We will be judged by the standard by which we judge. The abiding principle of Judging: Part I from Matthew chapter 7 was Let truth be the judge rather than ourselves.
The context for Judging Part II was 1 Corinthians 4. In it, we noted that the connotations regarding the term ‘judging’ are broad, spanning a continuum from discerning to condemning. To judge correctly, we need time and information, coupled with personal integrity, to make correct judgments. The final judgment will be by our Lord in His time.
The context for Judging: Part III is 1 Corinthians 5. The churches of Achaia and Attica were troubled by the culture in their day. The Corinthians worshipped the goddess Aphrodite, known for cultic practices including ritual prostitution. The Athenians worshipped Athena, the virgin goddess of purity. Microsoft Copilot notes the difference between the two:
The worship of Aphrodite and Athena reflected two vastly different aspects of ancient Greek life — sensuality versus intellect, emotion versus reason, and earthly pleasures versus civic virtue.
The contrasting worship of Aphrodite and Athena shaped cultural norms, gender roles, and moral expectations in Paul’s day—especially in cities like Corinth and Athens, where their cults were prominent.
This distinction is readily apparent in today’s culture. It is also appearing among churches. Many churches today eschew Church Covenants, choosing to be more inclusive, while others recognize the need to set standards of behavior for membership and require its members to live by them.
Paul was informed about a situation at Corinth involving an individual who was living with his father’s wife. (1 Cor 5:1). He noted that even society would reject this behavior, but the high-minded Corinthians overlooked it. His concern was about the effect this behavior would have on the church. Most of all, he was critical of the church leadership and their arrogance in thinking that overlooking such behavior was the correct course of action.
The correction he prescribed, excluding the individual from the fellowship, might seem harsh by today’s standards. But as God’s Church, we must hold to biblical standards requiring discernment and, at times, condemnation. Individuals involved in such behavior should be asked to leave the fellowship. This requires godly leaders who personally observe and know how to apply God’s standards. Such action may result in the offender’s salvation.
His instructions regarding the incident led to a misunderstanding by those who accepted the biblical lifestyle and rejected the cultural norms. This led them to mistakenly apply the biblical standards to outsiders. Paul corrects this misunderstanding:
But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he should be 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. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? (1 Cor 5:11-12)
Churches need to establish biblical standards of behavior for their membership, apply them in sincerity and truth, and let God be the judge of outsiders.