1 Corinthians 5:9-11 - Do not even eat with such people

5:9,10

We get here the approach we are to the sexually immoral. The key thing is the difference in the approach we have to people of the world and to professing Christians. We are not to associate with professing Christians who are sexually immoral, but this does not apply to people of the world, ie those who are not Christians. Why the difference? If you are in the church then you are claiming to be a disciple of jesus Christ, and to claim to be a disciple but living in deliberate disobedience to the Bible is a complete contradiction. This is an area where much of the church is acting in complete disobedience to God. Let’s apply this to the matter of homosexual behaviour (many other forms of sexual immorality are available). If someone is a practising homosexual then they cannot be part of the church. Now a clear distinction needs to be drawn here with someone who experiences same-sex attraction, but chooses not to act on those desires. Such a person is seeking to live their life in obedience to Jesus. Sam Allberry is perhaps the most famous example, I have read one of his books and heard him speak, and what comes over is someone with a deep love and commitment to Jesus, and it is a blessing to listen to him. That is a completely different situation from someone who is a practising homosexual and claiming that their lifestyle is perfectly compatible with God’s standards. Such a person is deceived. So why is it OK to associate with people in the world who are sexually immoral? Because this is what the gospel is about. Jesus came to save sinners, so the gospel goes out to sinners (which includes all of us). Note that Paul then goes on to include swindlers, idolaters and the greedy. Sexual immorality crops us because it is serious, and it is prevalent, but it is not the only sin!

5:11

Paul reiterates the command. We need to treat being part of the church as a serious matter. Sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, slandering, swindling and drunkenness are linked together in this list here. “But that’s judging some idiot says. Well we are meant to judge behaviour! And first of all our own. Following Jesus involves obeying Jesus. Now this does not mean someone gets chucked out of the church for the least misdemeanour, or even a single serious fall. But if these things are defining your life then you are in big trouble. Most of the church is way too tolerant.