Topical Bible: Christian Conduct: Shunning the Wicked

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The concept of shunning the wicked is a significant theme in Christian conduct, emphasizing the importance of maintaining purity and holiness within the community of believers. This practice is rooted in the desire to uphold the integrity of the faith and to protect the church from moral and spiritual corruption.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides several passages that instruct believers to distance themselves from those who engage in wickedness. In 1 Corinthians 5:11, the Apostle Paul writes, "But now I am writing you not to associate with anyone who claims to be a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or verbal abuser, a drunkard or swindler. With such a man do not even eat." This directive underscores the necessity of separating from those who persist in sinful behavior while claiming to be part of the Christian community.

Similarly, 2 Thessalonians 3:6 advises, "Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother who leads an undisciplined life and not according to the tradition you received from us." This passage highlights the importance of adhering to the teachings and traditions of the faith, avoiding those who deviate from them.

Purpose and Rationale

The practice of shunning the wicked serves multiple purposes within the Christian community. Firstly, it acts as a form of discipline intended to bring about repentance and restoration. In 1 Corinthians 5:5, Paul instructs the church to "hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord." The ultimate goal is the spiritual well-being and salvation of the individual.

Secondly, shunning serves to protect the church from the influence of sin. In Galatians 5:9, Paul warns, "A little leaven leavens the whole lump." This metaphor illustrates how even a small amount of sin can permeate and corrupt the entire community if not addressed.

Practical Application

In practical terms, shunning the wicked involves a conscious decision to avoid close association with those who persist in sinful behavior. This may include refraining from social interactions, such as sharing meals or engaging in fellowship, as indicated in 1 Corinthians 5:11. However, it is essential to approach this practice with a spirit of love and humility, always seeking the restoration of the individual.

The process of shunning should be carried out with discernment and in accordance with biblical guidelines. Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a procedure for addressing sin within the church, emphasizing private confrontation, followed by involvement of witnesses, and finally, bringing the matter before the church if necessary. Only after these steps have been taken should shunning be considered.

Warnings and Considerations

While shunning is a biblical practice, it must be exercised with caution to avoid legalism or self-righteousness. Believers are called to examine their own hearts and motives, ensuring that their actions are guided by love and a desire for the spiritual growth of all involved. Galatians 6:1 advises, "Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted."

Furthermore, it is crucial to distinguish between those who are willfully wicked and those who are struggling with sin but seeking repentance. The church should be a place of grace and support for those who genuinely desire to turn from their sinful ways.

Conclusion

The practice of shunning the wicked is a biblically mandated aspect of Christian conduct, aimed at preserving the purity of the church and encouraging repentance. By adhering to scriptural guidelines and maintaining a spirit of love and humility, believers can navigate this challenging aspect of community life in a way that honors God and promotes spiritual health.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 1:1
Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Thessalonians 3:6
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walks disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Homiletical.
... resources given to us by God, ever shunning sin as ... is so much on a par with Christian
conduct, [673] I ... I should like, too, to instance the conduct of Alexander ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/basil/basil letters and select works/iv homiletical.htm

One Thing is Needful;
... that work, which also they Sincerely did fulfil, Not shunning always to ... Lord, and
now it leaves Those ways that wicked be; it ... LOVE INDUCING CHRISTIAN CONDUCT.]. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/one thing is needful.htm

Moab is My Washpot
... compelled to feel the influence of their conduct, and it ... I could act the Christian
under the worst abuse;" but ... to death, and never think of shunning his service ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/moab is my washpot.htm

The Fifth Book
... Not content with shunning the truth, our oppressors hate and ... they might learn the
precepts of the Christian faith. ... who does not know how to conduct his affairs ...
//christianbookshelf.org/salvian/on the government of god/the fifth book.htm

Elucidations.
... treatise On Unity, and it justifies his own conduct. ... burrowing in the earth; a
"light-shunning people," lurking ... to the saints." What the Christian Church owes ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/elucidations.htm

Chatter xviii. The Great Immigration.
... most part rude, unskilled, and illiterate, shunning as profane ... and simplicity in
the conduct of divine ... difficult duties imposed upon Christian congregations in ...
/.../a history of american christianity/chatter xviii the great immigration.htm

A Condensed Guide for Life
... together, are a young life's directory of conduct which is ... that 'the future [or reward]
of the wicked shall be cut ... if we are wise, 'buy,' by shunning no effort ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a condensed guide for life.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... contumaciously alienate themselves from any Christian society, in ... purity and integrity
of conduct, they, through ... while they think they are shunning the company ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... the number of those who abandoned their Christian profession. ... every corner of this
land.' If the conduct of many ... It accounts for the wicked wit and raillery of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

1 Cor. xiii. 4
... doctrine: not the man, but the wicked conduct, the corrupt ... shall be worse than wild
beasts, shunning all, and ... thou wouldst fain make me a Christian." (Acts 26 ...
/.../homily xxxiii 1 cor xiii.htm