The term wicked suggests that one of two spiritual conditions is present. Either an individual has become poisoned by evil. Or the moral state within a human heart has become corrupted, spreading like gangrene within their soul. In both cases, the conscience designed to convict wrong actions, behavior and choices has stopped working properly. Those teetering on the brink of temptation are vulnerable, at risk of opening the Devil’s Door. Unless these sinful urges are resisted, common sense will disappear, replaced by enticement and a lust for more.
What [business] of mine is it and what right have I to judge outsiders? Is it not those inside [the church] upon whom you are to pass disciplinary judgment [passing censuring sentence on them as the facts require]? – 1 Corinthians 5:12
When these conditions are present, it won’t be long before the righteous and unrighteous will meet at the intersection of sin. In the context of the passage above, a believer and non-believer partake in a shocking sex scandal. Instead of accusing an unbelieving mother, the apostle Paul places the blame on a wayward Christian who disregarded a vow to put to death his former way of life. This unfortunate event gives Paul an opportunity to discuss the biblical view of judging others. As a former high school Bible teacher, judging is one of the most misunderstood concepts today.
God alone sits in judgment on those who are outside. Drive out that wicked one from among you [expel him from your church], 1 Corinthians 5:13.
Since atheists, the worldly and un-churched haven’t accepted or believe in the Bible, they follow different standards. Subsequently, Paul states that only God is allowed to judge those outside of church. As for Christians who have been baptized, made statements of faith and verbally profess a desire to follow Jesus, the church is the forum for judging believers. The purpose for church discipline isn’t to shun the wicked. Rather, Jesus introduces a 3 step process for the wayward, Matthew 18:15-18. Known as the Matthew 18 principle, this is God’s plan for driving out wickedness.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 