are IN the world, but we are not OF the world.  Again the words of our Lord in His prayer recognized this.  John 17:16, “They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.”

                                                iv.      We must keep ourselves above reproach – 1 Peter 3:16, 2:12, don’t give them opportunity to accuse us.  They will have enough to say without us giving them extra fuel.

 II.                  It is the brother in Christ who we must not associate with (11)

a.        What does it mean to associate? 
The word means “to mix up with” and signifies keeping company with another.
Paul is clearly dealing here with what we would call discipline.  At least one subject was mentioned in our last lesson (1 Cor. 5:1-2).  It has to do with how it is to be carried out.  

b.       WHO should we mark?

                                                   i.      IT is a brother – obviously the term has reference to a brother (or sister) in Christ. As Christians we are a family and brethren.  This is a rebellious sibling who is bent on sinning over serving God.

                                                  ii.      How often do we seriously think about who should be disciplined within the Lord’s church.  Other than the person who has quit attending or perhaps one who is actually causing trouble within the congregation, when do we practice discipline?

                                                iii.      Mentioned here –sins of morality and conduct that we should give consideration to.

1.       Immoral persons (fornicators) – over and over, the scriptures condemn fornication in its many forms (adultery, premarital relations, “sowing oats”, homosexuality, bestiality, etc.).  The sin involved earlier in this chapter was fornication. 
If we find one in an ungodly relationship (perhaps an unscriptural marriage – cf. Matt. 19:9) and he refuses to repent would we withdraw from him?

2.       Covetous – this describes one who makes a god out of things.  This is the materialistic brother who is driven by material possessions.  Timothy warns against those who desire to be rich (1 Tim. 6:9-10, 17-19).  Colossians 3:5 describes covetousness AS idolatry. 
 When was the last time we withdrew from someone for being greedy or materialistic?  Should we consider this when one puts the pursuit of money over his brethren?

3.       Idolaters – Corinth was an idolatrous city in an idolatrous empire.  I suspect there wee many who wanted to profess loyalty to Christ but did not want to give up their other gods.  Perhaps they served with divided loyalty which Jesus condemned – Matt. 6:24.  Could this be one who while professing to be a Christian also refuses to reject foreign religions?  If someone refused to renounce denominationalism or even foreign gods (such as Islam, Buddhism, etc.) can we keep company with such a one?  Consider 2 John 9-11.

4.       Revilers – one commentator described this as “those who say they have a clean heart, but keep a foul mouth.” (Pulpit Commentary).  It describes one who speaks profanely.  How many professing Christians today have foul mouths that not only damage others with gossip but they outright curse and blaspheme God.  According to this verse, can we put up with those who act like this?
If someone kept sinning with their tongue and refused to repent, should we withdraw from such?  (NOTE: How many sins are associated with the tongue?)

5.       Drunkards – this is the one addicted to some substance and refuses to exercise the will power to stop it.  Drunkenness is condemned often in scripture.  Too bad some think that they can drink a little alcohol and be sinless.  Such is a dangerous road to go dow.  BUT would we withdraw from someone who refused to quit drinking or engage in some other addictive substance or activity.

6.       Extortioners (swindler – NASU) – describes the greedy who will take advantage of others to obtain more for themselves.  In this category would be the one who ABUSES his brethren by demanding they give whatever one wants, “because you are my brother.”   Not only should we say no to one who misbehaves in this way, but we should MARK that person (cf. 2 Thess. 3:6, 3:10-12).  But would we withdraw from someone like that?

c.        The need for a change in relationship

                                                   i.      Don’t eat with them – there should be a change in daily association.
Friends this is not just a suggestion, but a COMMAND!  When someone is withdrawn from they need to know it when we are around them.  There ought to be a strain in the relationship that they can feel.  They ought to be uncomfortable (and so should we be).
Consider the strength of the following passages concerning discipline:

1.       Matthew 18:17 – when we reach the last step, “Let him become to you like a heathen and a tax collector”  (i.e. people you don’t want to be around).

2.       2 Corinthians 3:6, we are to withdraw from them who walk disorderly (out of rank).

3.       2 Cor. 3:14, “And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.”

4.       2 John 9-11 speaks of one bringing a false doctrine.  We are instructed not to receive him or let him into your house nor greet him. 

                                                  ii.      IF this change does not take place, discipline will NEVER work! Realize that it is supposed to be chastening with the hope of bringing one back into conformance with God’s will and word (Heb. 12:3-11, Jude 22-23, etc.)

                                                iii.      NOTE: This will NOT happen if we are not a family!  Discipline DEPENDS on us being what we ought to be!  Think about that!

  III.                What About those outside – revisited? (12-13)

a.        Paul emphasizes here that it is our erring brother we are concerned about.  In actuality he is leading into his next point which will deal with our need to make judgments between one another.

b.       Let God judge those outside – 2 Thess. 1: 5-9 which addresses coming judgment.  Let God take care of the ungodly outside of His church.  , Rom. 12: 17-21 where we are to treat our enemies (and brethren) properly and let God take care of the vengeance.

c.        Put away the evil person.”  WHY is this so important?  Consider the following:

                                                   i.      We are to KEEP THE CHURCH PURE!  Don’t ever forget this. Ephesians 5:27, 2 Corinthians 11:2, “For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy.  For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

                                                  ii.      There is a good reason for we deal with our brethren differently than those of the world!    How will we be able to influence this lost and dying world that we are in the midst of if we can’t get along with one another?

                                                iii.      Further, when we take care of our own business it doesn’t give those of the world reason to criticize us – we are, as already noted, above reproach.    Brethren, we need to think about this BEFORE we start airing our “dirty laundry” to those who are not members of this body.  More on this in another lesson.

                                                iv.      But even beyond this, NEVER forget that our reason for discipline is the hope of winning back the sinful soul.  James 5:19-20 bears this out.

 

And thus we can see Paul’s admonition on this occasion.  Let us take seriously how we deal with our brethren, especially when they are not living as they ought to. Never forget that a soul is at stake.  We are responsible to do all we can to bring them back AND to keep them saved.   Think about it.