· However, it is a form of punishment (2 Corinthians 2:6)
· That means a balance must be maintained when considering and administering discipline.
Main Points
- I.
- A. The Brother Who Sins Against You (Matthew 18:15-17)
B. Those Who Have a Form of Godliness (religion) But Deny Its Power (2 Timothy 3:5)
C. Divisive Persons - Heretics,(Titus 3:9-11; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Timothy 1:18-20; 2 Timothy 2:14-19)
D. Those Who Do Not Obey Authorized Instructions, Who Live Disorderly Lives
(2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13)
E. Leaders Who Persist in Sin (1 Timothy 5:19-20)
II. Conditions for Discipline
- A. One Who Is Called a Brother (1 Corinthians 5:11)
B. Clear understanding of the standard of behavior
1) God's Word is that standard (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:9, 11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15)
2) For what sins is discipline required?
a. Not only “gross sins." (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15)
C. Substantiated disobedient behavior
1) Through witnesses (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Timothy 5:19-20)
D. Persistent rebellion
1) He will not listen, he refuses to listen (Matthew 18:15-17)
2) Continue to sin (1 Timothy 5:19-20
III. Behaviors in Discipline
A. Consistency in Applying Scripture
1) For the sake of scriptural consistency and in order to be credible, church discipline should oppose sins of attitude with the same severity as for “gross sins."
The NT condemns immorality, murder, and drunkenness; but along with them envy, jealousy, anger, selfishness, complaining, and criticism. Each of those vices is an impediment to entering the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21).
Unbelievers are often made to feel unwelcome in the church because of secondary matters such as smoking or drinking. Yet gossiping, complaining, and selfishness among church members are seldom exposed and properly disciplined. A more consistent position would promote the purity of the church and would also enhance its ministry as a supportive, accepting center of Christian love.1
B. Gentleness (based on case)
1) Not treating them as enemies (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15)
2) Distinguishing between rebellion and weakness (Galatians 6:1)
C. Grief (1 Corinthians 5:2)
D. Proactive action
1. Go and show him his fault (Matthew 18:15-17)
2. Warning, admonition (Titus 3:9-11)
a. Multiple times
b. Escalating pressure by increasing scope of audience (Matthew 18:15-17)
E. Privacy, to the extent possible (Matthew 18:15-17)
F. Once We Realize There Will Be No Repentance
1) Pay careful attention to the persistent offender (Romans 16:17)
2) Rebuke them before all, in the case of leaders (1 Timothy 5:19-20)
3) Avoid, shun, reject, keep away from, expel, put out of fellowship, deliver to the adversary, do not even eat with them (2 Timothy 3:5; Titus 3:10; 1 Corinthians 5:2, 6, 13; 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15)
4) They should feel shame for their behavior (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15)
5) Notice that this is not merely a removal from leadership duties.
G. Submission by the repentant (Hebrews 12:9)
IV. Purposes for Discipline
- A. Bring About the Sinner's Repentance So That They Will Be Saved
(1 Corinthians 5:5; Jude 22-23)
B. Prevent Corruption of Christ's Body, the Church
1) A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough (1 Corinthians 5:6)
2) Deceive the minds of naive people (Romans 16:18)
3) Destroy the faith of some (2 Timothy 2:18)
C. Prevent Division of the Body, the Church
1) Those who insist on their own teachings with intention to lead others after them will divide Christ's body (Titus 3:10)
1 Elwell, W. A., & Beitzel, B. J. (1988). Baker encyclopedia of the Bible. Map on lining papers. (633). Grand Rapids, Mich.: Baker Book House.
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