0:00 Introduction
0:34 When Scripture Says "Do Not Associate"
2:28 Is This Church Discipline?
4:44 The "So-Called Brother" (1 Cor 5)
6:30 Scenario: Can I Eat with a Sinning Friend?
7:22 Changing the Nature of the Relationship
9:00 Scenario: Unrepentant Family at Holidays
11:24 Scenario: When Members Leave the Church Angrily
14:57 Avoid Such People: Spiritual Predators
Related Sermons
An Orderly Church: https://youtu.be/E4Ktbk-4ciE
The Purity of the Church: https://youtu.be/LB4zvsUz7Q4
Lovers of What?: https://youtu.be/Syf2mrWn-Lw
The Discipline of the Church - Pt 1: https://youtu.be/-12rncoKYO0
The Discipline of the Church - Pt 2: https://youtu.be/-l0afHlAOck
The Correction of God's Children - Pt.1: https://youtu.be/vr95gDXKUmA
The Correction of God's Children - Pt 2: https://youtu.be/tyYWm39i-YU
The Correction of God's Children - Pt 3: https://youtu.be/0C_vCdW0qHc
Is it ever right for a Christian to stop hanging out with another Christian? What if that person is a close friend or even a family member? Does the Bible actually command us to have nothing to do with certain people? How does this apply to family gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas? Should we distance, disfellowship, and completely separate ourselves from those who are unrepentant in sin? And, if we do this, how do we then go about restoring a fallen brother or sister? This week on the Straight Truth Podcast, host Dr. Josh Philpot asks Dr. Richard Caldwell these difficult questions regarding biblical relationships and boundaries. They discuss several passages in the New Testament where the Apostles command the church to withdraw from those who are walking in unrepentant sin. Join us and listen in to hear how the Bible directs us to navigate challenging relationship issues with discernment and wisdom.
Dr. Caldwell explains that while these commands can feel harsh to our modern ears, they are grounded in love and the holiness of God. When the Bible speaks of dealing with sin in the church, it is often describing a form of church discipline. Referencing 2 Thessalonians 3 and 1 Corinthians 5, Dr. Caldwell notes that Paul writes not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person. Dr. Caldwell clarifies that this does not mean we separate from the world. We are called to be lights in the world and to evangelize the lost. However, this command applies to professing believers who are living in open, unrepentant rebellion against God. As a body of believers, we are called to judge those within, with discernment and wisdom. We cannot continue to have Christian fellowship with them as if nothing is wrong. To do so would be to validate their sin and deceive them about their spiritual state. This is what it means to practice biblical wisdom and tough love in the church. But if church discipline becomes necessary, the goal is not to condemn and punish, the goal is to restore.
But how does this work practically? What about separating from friends we have known for decades? Dr. Philpot asks if we can still have lunch with a friend who is under discipline or has maybe left the church because of a disagreement over a sin issue. Dr. Caldwell responds, saying that the nature of the relationship, by necessity must change if we care about their soul. You cannot have casual fellowship, talking about sports or the weather, while ignoring the elephant in the room. If you love them, you must love them enough to tell them the truth. The interaction should be focused on calling them to repentance. If they refuse to listen, they are to be treated as an unbeliever, becoming an evangelism project rather than a partner in fellowship.
The conversation then turns to the sensitive topic of family boundaries. Dr. Caldwell addresses whether we should invite family members living in sinful lifestyles, such as homosexuality or cohabitation, to family and holiday gatherings. He argues that we must not compromise our testimony or the atmosphere of our home, especially when children are present. We cannot affirm their sin by pretending their relationship is valid. While we should not cut off all contact with estranged family members, and we should seek to share the gospel, there are times when we must draw a line. This helps us in avoiding toxic people, even those family members who might influence our households negatively.
Dr. Caldwell also touches on how to handle church conflict involving those who leave the church in anger or slander the leadership. He warns against validating the divisiveness of disgruntled members. Furthermore, the discussion moves to 2 Timothy 3 and the warning to avoid spiritual predators. These are people who have the appearance of godliness but deny its power, often preying on the vulnerable. Dr. Caldwell reminds us that false teachers and those who oppose the truth are to be avoided entirely.
In all these scenarios, the goal is not to be mean-spirited but to honor Christ. We cannot act like spiritual issues are nothing.