An Expository Study on 1 Corinthians 5:10–13 (KJV)
📖 Introduction
One of the greatest tensions for the believer is this:
How do we live in a dark world without becoming part of its darkness?
Paul answers this by drawing a clear line—not between us and sinners in the world, but between us and those claiming to be brethren while living in unrepentant sin.
This passage is not about arrogance or spiritual pride. It is about spiritual purity, church discipline, and the responsibility of God’s people to maintain His standard inside His house.
Let us examine it closely.
📜 The Scripture (Full KJV Text)
“Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?
But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.”
— 1 Corinthians 5:10–13 (KJV)
1️⃣ NOT SEPARATION FROM THE WORLD — BUT SEPARATION UNTO GOD
Paul begins by clarifying that God does not expect believers to run away from sinners in society.
If that were the instruction, we would need to leave the world entirely.
Jesus Himself ate with sinners.
We work with them, do business with them, travel with them, and live among them.
Why?
Because the world is our evangelism field.
The issue is not proximity, but participation.
We can love sinners and still hate sin.
We can walk among them without walking like them.
2️⃣ THE REAL WARNING: A SINNING ‘BROTHER’ WHO REFUSES REPENTANCE
The Holy Spirit, through Paul, now shifts focus:
“If any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner — with such an one no not to eat.”
This is not talking about a weak believer who is fighting temptation.
This is about someone who:
claims to be in Christ has embraced a lifestyle of sin refuses correction, counsel, or repentance
In such cases, the Bible commands:
✨ “Do not keep company… do not eat with such a one.”
Why is Scripture so firm?
Because fellowship is influence, and shared communion signifies shared life.
Wrong fellowship weakens conviction.
It normalizes sin.
It spreads pollution among God’s people like leaven.
3️⃣ THE CHURCH MUST JUDGE ITS OWN — GOD JUDGES THE WORLD
Paul continues:
“Do not ye judge them that are within?
But them that are without God judgeth.”
The church is responsible for discipline inside, not condemnation outside.
God alone judges unbelievers.
But believers, through spiritual authority and love, must judge:
conduct, doctrine, disorder, corruption, and sin inside the church.
Judgment here means discernment, accountability, correction, and restoration—not condemnation.
4️⃣ WHY SUCH STRICTNESS? FOR THE PURITY OF THE BODY
“Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.”
This is not cruelty.
This is kingdom hygiene.
Allowing unrepentant sin inside the church:
confuses new believers, weakens spiritual authority, opens doors to demonic activity, invites God’s displeasure, and corrupts others like leaven (1 Cor 5:6).
God’s house must reflect God’s character.
Holiness is not an option; it is an identity.
5️⃣ WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO TODAY’S CHURCH?
✔ Separate sin from the saints, not sinners from society.
✔ Don’t avoid unbelievers—shine among them.
✔ Don’t fellowship with a “brother” who mocks repentance.
✔ Use discernment in spiritual relationships.
✔ Honour God’s standard in God’s house.
✔ Hold each other accountable in love and truth.
A church without discipline is a church without direction.
🙏 SALVATION PRAYER
If you have not surrendered your life to Jesus, pray this prayer sincerely:
“Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I acknowledge that I am a sinner who needs Your mercy. I believe You died for me and rose again for my salvation. Today, I repent of my sins and receive You as my Lord and Saviour. Wash me with Your blood, make me a new creature, and give me the power to live for You all my days. Amen.”
If you prayed this prayer, welcome to the family of God!
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The Message Bearer (SmilingPreacher), Cornelius Bella
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