Holy God Healthy Church Part 3 Series

Chico Alliance Church

Pastor David Welch

“Holy God Healthy Church” Part Three

1 Corinthians 5:1-13

Review

I. Reproof for fleshly behavior 1-6

A. Reproof for a divided church 1-4

B. Reproof for a defiled church 5

1. Paul concisely exposed the sin

a) Sin in the church - immorality

b) Sin of the church -- arrogance

2. Paul clearly explained a Biblical response to the sinner 3-5

a) Paul severely judged the erring member

b) Soundly admonished the erring church to deal with the sin

(1) Remove the sinner from inside the church 6b-8

• An arrogant attitude is not good

• Unaddressed sin breeds more sin

• Deal with sin in order to demonstrate the righteousness of Christ

• Christ died to make us clean on the inside.

• Continually celebrate the Lord’s Supper with sincerity and truth not the old sins.

• Remove the sin from the church

(2) Disassociate with the sinner outside the church.

• You can’t avoid associating with unbelieving sinners

I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world.

The word associate means to mix up together with or hang out with as close friends.

It is in the present, continuous tense.

• We must disassociate with those who continually sin and still claim to be believers.

But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one.

This list contains all the previously mentioned sins of the world and adds two more.

We should be demonstrating a different lifestyle. Paul does not say that we should disassociate with anyone who has ever done something immoral or coveted or put something else before God or said some mean things or have taken a drink or even perhaps got drunk or cheated someone else. Paul does say to disassociate with those whose life becomes identified with such behavior. A drunkard is different than one who drinks. An idolater is different than one who in a weak moment chose things over God.

Our lives and character are to constantly be changing into the “unleavened” people we are. In order to do that, believers must understand the gravity of claiming to be believers and living like unbelievers. The disassociation from the community of believers has a purpose.

It reinforces the gravity of their sin and its impact in the body.

It illustrates what separation from God feels like.

Sinning elders are to be publicly exposed so that others will deal with their sin.

Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning. 1 Tim. 5:20

It is not the only place Paul calls for such a response to erring believers.

But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. 2 Tim. 3:1-5

Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them. Romans 16:17

For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.

If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and ?do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 2 Thes. 3:10-15

But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. ? Reject a factious man after a first and second warning, knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned. Titus 3:9-11

• We must judge those within the church NOT outside.

For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. 9-13a