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Learn about the biblical perspective on church discipline, the importance of withdrawing from disorderly members, and how to practice this command faithfully. Understand the reasoning and significance behind disciplinary actions as outlined in the Bible.
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We tell the community that we are the church. We tell them that we do all that God commands of us. We hang ourselves by these words when we are asked, “Then do you practice church discipline?”
We tell the world we are not a denomination. Why? Because they do not teach nor practice what the Bible says. • Brethren, if that is what a denomination is, then we are no better than they!
When is the last time you disciplined in this congregation? Ten years ago, thirty years ago, or maybe NEVER!
1. Not Supported By Many • Many say that church discipline does not work because members will not support it. • Those members who do not support it are not faithful to the cause of Christ! • The church is not ran on the majority but by the word of God!
In 1 Cor. 5, the author is not actually speaking about the immorality of one church member, as much as it is about the pride and passivity of the entire church in response to this sinner. It is not until the end of chapter 6 (verses 12-20) that Paul exposes the evil of immorality. • The church was coming under condemnation because of not supporting the act of discipline!
2. People Have Already Withdrawn Themselves. • Where in the Bible does it say that a person can do this? • The righteous are told to “withdraw themselves.”
2 Thess. 3:6, “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”
3. It Will Divide the Church • No! It will separate the sheep from the goats (Matt. 25:32, 33).
1. Individually • Eph. 5:11, “And havenofellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”
2. Congregationally • Matt. 18:15-17, covers congregational withdraw when a brother or sister refuses to repent.
"Every brother who walks disorderly" (2 Thes. 3:6-14). "Disorderly" is "deviating from the prescribed rule" (Thayer's Greek-English Lexicon). One who walks disorderly is one whose manner of life deviates from the word of God, one who sins and will not repent (1 John 1:6 - 2:2). In the text, it specifically had reference to those who did not work but were busybodies.
"Those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned" (Rom. 16:17-18). Such are to be "noted" (KJV: "marked") and "avoided." To mark is to "observe attentively, cautiously and faithfully, be on your guard against them" (Albert Barnes). To avoid is "to turn away from, keep aloof from..., to shun one" (Thayer). These actions are to be taken for the conduct of such individuals is contrary to the "unity of the Spirit" (Eph. 4:3) and causes others to sin.
"A divisive man" (KJV: "heretick," ASV: "factious") (Titus 3:10-11). The word translated "factious" or "divisive" means "causing division by a party spirit" (W.E. Vine, Vine's Expository Dictionary of NT Words). Factions are a work "of the flesh" (Gal. 5:19-21).
The immoral (1 Cor. 5:1-11). This would include fornicators, covetous ones, idolaters, revilers, drunkards, and extortioners.
Those who go beyond the doctrine of Christ. • “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed” (2 John 1:9-11).
1. Fear • Paul commands young Timothy to rebuke an elder before the entire congregation that sins, “That others also may fear” (1 Tim. 5:21).
After the bodies of Ananias and Sapphira were carried out and buried, the Bible says, “And greatfear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things” (Acts 5:11).
2. Instruction • 1 Tim. 1:20, “Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they maylearnnot to blaspheme.”
3. Commanded • 2 Thess. 3:6, “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.”
4. Restoration • “Church discipline is neither popular nor a common practice in the church, and this is to be regretted. Its absence indicates that people have lost sight of the love and tenderness that is always to be behind it and of its necessity if those who err are to be restored.” (author unknown) • Gal. 6:1
We discipline our children not because we want to drive them away from us, but bring them closer to God. • In the qualifications of elders: “One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity;(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?)” (1 Tim. 3:4, 5).
