“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. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves” (1 Corinthians 5:12-13).
Listen carefully. We are to judge those inside the fellowship, but note the judgement. This is not the judgement of eternal separation. This has to do with behavior. There is a behavior which is unacceptable. Such behavior should not be accepted in the church. Remove those who are doing wickedness and let the Lord do as He will. But within, be on guard against those who bring the world in.
Lord, I hear, “You should not judge,” so often. Help me to understand Your word that I may properly discern between right and wrong and stand firm upon what is right. Lead me in all of Your ways, O Lord, that I would hold fast to the truth of all that You have spoken. Guide me according to your word to be bold enough to confront those who bring the world into the fellowship.
Lord Jesus, You said that the world is already condemned, so I need not speak condemnation. But You have also given us many instructions concerning how we live with one another. Teach me first to always love and be motivated by love and not the hatred of the old Adam. Guide me to see through the wiles of the wicked one to live humbly and firmly in the truth You have spoken. Amen.
