TUESDAY, MAY 30
1 Corinthians 5:11-13
2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

"But now I have written unto you
not to keep company…"

BIBLICAL SEPARATION FROM BELIEVERS

A different rule applies to professing believers who are wilfully disobedient and unrepentant. The command here is for the Corinthian Christians not to have any close fellowship with them. The extent of this separation goes to the extent of not even having a meal with them.

Who must the Corinthian Christians separate from? (1) Fornicators – those who are heavily involved in sexual indiscretions and immorality. (2) Those who have an inordinate love of money or the things of this world, and are thus greedy of gain. (3) Idolaters – those who worship idols, whether physical or of the heart. (4) Railer – one who abuses others using his speech, a quarrelsome man. (5) Drunkard – someone who is addicted to alcohol. (6) Extortioner – one who is a ravenous robber. 2 Thessalonians 3 adds another category consisting of those who are idle and busybodies and refuse to work for a living.

The purpose of this separation lies in the restoration of the erring brother. It is to the shame of the offending brother that not one of the believing community would have a meal with him (2 Thess 3:14). It is hoped that being shut out of sweet fellowship would cause him to reflect on his ways and repent. "And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother" (2 Thess 3:14-15). This is a disciplinary measure that is geared towards restoration rather than destruction.

The test will come, however, when the erring brother is a loved one or a family member. Can we set aside our emotions and passions to do what is best for the spiritual state of our loved ones? Always be on the side of truth!

THOUGHT: Faithful are the wounds of a friend.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to do what is best for my friends.