Biblical Boundaries: 1 Corinthians 5:9-13
I felt really led in my personal reading today to share: 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 (TPT; ESV)
Verbiage Trigger Warning: “Sexual Immorality” “Drunkard” “Judgement” “Evil” “Abuse” “Exclusion”
I first want to begin, in my first publishing of biblical exegesis (study of the bible), that my intended audience is for the believer and professing follower of Jesus. Exegesis is challenging for all, it should be, because it is meant to, and I want it to: provoke thoughts and questions.
Context: Paul is addressing previous writing. The Bible is paradoxical, anyone who denies the contradiction in it might still be young in their faith and understanding. Have grace. Saying this, Paul clarifies it in this section. He does this because it was and still is a sensitive subject: sexuality and sin. But this is not the focus of this study. I am here to write about:
BIBLICAL BOUNDARIES
My focus in professional counseling is relationships. Boundaries are important not just because it is a new cultural awareness and supported by psychologists, but because it is also how Christ-followers should walk in love together. Boundaries ARE loving someone, and as we may all know, love is not always easy.
Let’s get in the passage:
1. Paul debunks the myth that we should be separated from those who are not Christian
v. 9-10 (TPT) “I wrote you in my previous letter asking you not to associate with those who practice sexual immorality. Yet in no way was I referring to avoiding contact with unbelievers who are immoral, or greedy, or swindlers, or those who worship other gods—for that would mean you’d have to isolate yourself from the world entirely!”
Not only is separating yourself from those with different beliefs impossible, it is not biblical teaching or Jesus-like living. If we, as Christians are a light to this world [Matthew 5:14], because we believe in and share the light of the Son of God, we will be seen by all the world and we are called to combat the darkness in it. Hate only brings more darkness. Avoidance is not love. Staying in your safe bubble your entire life is not the commission we are called to.
2. The hard line
v. 11 (TPT) “But now I am writing to you so that you would exclude from your fellowship anyone who calls himself a fellow believer and practices sexual immorality, or is consumed with greed, or is an idolater, or is verbally abusive or a drunkard or a swindler. Don’t mingle with them or even have a meal with someone like that”
I know.. a little harsh, but bear with me. If your friend, family member, or even a leader is living in a way that not only damages their life but yours and others, it is a biblical discipline to separate. Not to hate, not to shame, but to set a boundary. I emphasize that these are people who confess to be loving Jesus and confess to living like Jesus, but are not following through. Draw the hard line even if only for a short time.
I urge you to use discernment here. Pray. Seek guidance. Do not just cut people left and right just yet. Setting boundaries is a painful move that has been very difficult for me in the past. I for one, used to be the type to give chance after chance and let anyone come into my life and take what they want. Until I found myself in abusive relationships where people would do anything to keep what they take from me. It was manipulative, abusive, and stole the truth from me. God wants us to fight for ourselves too.
3. Keep it in the family
v. 12-13 (TPT) “What right do I have to pronounce non-believers? That’s God’s responsibility. But those who are inside the church family are our responsibility to discern and judge. So it’s your duty to remove that wicked one from you”
Before you start throwing stones, know it’s not our job. It’s not how we must be light. But it is our duty to uphold those next to us who carry the call. Do so in love, in Spirit, in a steadfast confidence in God and not our logic or emotions. If I had to diagnose this issue, I’d say that these believers need some rehabilitating time with God alone, need to meet with someone to process, or needs the time to figure it out. They need grace and are most likely hurting from something else. But you are allowed to remove yourself from the crossfire. No person is anyone’s savior, and if they say they have Jesus, push your loved ones toward Him.
Try Jesus, don’t try me.
AD