Brother, You're Not Welcome Here
Have you ever heard of a deacon who's having an affair with the choir director? A pastor who's sleeping with his secretary? A Sunday school teacher or small group leader who's also a "closet" alcoholic? What about somebody who's active in your church and just as active at mooching off the people in the church? Maybe a worship leader or elder who doesn't struggle with porn because the fact is, they're addicted to it?
In the name of "love," churches and the people in them often tolerate these things. It's not that we don't notice, but nobody wants to confront, so we talk about it and pray for those that are involved - that things will change. Well, Paul says that a limp-wristed, sissy way of dealing with it.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 5:11 the following, "But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler--not even to eat with such a one." [ESV]
So, you notice blatant and CONSISTENT sin in the life of people in your church? Guess what, you have a responsibility to point out their sin. If they repent, great. But if they persist, grow up and tell them they are not welcome anymore. They cannot claim to be a believer and yet live like a heathen. And if they do insist on continuing in sin and remaining a part of your fellowship...you don't just "love the sinner and hate the sin," you get rid of the sinner who is pretending they're a fellow believer. Get them out of your life and have nothing to do with them. Paul goes so far as to say don't even share a meal with them.
Seems pretty clear cut. So what are you gonna do?
Created over 1 year ago
