Christians behaving like unbelievers

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord. We thank God for today and for His rest, that regardless of the day of the week and the busyness of each day, we can find our rest and peace in Him. Glory be to God.

Primary Text

“But now I write to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of [Christian] brother if he is known to be guilty of immorality or greed, or an idolater [whose soul is devoted to any object that usurps the place of God], or is a person with a foul tongue [railing, abusing, reviling, slandering] or is a drunkard or a swindler or a robber. [No] you must not so much as eat with such a person.” 1 Corinthians 5v11 (AMP)

Paul spoke previously about relating with unbelievers, saying: “When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that.” 1 Corinthians 5v9-10 (NLT). But what is one to do when someone calls his or herself a Christian, but then is acting as an unbeliever? Paul gives the response in the primary text above. On the one hand, if one is an unbeliever, it is clear-cut that they do not have the Spirit of Christ, and so are not empowered to please God. But if someone calls himself a Christian and is immoral, greedy, cheating, drunkard, swindler, robber…. Paul says, do not associate with the person. Romans 16v17 (NIV) says “I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them” while Titus 3v10-11 (AMP) says “[As for] a man who is factious [a heretical sectarian and cause of divisions], after admonishing him a first and second time, reject [him from your fellowship and have nothing more to do with him], Well aware that such a person has utterly changes (is perverted and corrupted); he goes on sinning [though he] is convicted of guilt and self-condemned.” One reason I can see from this is in 1 Corinthians 15v33 (AMP) which says “Do not be so deceived and misled! Evil companionships (communion, associations) corrupt and deprave good manners and morals and character.” And perhaps the fellow will become so ashamed and change his or her ways.

Supplementary Text

“Now we charge you, brethren, in the name and on the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) that you withdraw and keep away from every brother (fellow believer) who  is slack in the performance of duty and is disorderly, living as a shirker and not walking in accord with the traditions and instructions that you have received from us … But if anyone [in the church] refuses to obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.” 2 Thessalonians 3v6&14 (AMP)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You so much for this day. We thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness. We thank You for the body of Christ. We pray for Your church o God, that we as members will each bring glory to You. We pray for those who are called Christians but leave as though they do not know You. Please Lord speak to them the way only You can. We give You glory, honor, and adoration now and forevermore in Jesus name, amen.