But they're my friends. 1 Corinthians 5.

This chapter has a really simple message, but somehow I'm unable to write it in less words than Paul. Here's attempt #4, the others salvaged as teaching notes for some other time.

Paul says that separation is what has to happen when members of the community continue to live immorally. This is the final act of discipline within the community, and a way to protect the community from the influence (leaven) of those living immorally. He says that we're not to attempt separation from those outside the community who are immoral. There would be no place to go, and it's not our responsibility to judge them.

Now let me ask you a question or two. Who would you tend to cut the most slack? Someone in your church who is an incorrigible gossip, or a lesbian couple who you find out own your favorite restaurant? Who would you distance yourself from? And who would be spoken out against in the Sunday sermon?

Paul says in this chapter that this is not the answer: "But they're my friends."