Is church discipline really necessary? Discipline – (noun) 1. the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.

Is church discipline really necessary? Most people understand the need for discipline. Prov. 13:24 – He who spares his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him promptly. Prov. 19:18 – Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction. Prov. 23:13 – Do not withhold correction from a child, For if you beat him with a rod, he will not die.

Is church discipline really necessary? There are three principles seen here. 1. Discipline early and with diligence. 2. Discipline is for hope not for destruction. 3. Discipline is not to be withheld

Is church discipline really necessary? Ex. 20 – God gave Israel His law. Discipline early Num. 21:4-9 – God sent the serpents to discipline and He told Moses to make the bronze serpent. For hope, not destruction Num. 20:10-12 – God disciplined Moses. Discipline not withheld

Is church discipline really necessary? A problem with discipline is that it must be exerted and too many of us simply don’t want to. There are times when discipline is not used effectively because we are not smart enough or willing enough.

Is church discipline really necessary? An example of “not smart enough” to discipline is the zero tolerance policy in many schools and businesses. There are many stories of zero tolerance applied to great detriment when just a little critical thinking would have solved the issue.

Is church discipline really necessary? As members of the body of Christ we have a duty and a responsibility to be as Christ-like as we can be. 1 Peter 1:16 – “…Be holy, for I am holy” John 7:24 – “…judge with righteous judgment”

Is church discipline really necessary? There is discipline between Christians. Matt. 18:15-17 – In private matters we discipline one another and we ought to accept that discipline. This discipline has a progression that must be followed. The end of this discipline is withdrawal.

Is church discipline really necessary? Gal. 6:1 – One way we discipline is with gentleness. Jude 22-23 – Discipline might be with compassion but at other times it might be with the force of pulling Acts 8:17-24 – Discipline also comes with sharp rebuke. 2 Tim. 3:16-17 – God disciplines us through the scriptures.

Is church discipline really necessary? There is discipline in the church. 1 Cor. 5:12-13 – We are to judge those on the inside and we are to put away the evil person. 2 Thess. 3:6 – We are to withdraw from those who walk disorderly. 2 Thess. 3:14 – We note those in order so they may be ashamed.

Is church discipline really necessary? 1 Cor. 5:11 – We are not to socialize with these brethren. Rom. 16:17 – We are to note that person and avoid them. Matt. 18:17 – If they won’t hear the church, they are like the heathen and the tax collector.

Is church discipline really necessary? This is where we can lose our minds. Zero tolerance comes to mind and people will go out of their way to avoid the person who has been noted.

Is church discipline really necessary? How will we win them back if, when we see them, we turn away and do not encourage them to return to God? We don’t have to have a social engagement with them but we can at the least encourage them to return to God.

Is church discipline really necessary? The “eating with” and “keeping company with” those who have been noted indicates a social aspect. We should not give this person the idea that everything is OK with them except for their service to God.

Is church discipline really necessary? If we go to ball games, go to the movies, entertain them in our home or any other social activity we are, by our actions, telling them that we are willing to overlook their spiritual condition for their friendship.

Is church discipline really necessary? If you want to talk to them about their soul, invite them into your home and talk with about their soul. If you have dinner while you are talking with them then eat with them, talking about their soul. Jesus had many meals with those who were spiritually dead.

Is church discipline really necessary? The purpose MUST BE about their soul and not about having dinner with your friend because you miss their company. They MUST KNOW that this is the purpose of the invitation. It is NOT a social invitation but a spiritual one.

Is church discipline really necessary? GOD

Is church discipline really necessary? Some people don’t like to exert discipline, especially withdrawal because they say it is too harsh. Acts 5:1-11 – The discipline administered to Ananias and Sapphira worked on all. Prov. 13:1 – The wise hear and heed instruction. Prov. 15:10 – Harsh correction is necessary for those who walk disorderly. Prov. 5:11-13 – At some point they will mourn their way.

Is church discipline really necessary? The final thing to remember is your relationship. 2 Thess. 3:15 – They are not our enemy. Phil. 3:18-19 – at some point they may become an enemy of Christ cf. Heb. 6:4-6, 10:26-29 Rom. 5:10 – we were all enemies of Christ at one point

Is church discipline really necessary? Church discipline is commanded by God.

Is church discipline really necessary? Members don’t want to discipline for various reasons and excuses are made to not discipline. “Well that is “their” relative.” “It’s too soon.” “It’s too late.” “We are being to judgmental.” “We don’t understand what they are going through.” “We’re sticking our nose in where it doesn’t belong.” “We’re not being patient and longsuffering.”

Is church discipline really necessary? YES! Discipline left undone is a disservice to everyone. Church discipline is commanded by God. Discipline is necessary and serves a purpose. Ultimately, this discipline is from God because He is the one who has taught us His will.

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:5-6