Choosing Whom to Associate With

[전승훈2]

Summary:

Paul reminds the Corinthians that he previously wrote to them not to associate with immoral people, but clarifies that he was not referring to unbelievers in the world who live in immorality, greed, or idolatry—otherwise they would have to leave the world altogether. Rather, he means anyone who claims to be a brother or sister in Christ yet lives in such sins should not be associated with, even to the point of not eating with them. Paul stresses that it is not the church’s role to judge outsiders, for God will judge them, but the church must judge those within and remove the wicked person from among them.

Teaching:

In Paul’s letters, those he calls “brothers” are the holy people of God. The ones Paul intends church discipline for are those inside the church who, as holy people of God, have been baptized, hold church offices, and serve in church work.

In verses 9 and 11, the command “do not associate” means not to mingle with them, even not to share a meal. This refers to people inside the church. If someone within the church - baptized, engaged in church work, holding a position - lives as sexually immoral, greedy, an idolater, verbally abusive, habitually drunk, or a swindler, do not associate with them.

We must be able to discern people’s words and actions - not with the judgment of a human judge, but by distinguishing whether they are according to God’s will, whether they please Him or not. We must judge by the Word of God.

Church discipline is for the sake of salvation.

Excerpt from the sermon by Pastor Lee, Oct 2, 2025

1 Corinthian 5:9-13