1 Corinthians 5:12,13 would indicate that there are different governing standards for the church and state. The state should have lower standards that the wider community can agree upon. However, as the Spirit of God leads us into holiness there should be a standard by which we are measured. I prefer to look at this standard as one of continual growth rather than hard and fast measures. The growth is measured towards a goal like ‘Faith, Hope, and Love’. Discipline keeps us moving toward these goals. However, if we are a Christian and we couldn’t give a rip about becoming more faithful, hopeful, and loving we need some external discipline. In our society people think that when they have become a Christian they received an instant holiness mix. We add water and suddenly we have arrived at a Christian’s destination. If we are aware that Christian virtues are ideals to be aimed at, we never arrive. That can be frustrating for a perfectionist. However, over time you can travel along with the people of God in a large holiness Winnebago and enjoy the trip to Christian virtue.
1 Corinthians 5:12-13
12What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked man from among you.”
Questions
- What is Paul’s rhetorical question about those outside the church?
- Who are Corinthian Christians to judge?
- Who judges those outside the church?
- How does judgment lead to a happier, healthier church?
- Are you so afraid of judging someone that you lack judgment? Why do many Christians lack discipline in virtues?
Questions
- When do you think your child is inside the faith?
- How would you discern your discipline between a child who says they have accepted Christ and a child who has not?
- How would you address a Muslim neighbour who says they follow God but does not live according to the Koran?
- To what standards can you hold an atheist?
- Since murderers are generally non-church members, should a Christian stand by because they are not to judge non church members? How should a Christian approach those who are accurately convicted and serving time in the Waukegan jail?
Plymothian 
I always thought you would discipline a child the same whether they were in the faith or not…
Do you think these verses are saying that my thinking is incorrect and should be different?
vs. 12 and 13 are so short, but full of so much depth…
Are we really not supposed to judge murderers, so what about the justice system??? jurors etc….
Should Christians and non-Christians have separate legal systems??? or, am I taking the verses to far???
HElp!!
My mother always had different expectations for my behavior than my father because he didn’t know the Lord. He would enter exhibits through the exit door for free, he would jump over the gates to avoid paying at the subway. I think to a Christian child you can bring a higher standard of honesty more easily because you can appeal to God. Unfortunately I haven’ had first hand experience with raising children in this way. I think the differences would be subtle.