Don’t Withdraw—Discern | 1 Corinthians 5:9-10

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Our text today is 1 Corinthians 5:9-10.

I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people — not at all meaning the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. — 1 Corinthians 5:9–10

Paul clears up a massive misunderstanding. The Corinthians assumed he meant, "Cut off contact with sinful people entirely." But that was never God’s strategy. We don’t reach the world by abandoning it, avoiding it, or hiding from it.

Paul’s point is far sharper: Christians are not commanded to avoid the world. Christians are commanded to discern the church.

Jesus Himself ate with sinners, welcomed sinners, and loved sinners. But Paul warns believers to be cautious around professing Christians who live openly in sin without repentance—those who claim Christ while rejecting His authority. That’s where the real threat lies.

Unbelievers acting like unbelievers doesn’t corrupt the church. Believers acting like unbelievers without shame does. When the church begins to affirm what God condemns, the confusion spreads. The witness weakens. The church slowly becomes the very culture it’s called to rescue.

That’s why Paul says you’d “have to leave the world” to avoid sinners outside the faith. The danger isn’t out there. The danger is when what’s out there walks into the church, refuses to repent, and finds applause instead of correction. Your mission is in the world—your discernment is in the church.

So be wise about who shapes your spiritual life. Move toward unbelievers with compassion and conviction. But be cautious with believers who live in open rebellion while claiming the name of Christ. Discernment isn’t harsh—it’s holy. It protects your heart. It protects your relationships. And it protects the church you love.

DO THIS:

Evaluate your closest Christian relationships. Deepen connections with believers who strengthen your walk with Christ, and set boundaries with those who pull you away.

ASK THIS:

1. Who influences my spiritual life the most right now?
2. Are they pushing me toward Christ or pulling me toward compromise?
3. Where do I need to practice healthier discernment?

PRAY THIS:

Father, give me wisdom to love the world like Jesus did while discerning the church like Paul taught. Guard my heart, shape my relationships, and keep me faithful to You. Amen.

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