In his first letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul made it clear to them that they must abandon everything that was sinful before the Lord, especially all immorality. Paul said that God judges those who are within the ways, but those who are outside will be separated from us for being wicked.
The church at Corinth was being corrected by Paul to walk uprightly before God, turning away from their evil ways, because they did not belong to the world, and those of the world will be punished by God.
Therefore, the title of this article reflects what God will do with those who are outside:
But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
1 Corinthians 5:13
Many in the town were disordered before God, and so we see the words of the apostle Paul addressing this church through this letter.
Those who are judged by God for their evil behavior will be set apart and punished for their sins, for their wickedness, and because they try to lead astray all those who are right before God.
It is important that you remain firm and have good conduct before the Lord, so that you will not be one of those who will be set apart and cast out for their evil ways.
To understand the depth of Paul’s words, it is necessary to remember the context in which this letter was written. Corinth was a city known for its moral corruption, excesses, and practices that openly contradicted the holiness of God. Many believers had come out of that environment, but some were still clinging to old habits, tolerating sin within the congregation as if grace were a license to continue in wrongdoing.
Paul makes a clear distinction between those who belong to the body of Christ and those who live outside of it. He does not encourage believers to judge the world in a self-righteous manner; instead, he teaches that God Himself is the judge of those who are outside. However, within the church, there must be discipline, correction, and a sincere commitment to holiness, because the people of God are called to reflect His character.
The apostle’s exhortation to “put away” the wicked person is not an act of hatred, but one of spiritual responsibility. Allowing persistent sin to remain unaddressed can contaminate the entire congregation, weaken faith, and distort the testimony of the church before the world. God desires a people who walk in truth, integrity, and obedience, not one that compromises with darkness.
This teaching also serves as a warning to every believer. Sin is never neutral; it separates, hardens the heart, and leads people away from the presence of God. Those who persist in wickedness, refusing correction and repentance, place themselves under divine judgment. God is patient and merciful, but His justice will ultimately prevail.
At the same time, this passage calls us to examine our own lives carefully. Are we tolerating attitudes, actions, or thoughts that displease the Lord? Are we justifying what God clearly condemns? Paul’s words remind us that belonging to Christ means living differently, walking in the light, and seeking holiness in every area of life.
Remaining firm before the Lord requires humility, repentance, and a constant dependence on God’s grace. It is not about perfection, but about a sincere desire to obey and to be transformed by the Holy Spirit. When the church lives in obedience, it becomes a powerful testimony of God’s truth and love.
In conclusion, the message of this passage is both corrective and hopeful. God judges those who are outside, but He also calls His people to live as a holy community, separated from sin and devoted to righteousness. By heeding Paul’s instruction, believers can walk securely in God’s will and avoid the judgment that comes upon those who persist in wickedness.