So-Called Believers

I read something interesting in my devotion time this morning. It seems as if God is speaking to me lately about the world, the things of and in the world, and how it affects a Christian.

This passage is part of what I read this morning, and I had to read it twice to get what it meant. Then I had to go read the notes, because I thought I understood it, but wanted to be sure.

1 Corinthians 5:9-13 (NASB)

⁹ I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; ¹⁰ 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. ¹¹ 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. ¹² For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? ¹³ But those who are outside, God judges. Remove the wicked man from among yourselves.

Basically, if a person calls themselves a Believer (“so-called brother”), but indulges in sin, then Believers are called not to associate with them. The notes in my Bible say the sin that is explicitly forbidden in scripture, and also that the person rationalizes their behavior.

Do you know anyone like this? I do. I’ve had several people in my life who have behaved this way and have since cut them out of my life. One person seemed to always believe it was everyone else’s fault when things happened in her living situation, but she did not get that she was the common denominator.

The other sins… immoral, covetous, idolater, reviler, drunkard or swindler… Believers are not even supposed to have meals with these types.

This does NOT say do not associate with non-believers. How are those people supposed to hear from God if Believers don’t tell them? This passage is specifically directed towards the so-called Believer that wants to live in the world, and take part in worldly pleasures, but rationalizes their behavior and actions.