For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge? God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.”
1 Corinthians 5:12-13 (ESV)
There may be few topics more challenging in the life of a local church than church discipline. In my experience, it seems to be something that we are largely unwilling even to consider. After all, Jesus told us not to judge others (Matt. 7:1). And those we would be judging are likely friends, making it more personal. But should we?
This fifth chapter of Paul’s letter to the Corinthian church is all about church discipline. A man in the church was involved in a sexual relationship with his stepmother. This was a practice that was not tolerated by the pagan world. But the church was proud of their tolerance. And Paul was appalled, instructing them to cast this man out of the church’s fellowship.
The Purpose of Church Discipline
The purpose of this was two-fold. While the language Paul uses is unclear, it appears this action would hopefully lead to this man’s repentance and restoration. It would make clear to him that his actions were harmful both to himself and to the church.
Paul’s bigger concern seemed to be with the church itself. He compared the sin of this man with leaven. Leaven that would work its way through a lump of dough, representing the church. When sin is tolerated within the church, it will slowly work its way through the church. It will not stay isolated to just one individual.
Paul’s directive here is clear. Judging the world around us is something that belongs to God. But judging within the body is something we can, and should, do.
Corporate Judgment
This judging is not by individuals, though. It is a corporate judgment, exercised by the body as a whole. It is an action that should not be taken lightly. But neither should it be ignored. Both for the sake of the church and for the individual who is involved in the sin.
But now I am writing to 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, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. – 1 Corinthians 5:11 (ESV)
