“But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.”– 1 Corinthians 5:11 (KJV)
“I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.”– 1 Corinthians 5:11 (NLT)
“But I’m writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a Christian but is sexually immoral, or greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people.”– 1 Corinthians 5:11 (MSG)
What Does 1 Corinthians 5:11 Mean?
The verse from 1 Corinthians 5:11 conveys an important message about how we, as followers of Christ, should approach relationships and fellowship with those who claim to be part of the Christian community yet engage in behaviors that contradict Biblical teachings. Paul is instructing the Corinthians on the need for community standards founded on God’s truth.
We live in a world where moral standards can often seem quite flexible and culture might dictate what is acceptable behavior. However, God calls us to recognize and hold to a higher standard. The actions that Paul mentions in this verse are serious offenses against God’s will and involve serious spiritual implications. As a community, we are encouraged to examine our relationships and consider how they align with our faith in Jesus Christ.
1 Corinthians 5:11 Explanation and Commentary
This scripture serves as a guiding principle for our interactions and relationships with others. It clearly defines who we should associate with. Paul mentions various specific sins—sexual immorality, greed, idolatry, slander, drunkenness, and cheating. These sinful behaviors not only lead us away from God, but they can also have a detrimental effect on our community as a whole.
When Paul uses phrases like “do not even eat with such people,” it reinforces the urgency of the message. Eating together symbolizes fellowship and acceptance. By intentionally separating ourselves from those behaviors, we demonstrate our commitment to living righteously and in accordance with God’s word. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t love or reach out to those who are struggling. Instead, we must be cautious about the influences we allow into our lives.
This verse reminds us to strive for holiness. Romans 12:2 encourages us to “not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” We have a responsibility to seek out relationships that uplift us spiritually and help us grow in our relationship with the Lord. Let us reflect on our associations and ask whether they draw us closer to God or push us away.
When we engage with fellow believers, it is essential that we hold each other accountable in love. Galatians 6:1 tells us, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” We should provide support and encouragement without compromising our principles, ensuring we maintain a healthy boundary regarding sin.
Ultimately, while Paul’s message may seem tough, it is fundamentally rooted in love. By creating a community that takes sin seriously, we foster an environment where accountability can flourish, allowing us to grow together in faith.
Context of 1 Corinthians 5:11
Looking at the context surrounding this verse helps deepen our understanding. Paul was addressing issues within the Corinthian church, a community grappling with moral decay. This church was known for its challenges with sin, and Paul found it necessary to address them. Just before this verse, Paul speaks about a case of immorality that was evident within the church, one that was not only tolerated but also openly accepted.
Paul writes to remind the congregants that they are set apart. The Corinthian believers were called to live differently than the world around them. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul essentially draws a line, clarifying that membership in the church comes with behaviors that honor God. By doing so, we witness a stark contrast between how we should live and how the secular world lives. In this way, we promote a community committed to righteousness, humility, and love.
As we study further into Paul’s letters, we recognize that he continually emphasizes love and unity in the body of Christ. By addressing the seriousness of sin, he aims to strengthen the community’s resolve to stand firm in their beliefs and practices. He reminds us that confronting sin is not about judgment but rather about safeguarding the church’s integrity and shining as a light in a dark world.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 Corinthians 5:11
Let’s break down the key components of this verse to fully appreciate its meaning and application. Paul begins with, “I have written unto you not to keep company.” This emphasizes the careful consideration we should have when choosing our relationships. The people we associate with can significantly impact our spiritual health.
Next, Paul lists specific sinful actions: fornication, covetousness, idolatry, railing, drunkenness, and extortion. Each of these behaviors not only harms our relationship with God but can also unsettle the fellowship among believers. For example, sexual immorality is a pervasive problem that can lead to emotional turmoil and disrupt the harmony and witness of the church body. Similarly, greed undermines humility and a focus on God’s provision.
Paul goes on to mention “if any man that is called a brother.” Here, he differentiates between the world and the church. Those outside the faith may not yet know God’s truth, but we as believers are called to a standard of behavior that honors Him. Our transformation in Christ should manifest itself in how we conduct our lives and relationships.
The following phrase “with such an one no not to eat,” draws our attention to the intimacy of fellowship. Sharing a meal in the Jewish culture is often seen as a sign of acceptance and fellowship. Paul is directing the church to be discerning with whom they share their association, highlighting the importance of upholding the values and teachings of Christ in all aspects of life, including our interactions.
In conclusion, this verse is not about isolating ourselves from the world; rather, it is an encouragement to create a supportive environment within our Christian community where righteousness is pursued and maintained. We are called to love sinners and seek their redemption while safeguarding our spiritual well-being.
Lessons to Learn From 1 Corinthians 5:11
1 Corinthians 5:11 holds valuable lessons for us today. We should assess our friendships and be aware of the influences in our lives. It is essential to foster relationships with those who will encourage us to remain strong in our faith. At the same time, we should approach our relationships with others with an attitude of love and concern, guiding them back to the truth in Christ.
Another significant lesson is that accountability plays a vital role in our Christian walk. We should be open to having conversations with fellow believers about sin. Galatians 6 emphasizes this notion, reminding us to gently restore one another. This builds a strong and supportive community where we do not allow sin to flourish but instead, care for one another lovingly, mirroring Christ’s love and grace.
Furthermore, this scripture calls us to be different in the world. We are not just to follow societal norms but should constantly seek to align ourselves with God’s will as revealed in the Bible. We reflect God’s light more vibrantly when we live contrary to the moral standards of our culture. This can be particularly challenging, but it ultimately leads to deeper roots in our faith and set us apart as testimonies of God’s grace.
We learn that separating ourselves from unwholesome influences is essential for spiritual growth. As we strive to be more like Christ, we must be vigilant against influences that tempt us to stray from God’s teachings. By being proactive in selecting our companions and forming relationships, we cultivate a spiritual environment that fosters growth and unity within the church.
In embracing these lessons, we can be an example of God’s love to the world while simultaneously upholding the values that He calls us to follow in our community. Unity and integrity should define our relationships as believers; through that, we glorify God’s name.
Final Thoughts
1 Corinthians 5:11 presents us with clear guidance on how to navigate our relationships as Christians. It encourages us to strive for holiness while fostering accountability and support within our community. These principles challenge us to evaluate our own lives and relationships, ensuring they reflect our commitment to living for God.
While this verse gives a tough message, it is rooted in love and the desire for us to walk according to God’s will. We are called to be different, embracing the idea that our choices in friendships and associations impact not just our spiritual lives but also the health of our church as a whole.
Let’s pursue hearts that embrace accountability, extend love, and seek to live righteously in all aspects of our lives. If we take these teachings seriously, we stand to become a powerful force of light and truth in our communities. To explore further topics about maintaining a fulfilling and faithful life as a believer, consider reading about Acts 14:24 or Joshua 10:16.