Therefore do not be partners with them.
Summary: Paul’s words in this passage are not popular in today’s world. Yet they are in the Bible, and they are consistent with the rest of God’s teachings. We are wise if we take Paul seriously on this point.
Introduction: Paul’s words touch on a delicate area of life for many churches today. Churches want to be welcoming to the unchurched, so we open the doors to everyone. As the saying goes, the church is not a place for perfect people. Paul is not talking about rejecting the “immoral” seekers who come in the door looking for help. He is referring to the people recognized as believers. He wants them to be following God’s ways, not going their own.
Paul has been writing about following God’s example (Eph 5:1), and he explains what behaviors we should avoid. In effect he says that not following God is ungodly. In a burst of blunt speaking, Paul says that no “immoral, impure or greedy person … has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” (Eph 5:5)
Paul adds that since “God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient” (Eph 5:6) “do not be …”, and then he adds the words, “partners with them.”
Almost a third of all English translations use the term “partners” for the word Paul used in Greek. Other translations use words and phrases like:
“So do not participate or even associate with them [in the rebelliousness of sin].” AMP
“So do not associate or be sharers with them.” AMPC
“Don’t even associate with such people.” TLB
Is Paul saying we should leave the world and hide on a mountaintop? No. He explains a little more clearly in his letter to the Corinthians. He writes:
“I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy … Do not even eat with such people.” (1 Corinthians 5:11)
Paul is being very explicit. When he says, “But among you (meaning the believers who are the church) there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality,” he is serious. Dead serious.
Why?
Many years ago, my wife and I attended a “mainstream” Lutheran church. At that time, the ELCA* was experimenting with rewriting church doctrine to encourage people Paul describes as “immoral” to be full members, even to the point of being pastors and bishops. I remember writing a long letter to our pastor asking how that would work.
I wondered what effect inviting openly immoral people to join would have on younger members of the congregation. I asked innocently, if this kind of doctrine wouldn’t simply encourage more immorality?
The response at that time was disturbing. I remember meeting with the pastor to discuss what I had written. He was concerned that immoral people wouldn’t feel loved if we followed Paul’s advice.
But isn’t that the point?
If they aren’t going to feel loved when they are condemned to hell in the next life, isn’t it better that they get a taste of that in this life? Or do we think we have the authority to override God’s rejection of immorality and give them a “pass”?
Application: Hold to our faith no matter what the world tells us to do.
Food for Thought: What is the difference between not partnering with the “immoral, impure or greedy person” and ministering to them?
*Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
I like the distinction you made between those in the church and those in the world.
If we are dealing with an immoral, impure or greedy person in the world, then we want to share the gospel. Jesus called us salt. Salt brings both flavor and is used as a preservative. We are also called light to shine in the darkness. We can’t be salt and light without being in contact with the world. Jesus modeled this well. He went to where the sinner is, but did not join the sin. He ministered with them as they sinned but did not engage in the sinful behavior itself. That is a good model for us.
As for in the church, even discipline ministers to the person by calling them back to right relationship with the Lord. So will still minister, but perhaps in a different way, assuming they are really believers in the church.
In either situation we invite people out of sin to a relationship with Jesus.
Rich,
I really like your summation: Either way we invite people out of sin into a right relationship with Jesus. Powerful and so true!!
Thank you!
08-12-2023, What is the difference between not partnering with the “immoral, impure or greedy person” and ministering to them?
1. ) In every action we choose to be led by the Spirit or led by our flesh. When a believer chooses to partner with another in any immoral action, they are choosing to exchange the supporting power and fellowship of Christ through the Holy Spirit, for the temporary support of another human, or group of humans.
Romans 1:25, They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
2. ) When a believer is called to minister to another who is living in sin, they are choosing to live by the Spirit of God as they allow Jesus Christ to minister to another through them.
2 Corinthians 3:6 And He has qualified us as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.
Galatians 5:16, But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.
Galatians 5:25, If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.
Ron,
Excellent point about focusing on God as our guiding light instead of other people. We can trust God eternally. People, not so much.
What is the difference between not partnering with the “immoral, impure or greedy person” and ministering to them?
The devotion today makes me think about Lot in Genesis. Lot settled “as far as Sodom” which was a city known for its immorality. When God decided to destroy Sodom, He sent two angels to rescue Lot, and when the Angels found him, he was sitting in the gates of Sodom. One has to ask, how did Lot go from settling near Sodom to hanging out inside Sodom? I believe he slowly made agreements about what was unacceptable and acceptable to God. Like little steps from outside the city to inside the gate. Partenerships are big agreements, usually involving a perception of benefit to both parties. It is important to always remember that God is the source of all things, His will is good and there can be no agreements “for the greater good.” Ministering is sharing. For the one who shares there is no earthly benefit for themselves.
Chris,
The reference to Lot and Sodom and Gomorrah is very appropriate.
Thank you!