A Little Leaven Leavens the Whole Lump

In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul is addressing the church about abstaining from fellowship with sexually immoral people in the church. Paul clarifies he is talking about members of the church, because he says in

1 Cor 5:10 "Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world."

Paul knew it would be impossible for a Christian to avoid contact or fellowship with immoral people in the world that is why Jesus said "Go into the world and preach the gospel." in Mark 16:15; and Paul said,

Romans 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and the perfect will of God.

It also appears in verse 12-13 that the person who Paul was talking about had left the church and was trying to cause trouble Paul says it is not up to him to judge those who are outside and asked if they judge those who are inside. Then in verse 13 Paul says "those who are outside God judges. Therefore put way from yourselves the evil person."

Paul makes it clear in verse 11 not to have fellowship with a brother, meaning fellow Christian who is immoral. The reason for this is because I've seen so many times when a Christian is doing something in his life that is questionable and then when one of his friends knows hes doing it then excuses it for himself. This can spread like wild fire and before you know it everyone in a group is involved in the same sin. It is important to pray for these people and reach out to them but not go out for a beer to talk over their problems or you may find yourself excusing their sin for yourself.

If you are living right your friend who is in obvious sin will not feel comfortable being around you because they will know that you are strong in your position and won't accept their sin. This is not a bad thing, remember to let them know you are praying for them and last but not least do not tell them it is ok. The last thing you need is for your friend to excuse their sin because you told them it was ok, or they feel comfortable sinning around you or with you.