The topic of church discipline is quite uncomfortable for most and few churches exercise it. On the other hand, there are those who are eager to control and have a judgemental attitude toward all, including those who are unbelievers.
Paul here is striking a balance between these polar opposites, protecting the body of Christ and reaching out in love to the hurting world around us.
I wrote to you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.
1 Corinthians 5:9-11 NIV
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