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. 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. 1 Corinthians 5:9-11
Jesus said we were to be “in the world, but not of it”. Paul says the same thing. We associate with all kinds of lost people. The one’s he says from whom we should part company, are so-called believers who are unregenerate. Why would Paul make a distinction? Because those who take the name of Jesus and do not allow His Spirit to transform them are actually detrimental to the witness of Christ. This is the danger of the Gospel heard, but not heeded. Its doubly deceptive.
How about me? Is there immorality, covetousness, idolatry, reviling or drunkenness in my life?
God, I want to be controlled by You and be a witness that shines with the light of love and a reflection of the transforming power of the gospel. Oh have Your perfect work in me.
