DEEPER LIFE BIBLE CHURCH, LOCATION / REGION SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES Year of Full Restoration 20 august, 2017

LESSON 656: Paul’s Passion For Godliness In The Church MEMORY VERSE: “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you” (2 Corinthians 2:4). TEXT: 2 Corinthians 2:1-17

SUMMARY (1) Last week we learnt from Samson’s final exploit and death that: Anointing or exploits do not substitute godly marriage established on scriptural principles. Godly marriage promotes purity. Samson was defeated and lost his divine calling through compromise. He became a prey to the enemies he was to conquer. God is faithful and merciful; He will pardon the genuinely repentant that calls on Him prayer. Believers do not pray for vengeance on human enemies, but commit their case to God.

SUMMARY (2) Today’s study focuses on Church Discipline: It is delicate but necessary for Church morals and orderliness. It must be done with love and meekness to gain souls. The study touches on: Principles and pattern for discipline in the church. Penitence/repentance expected in a disciplined person. Pardon for a disciplined member and need for his/her restoration. Purity and power of a dynamic ministry.

DISCUSSION

QUESTION 1 Identify Paul’s burden and passion for the church and the ministry: 2 Corinthians 2:7-8 1 Corinthians 5: 1,5 1 Corinthians 5:8 Galatians 6:14 Romans 1:16

QUESTION 2 What guiding principles should regulate church dicipline? 2 Corinthians 2:4 Romans 11:22 2 Thessalonians 3:15

QUESTION 3 Enumerate the steps for successful church discipline. 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Deuteronomy 19:18 Galatians 6:1 2 Timothy 3:16 James 5:19-20 Ephesians 6:18

QUESTION 4 How long should a brother or sister be kept under discipline? 2 Corinthians 2:6-7 John 21:16

QUESTION 5 What precautions should be exercised in the restoration of a disciplined brother or sister? Hebrews 3:13 2 Corinthians 2:7

Question 6 What are the effects of effective declaration of the gospel message? 2 Corinthians 7:6-7 2 Corinthians 2:15-16 John 3:18

CONCLUSION Church discipline is to promote purity by purging sin from the church; it is not to punish or destroy the offender. Discipline should firm; yet it should be done in love and tenderness. The word of God is the guiding principle in discipline. A repentant backslider should be restored quickly to fellowship; he or she should be effectively engaged in God’s service and not left idle. There is power in the word of God; its effect on the individual depends on his or her attitude and response to it. Preach the pure word of God: A corrupted gospel is of no benefit to sinners or saints.

TIME TO PRAY!