I think some times the addition of chapters in the bible make it harder to get the context or thrust of a point being made . That's why regarding the verses we are speaking about ,one needs to go into the early chapter ,where Paul makes it clear he is speaking about unsaved Gentiles .....




17So this I say, and affirm together with the Lord, that you walk no longer just as the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind, 18being darkened in their understanding, excluded from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the hardness of their heart;…

The next few verses speak ofthe unsaved gentile and the former natural man and his evil passions...


19Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, and they are full of greed.

20That, however, is not the way of life you learned 21when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

I take it as saying you are now born-again by the Spirit of Christ and should no longer walk in the flesh (as the Gentiles walk), because you can walk in the flesh, but this is not the way of life that you have learned in Christ Jesus. He is speaking about walking as a Christian and using the way Gentiles walk as an example of how a Christian should not walk.

Put off the old self (Gentiles don't do this), put on the new self (only Christians can do this).

Anyway Gary, God bless, that is how I see it. We are not to go around exposing the unbelievers (kicking them while they are already down), and we are not to fellowship with unrepentant Christians who are walking as Gentiles walk (in the flesh).

I agree that he is using the Gentiles as an example of how not to live,that was my point ,,,,but in in the next chapter , he says therefore ,, linking the next chapter ,which shows the context in which he was speaking ......


1Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children; 2and walk in love, just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.
3But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints; 4and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. 5For this you know with certainty, that no immoral or impure person or covetous man, who is an idolater, has an inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

6Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7Therefore do not be partakers with them; 8for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light 9(for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. 11Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; 12for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. 13But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.......


So when he says ,instead expose them ,it is clear that he is talking those Gentiles in the previous chapter ,,,,,what he means by expose them , is not entirely Clear.. .....

Weather it be through preaching ,or witnessing or warning others about the dreaded lifestyle ,or all three ,,,the teaching to expose them is the word of God weather it fits our ideas or not ........,it worth considering the rather then slinging rebukes at those who actually believe and practice this teaching ...... Not saying your doing that ,,,but Iv seen people do it here ,and some how they think they are better for not doing it ,,, a little aragent I think ....

God bless you too

It's cool, bro. I appreciate your perspective, too. Maybe a balance of both perspectives as the Spirit leads, what do you think?

Definitely , not against that brother ....

_________________
Lisa

Yep I'm hearing ya,,,love ya in Christ