If you’ve been a Christian for a while, you probably know that we aren’t supposed to judge others. “Do not judge lest ye be judged”. And to the same measure you judge someone else, you will also be judged. This truth is absolutely valid, but Paul quantifies who we are not to judge, and it may be surprising to some that there is a group of people that we are called to judge – so to speak. Paul says in first Corinthians 5 verses 12 and 13:
"What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. 'Expel the wicked man from among you.'"
So yes, it is for God to judge the world, but Paul teaches us that we have a responsibility to keep those in check who call themselves believers in the church. Should we turn a blind eye to those who are openly sinning within our own church? Paul says that we shouldn’t. When you read his letters, I encourage you to look closely at how many times Paul talks about the churches responsibility to not allow sin to go unchecked within the church. And in this passage in second Corinthians, he reminds us yet again.
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Paul tells us that God will judge those outside of the church but that we should judge those inside. Jesus tells us that a little yeast works its way through the whole batch of dough. Yeast is often an analogy for sin. And if sin is not challenged in the church, I believe that it will affect others within the church weakening faith and warping the truths outlined for us in the Bible. So I challenge you, if you see sin happening in the church to not turn a blind eye, but to bring it to your pastor or elders to make them aware. They will take the appropriate action by speaking with the one in question, and God will use the opportunity as an avenue for repentance. I know it sounds difficult, because it is. But Paul teaches us that it is our responsibility to challenge sin within the church.