Everyone has areas of responsibility. Let’s use our workplace as an example. In my job, I have certain areas that I am responsible for. Tasks that I need to do, things to watch for and address, along with being present during specific times. But some responsibilities belong to others. Understanding that will help us consider a clarification in his letter to Corinth.
Paul wrote, “When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. I meant that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a believer yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or is a drunkard, or cheats people. Don’t even eat with such people. It isn’t my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say, “You must remove the evil person from among you.”” (1 Corinthians 5:9–13, NLT)
To begin with, Paul wisely clarifies that we are not called to disassociate with unbelieving sinners. Firstly, It is impossible to totally avoid worldly folks. Second, they are the ones we desire to encounter Jesus Christ. Near the end, Paul reminds us that it is not our responsibility to judge unbelievers; that belongs to God.
Paul does, however, strongly advise that it is our responsibility to judge those inside the church. 1st Corinthians is not a pastoral letter written to leaders; its stated audience is the “church.” So, when Paul says, “It certainly is your responsibility to judge those inside the church who are sinning,” he is taking a wide view. But here, we must be wise and remember that we are first called to judge ourselves, extend grace and mercy, and give room for the Holy Spirit to work.
Paul’s sin list in this context includes sexual sins, greed, people who cheat for gain, idol worshippers, those abusive in speech or actions, and drunkards. These items are objectively broad enough to encompass everyone at one time or another. For instance, idols can be anything we elevate above God. That could be anything from a real idol to an ideal or desire. Some of these require time to walk away from; most alcoholics don’t leave their addiction behind in a day.
This calls for a sliding scale of grace. Those new in faith are allowed a huge helping of grace as they begin to grow into their new life in Christ. Those called and recognized as leaders receive less grace in this. First, they should have matured past these before taking leadership responsibility. The second is that leaders set an example for others to follow. Thus, as James said, “Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.” (James 3:1, NLT)
This is where we must rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit. There are times to take the long view, extend grace, and support someone trapped in sin. We’ve all been there. Maybe some of us still are. There are also times, although much rarer, when, for the good of the body, we must “remove the evil person from among you.” But let me add, there should also be an open door and great hope for the lost one to return. That, too, is an extension of grace.
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