II Corinthians 5:6-13

“For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?” (v12). The Corinthians had misunderstood Paul’s teaching. He had warned them against associating with sinners, but he did not mean “the sexually immoral of this world, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world” (v10); instead, he wanted them to avoid unrepentant, immoral “Christians” (v11). Rather than pointing fingers at outsiders, Paul wanted the Corinthians to focus on their own behavior.

“God judges those outside” (v13). Our testimony to outsiders will be powerful and credible when our own words, behavior, and attitudes reflect Jesus.