For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore "put away from yourselves the evil person." (vs12-13)
The Lord has cleansed us and made us new creations. Anyone professing the gospel, having been baptized under the message of Christ and called brother, who does not live godly is to be separated from. We warn them, then we wait patiently, but if there is no repentance, then they are barred from Christian fellowship. Paul says clearly, “Put away from yourselves the evil person”. The sinner is welcome, but the SAINT is one that's been made new, whereby sin doesn't reign.
The church, therefore, is a place of accountability and order. I cannot say, “Saved by grace, so I don't have to obey God”. I must believe, “Saved by grace, so I can obey”. That's the difference. How we view sin is the real determination of our relationship with God. If we think little of it, it is because we don't see the glory of Christ and the standard of God. If we despise sin and yet love people, then we bear the goodness and holiness of God. You who have been saved are a new lump. You've been devoted to God by faith in the work of Christ. Do not be as others. Love people and tell them that Christ makes them holy, by living it yourself.
First, mercy casts men out of the church, tells them the truth, and demands holiness of character (1 Cor 5:4-5). We read, “deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus”. This isn't self-righteousness or works religion. This is doing good to people by telling them the standard is REAL, so they can trust Christ for real, so they can be saved. A doctor is wise and loving to tell the truth, rather than smile and watch the patient die. We need to know that we're condemned sinners, if we'll be saved, casting all on Christ. And, we must KNOW that Christ REALLY changes people, so we can CAST ALL on Christ for newness of life also. Just as we trust Him for pardon, trust Him for cleansing.
Secondly, the basis of new life is Christ Himself (1 Cor 5:7). Paul says, “purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us”. He succeeded, so we have His glory that should follow.
He didn't come to do half the work and leave the rest to us, but He does everything, and it is RECEIVED by faith. You can't be saved without TRUSTING Him to atone for you. You also walk in new life by trusting His atonement to earn the power of the Spirit, the holy nature within, and the innumerable mercies and promises of God. The gospel is complete, and we receive all of it. The war of faith is real, but God gives us the Holy Spirit because Christ died for us, and we conquer sin.
Thirdly, we must be strict and unbending in regards to doctrine and conduct, receiving sinners, showing mercy to all who repent, but not allowing the doctrine of God to be blasphemed by our behavior (vs9-11). He says, “I wrote unto you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people... But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner – not even to eat with such a person”. Be pure and zealous for Christ, so much so that you and I separate from what dishonors Him. We are not halfhearted Christians taking half the word and doing as we see fit, manifesting pride, but we are devoted to His honor, rather than our own. We seek the souls of men, rather than mere pleasure. We want Christ to be honored and souls saved, even if it costs us friends. We are the church, the new creations, the body of Christ, and we live demanding that all come to real repentance, not because we're mean, but in the image of Him who saved us.
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