What does Paul say the church should do with a wicked person in its midst?
Paul says the church should put away from among yourselves that wicked person. This comes after dealing with them, seeking to help them recognize and confess their sin and get victory over it. If they refuse, they are to be put aside until they come to their senses.
Les explains that the church’s responsibility is not to judge the unsaved outside; God judges those without, and that is His prerogative, never ours. But within the church environment, Paul says to put away from among yourselves that wicked person. Les clarifies this is after having dealt with them and trying to get them to recognize their sin, confess it, and get victory over it. If they refuse and will not, then Paul says to put them aside until they come to their senses. Earlier, Les also says restoration should be done in a spirit of meekness, not pride, realizing we also could be tempted and fall into the same trap, since none are totally immune. Believers are to bear one another’s burdens and help others overcome weaknesses, encouraging them that there is no need to be a Christian failure or to constantly live in sin.
But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.