Everyone in the church knows it’s wrong, but this person is such an important part of the congregation. What can you do?
The rules aren’t different based on who you are. For some reason the church at Corinth has a case of adultery that they are proud of. maybe it came about in an unexpected way…it doesn’t matter, really. It’s wrong, and Paul has called them on it. The church had become so confused on the issue that they were happy about it instead of sad.
You probably know of similar situations in your own church. The role of the believer isn’t to attend a perfect church, but to point out ways in which the church you attend can become more like Jesus. I wouldn’t leave until the leaders of the church refuse to reflect Christ. If they reject Godly principles, then it might be time to leave.
However, Paul isn’t talking about YOU leaving, he wants the offending party put out of the church.
Here’s what that looks like:
Someone notices a transgression within the church. Maybe it’s an affair, or a sharp tongue, or anger, or unforgiveness. The person who has recognized the issue approaches the offending party and tries to help bring the offender back to obedience. This must be done in love, and with compassion. If he person approached responds favorably, then it isn’t ever mentioned again. If they refuse to change, or deny that what they are doing is even wrong, then the matter is referred to the leaders of the church. If the person refuses to listen to the leaders of the church, then they are to be expelled from the congregation.
(Matthew 18) In my experience, the people who refuse to change leave the church when confronted. The problem is, they simply go and insert themselves into another church, reinvent themselves and begin again. It really is tragic. Doubly tragic, because they don’t break contact with the rest of the congregation outside of church.
In any case, if a person refuses to listen to godly leaders, your congregation is better without them. In fact, when they leave voluntarily, it gives them some “benefit of the doubt”. No one can look at them and say “this person was discharged for a specific sin”. In a way, their leaving helps them to reinvent themselves elsewhere.
Either way, Paul is adamant that those who refuse to follow godly instruction should be dismissed. It reminds me of the passage in Revelation where Jesus says “I wish you were either hot or cold”.
Desiring “hot” and “obedient”,
PR