Category: Church Discipline

The apostle reveals the primary purpose of church discipline (to save the soul) in 2 Corinthians 2:3-11).

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The text here consists of two main points. The first is that Paul determined to deal with the issues with the Corinthians through writing them, instead of coming personally. Most probably he thought the letter would be a more advantageous way to bring them to repentance, and joy. They were at present at odds because of their carnality, but he wanted to be joyful, and for them to be joyful so he wrote them with “much affliction and anguish of heart,… with many tears” (4).

The second point is regarding the call to withdraw from an immoral man in 1 Corinthians 5.  They had done so, which had led to sorrow and repentance on his part.  Now, rather than continuing the punishment, Paul encouraged the church to take him back and comfort him, as it is possible for such sorrow to eventually be destructive.

To forgive is the responsibility of the church, based upon the repentance, and was also done by Paul.  His reason?  “Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices.”

Ian Tilley describes a few of the characteristics needed to have true faith.

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The New Testament is rather clear about the importance of discipline among God’s people. Consider the following passages:

(Titus 3:10-11), “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.”

(Romans 16:17), “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.”

Continue reading “The Patternists: Why is Discipline Lacking?” →

Second of six lessons on Galatians.

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It was F.B. Meyer, I believe, who once said that when we see a brother or sister in sin, there are two things we do not know: First, we do not know how hard he or she tried not to sin. And second, we do not know the power of the forces that assailed him or her. We also do not know what we would have done in the same circumstances.

Stephen Brown, Christianity Today, April 5, 1993, p. 17.

The point is not to ignore or tolerate the sin of a brother. Paul admonished the Corinthians for their acceptance of immorality into the church, (cf. 1 Corinthians 5), and instructed them to “deliver such a one to Satan.”

However, that same individual, upon his repentance, received Paul’s pity. “Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him” (2 Corinthians 2:8).

Our approach to the sinner should be one of humility and compassion, even as we seek to discipline him in his sin. “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).

Those in error (doctrinally or morally), guilty of trespasses against God, are in danger of losing their souls. It is the responsibility of the spiritually minded child of God to restore the erring in a spirit of meekness.

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