In part 1 of this post, I pointed out that the apostle Paul rebuked the Corinthian Church for failing to address immorality in their midst. A church member was involved in gross sin, the church was well aware of it, and Paul’s response was sharp and to the point. Allowing immorality to flourish in the Church is an affront to God, and the man had no place among God’s people as long as he was unrepentant.

Now in part 2, we deal with the questions and objections that often arise as we wrestle with how to apply the apostle’s admonition to not associate with a member of the Church who is in open and unrepentant sin.

The Defense

Are Christians called to make judgments with regard to sin? Many would say no, that it is not our place to judge how someone lives. Yet Paul says in verse 12 that those who are wicked must be removed from the presence of the Church, and he precedes that command with a question: Do you not judge those in the Church? The obvious answer is yes, you do. You must remove sinning members from your midst, and you can’t take that step without first rendering biblical judgment on the actions of the member.

Paul reminded the Corinthians that God judges those outside the Church, but believers have the responsibility to judge those within the Church to make sure that their life aligns with the teaching of God’s Word. Failure to exercise this judgment is an act of arrogance towards God because it says that we know better than He does.

Sadly, many in the Church today willfully turn a blind eye to sinning members on the grounds that judgment is contrary to grace. Ironically, what they believe to be love and humility is actually the revealing of their arrogance and pride.

The Application

That brings us to the question we should be asking. How does this passage apply to us today? Does it mean that we cannot associate with a sinning family member who is a professing believer? What is the scope and sphere of this command? Does it apply only to the Church, or does it apply to any and every Christian relationship?

Let’s begin by considering the context and the audience in 1 Corinthians 5. Clearly, Paul is writing to the Church, therefore the passage directly applies to any so-called believer who wants to be a regular part of Church life.

What’s more, this doesn’t merely apply to the Sunday morning church service. The principle taught in this passage is that a professing believer has no place in the fellowship of God’s people whenever and wherever they gather to meet. So whether it is Sunday worship, a Bible study, a wedding, a prayer meeting, or even a dinner hosted by the church, the purity of the meeting must be guarded against those who are engaged in unrepentant sin.

But this does not mean that the same person is kicked out of his family. It does not mean that he is no longer welcome at his believing family’s home. Nor does it mean that a believing family member cannot interact with the sinning party, or have a meal with him. Why? Because the context of the passage is the Church, not the family, and certain family members may still be under obligation to fulfill responsibilities for this sinning individual.

The Corinthians were told not to tolerate the presence of sin in the Church, but there are important differences between Church life and home life. Someone may lose fellowship in their home for living in unrepentant sin, but they will not lose their legal status in their family. The sinner and his family should not conduct their relationship at home as if nothing is wrong, but living in the same home as a sinning brother is not a violation of Paul’s apostolic command.

How then should we treat a family member who claims to be a child of God yet lives in unrepentant sin? By making their condition and circumstances clear, while exercising the love and care that is due them:

1. Confront their sin, and call them to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ

2. Warn them about the dangers of living in unrepentant sin and the eternal consequences of ignoring Jesus’ warnings

3. Pray for their repentance

4. Hold back personal fellowship while seeking to lovingly care for whatever needs are possible and necessary

A sinner, even in the family, should sense that their sin is causing them to be separated from personal relationships, but withholding fellowship does not allow us to disregard our familial responsibilities.

For example, a father may still have to provide care and support for a sinning teenager, and a believing spouse may still have to fulfill their God-given role even if the sinning partner is living in unrepentant sin. You cannot use 1 Corinthians 5 to excuse yourself from the legal and biblical responsibilities you have toward family.

How far does your responsibility toward a sinning family member go? Should you attend the wedding of a professing believer who is living in open sin? No, because a wedding is a religious activity done by the Church in the presence of God. A wedding invokes God, and any union that is God-honoring must be done by His design.

If a pastor is going to officiate and the Church is invited to attend, and if God’s pattern and design for marriage is going to be called upon during the service, then clearly it is a Church activity. The principles in 1 Corinthians 5:11 apply, especially if there is going to be a reception afterwards where there is eating and drinking.

To sum up the application of the principle, 1 Corinthians 5:11 applies to the Church and does not nullify the responsibilities of a parent or spouse. It removes Christian fellowship and it places all believers under the obligation to protect the holiness of Christian fellowship, while maintaining the responsibilities of love due to family.

In some cases it may put a parent or spouse in a difficult situation where they need to care for a need and yet withhold full Christian fellowship. The believer must be careful to walk in love and holiness in such instances, and should consult the wisdom of church leadership if there are any questions as to how both love and holiness can be properly upheld.

Faithful application of God’s Word always requires careful consideration of the whole counsel of God relative to a matter. We can never nullify or even wrongly emphasize one of God’s commands over another. If the duties of love and holiness appear to conflict, then we should thoughtfully review the context of the passage in question to make sure our application is right.

We should also strive to keep our hearts tender and teachable so that we don’t arrogantly disregard God’s command to confront and judge when necessary, or fail to demonstrate sacrificial love toward those in open sin.

There is a difference between the Church as the Body and Bride of Christ, and the family. That difference must be recognized and protected according to God’s design. Know your God-given responsibilities to both, and cultivate a heart that is willing to fully carry out those responsibilities, no matter the cost.