“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 person from among you.””

-I Corinthians 5:12-13, NIV

Does there come a time when a leader needs to “drop the hammer” on someone?

This passage from I Corinthians 5 suggests so. The situation is an especially arrogant sinner who is unashamed of his wickedness. In this situation of flagrant sin, the Apostle Paul tells us to judge and expel this wicked person.

The Church would be healthier today if we had followed this Scripture more.

God is still forgiving and loving. He is still full of grace to all His children. YET God calls us to NOT tolerate flagrant sin among those who call Him Father.

Judging this individual is precisely what we are told to do. To not judge would be to sin–i.e. miss the mark as set by Scripture.

Does there come a time when godly leaders need to “drop the hammer?”

Absolutely.

As long as this world has people who claim to be Christian and sin in flagrant and unrepentant ways, this sad need will remain.