“But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.”– 1 Corinthians 5:13 (KJV)
“But God will judge those on the outside; but as the scriptures say, ‘You must remove the evil person from among you.’– 1 Corinthians 5:13 (NLT)
“God decides on the outsiders, but we need to clean up our own church and get rid of this evil person.”– 1 Corinthians 5:13 (MSG)
What Does 1 Corinthians 5:13 Mean?
1 Corinthians 5:13 carries a strong message about moral accountability within the Christian community. Paul, the apostle, is speaking to the church in Corinth, urging them to take action regarding immorality that has crept into their fellowship. The verse tells us that while outsiders, referring to those who do not believe in Christ, will be judged by God, it is the responsibility of believers to address wrongdoing within their own community. This call to action emphasizes the need for purity among those who follow Christ. We are reminded that judgment of those outside the church is left to God, but we have a duty to encourage righteousness and remove harmful influences from our circle. It is an invitation to introspection for us as believers, asking ourselves how we deal with sin among us and whether we are championing moral integrity.
This verse reflects the importance of maintaining a holy and blameless church as we strive to live in accordance with God’s will. We are called to support one another, confront sin, and seek repentance, allowing each member of the body of Christ to grow in holiness and righteousness. By disconnecting from moral failings and sinful behaviors, we create a stronger community focused on uplifting and building each other in faith. Such actions foster an environment where we can help one another grow closer to God and reflect His glory to the world outside.
1 Corinthians 5:13 Explanation and Commentary
In the context of 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses a specific situation of sexual immorality that had become evident among the members of the Corinthian church. It was not just any form of immorality but one that was widely accepted and even tolerated by someone in a position within the church. This in itself raised serious concerns. In Paul’s view, allowing such actions to continue unchecked would harm not only the individual but also the entire church. Our church community reflects our values, and when we allow compromised behavior to linger, we risk our witness and potentially draw others away from Christ.
The action Paul proposes—removing the wicked person from among them—was not meant to be punitive but rather restorative. The idea was to help the individual realize their need for repentance and ultimately restore them to righteous living. It serves as a reminder that we are not to let sin fester within our community. When we practice spiritual discipline among ourselves, we reinforce our commitment to living lives that honor God. This helps to maintain the testimony of the church before the surrounding world, reinforcing our identity as holy people called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light. This isn’t exclusive to just one type of sin; we are called to confront all manner of sin, engaging in loving and redemptive conversations with our fellow believers, embracing them in grace as we offer accountability.
Paul’s instruction does not give us the license to judge others haphazardly or to ostracize those who make mistakes. Rather, we are called to address sin out of love, for the purpose of accountability and fostering a path toward reconciliation with God. As we go about this process, we must remember that we all fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We are to approach those who might be struggling with grace and gentleness, keeping in mind our own vulnerabilities. In this way, we can build each other up instead of tearing down, creating an atmosphere filled with God’s love and mercy.
In essence, the call to remove the wicked person is a call to protect the integrity of the church and serve as a reflection of God’s heart for purity and restoration among His people. When we take this seriously, we embody our commitment to holiness and righteousness.
Context of 1 Corinthians 5:13
Understanding the context is essential to grasping the depth of 1 Corinthians 5:13. The Corinthian church was encountering various challenges, including divisions, moral degeneration, and strife, which prompted Paul to write them this letter. The specific issue at hand was a case of sexual immorality that was so extreme that even non-believers would have regarded it as unacceptable. Paul confronts the church for their complacent attitude toward this sin, highlighting that they were proud of their supposed tolerance, thinking it made them more advanced in wisdom or love.
In addressing the church, Paul highlights the importance of sexual morality in a broader context—it represents how closely we align with God’s standards. He reminds the Corinthians that as followers of Christ, they are called to be different from the culture around them. Our behavior should reflect the transformation that comes from knowing Jesus. The temptation to conform to societal norms and to allow sin to creep in under the guise of compassion can sabotage our Christian witness.
This call to action patiently teaches us about the balance between grace and truth. While we desire to minister to those in sin with compassion, we must also deal firmly with sin within our midst. This requires us to have courageous conversations and act when we witness wrongdoing in our community. Again, the goal is always restoration—bringing the errant person back into fellowship with God and His people once they turn from their sin.
In this case, Paul serves as a loving, yet firm shepherd who desires purity among God’s people and addresses their rosy view of sin. Understanding that this message comes
from a place of love and an earnest desire to see others restored invites us to follow a similar path in our encouragement of fellow believers. As we think about where we need to address issues in our own churches, it serves to remind us that cleaning up our own house is an essential aspect of our call to faith.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 Corinthians 5:13
In analyzing 1 Corinthians 5:13, a few key components stand out. The phrase “them that are without” refers to individuals who are outside the faith community—those who do not know Christ. Paul makes it clear that accountability is essential, yet God’s judgment over those who reject Him is distinct from our responsibility as believers. We concern ourselves with our spiritual family and how we should handle sin among us.
The call to “put away from among yourselves that wicked person” is a specific directive that demonstrates the seriousness of sin within the church. It presents a firm stance on the necessity of setting standards for behavior among believers. Here, Paul is advocating for a proactive approach to dealing with sin—underlining that it’s not just about pointing out wrongdoing, but actively working to rectify it for the sake of individual and corporate holiness.
This section of scripture is not about legalism or creating a culture of fear but serves as a loving reminder that as followers of Christ, we are held to a higher standard. We are to live lives that reflect God’s holiness and integrity. Through our actions, we demonstrate our commitment to the call of Christ, exemplifying what it means to be His disciples and showing the community what it looks like to genuinely follow Him. By doing so, we become a stronger body, empowered to embody the mission of God.
The underlying theme is accountability, and this is a journey we take as a collective. When one member suffers, we all suffer (1 Corinthians 12:26). Therefore, confronting sin is often calling someone back into the fold of blessing and correction. It is an opportunity for us to cultivate deeper relationships with one another, committed to the same pursuit of holiness. Through mutual accountability and care, we can ensure that our communities remain vibrant and effective representatives of God’s kingdom in the world.
Lessons to Learn From 1 Corinthians 5:13
1 Corinthians 5:13 provides many valuable lessons for us today. One notable lesson is about the necessity of maintaining holiness within our church community. This verse emphasizes that we hold responsibility toward our church family. If we aim to live out the Great Commission effectively, we must create an atmosphere of accountability which encourages spiritual growth and adherence to God’s standards. We are responsible for participating in a community that fosters the right environment for transformation and progression in faith.
Using a proactive approach, we learn to address sin compassionately but firmly. Approaching each other in love allows us to create a safe space for accountability, enabling others to feel comfortable discussing struggles without fear of condemnation. We might reflect on our own experiences—those times we appreciated someone confronting us with care. We can do the same for our brothers and sisters in Christ, fostering an environment where healing, restoration, and true discipleship can occur.
Another lesson we can glean is that true love means calling people into repentance when necessary. We might often be tempted to stay silent in fear of being unloving or judgmental. However, love does not shy away from truth, and it allows us to speak into each other’s lives. Forgiveness is a powerful aspect of grace, and sometimes, the act of addressing sin leads to healing and redemption for those involved. In doing so, we shouldn’t forget the importance of our approach—we must always be ready to extend love and support as they confront their struggles.
We also learn about the significance of community in spiritual growth. By surrounding ourselves with those who encourage righteousness, we build a support system that nurtures our faith journey. Accountability partners, mentors, or small groups become vital in this respect. Assessing our friendships becomes essential; are our relationships lifting us closer to Christ, or are they pulling us further away? We periodically evaluate our fellowship, assuring that we surround ourselves with people who excite us and edify our beliefs.
Lastly, we remind ourselves of our own imperfections. While it is our duty to stand firm against sin, we remain aware of our shortcomings. We can thus approach others with humility, recognizing our need for grace. This fosters an atmosphere of gentleness when we confront others and encourages those we support to do the same for us when necessary.
Final Thoughts
In closing, 1 Corinthians 5:13 calls us to accountability as a church. Paul’s message serves as a reminder that, tinged with love, confronting sin within our communities ultimately functions to protect and restore. While we lead others toward repentance and holiness, we must remember to cultivate our relationship with God and experience His grace. We aim to promote a community that reflects Christ’s love and righteousness. Reassessing how we handle sin and wrongdoing among us serves as an opportunity for transformation within our communities. We should always approach each other with love as we navigate these challenging waters and strive to become the body of believers God has called us to be.
As we exit this discussion, we invite you to explore other passages that may encourage your spiritual growth. For example, consider reading Joshua 10:16, a story highlighting God’s providence as He fights for His people. May you continue seeking out His Word as a source of strength and guidance. Remember, we journey together, hand in hand in faith.