Disfellowship Disfellowship is often used for all forms and levels of church discipline. Bible terms – correct, admonish, avoid, not keep company, not to eat, taken away from among you, exhort, rebuke, convince, teach

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.

2 Thessalonians 3:6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

1 Corinthians 5 The entire chapter deals with church discipline. Some ask – If the church is to be a loving, caring fellowship – why would it “kick out” some members? WHY DO WE DISCIPLINE?

1) To save the sinner 1 Corinthians 5:5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

1) To save the sinner Make the aware of how serious their sin is to their eternity Pray that they will repent and return Make them ashamed – 2 Thessalonians 3:14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.

2) To protect the church 1 Corinthians 5:6 Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? One rotten apple – spoils the bushel. 1 immoral life / false teaching is like a cancer – spreads and kills

2) To protect the church 2 Timothy 2:16-18 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their message will spread like cancer. Hymenaeus and Philetus are of this sort, 18 who have strayed concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past; and they overthrow the faith of some.

3) To preserve the integrity of the church 1 Timothy 5:14-15 Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, manage the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully.  15 For some have already turned aside after Satan.

3) To preserve the integrity of the church 1 Timothy 6:1 Let as many bondservants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, so that the name of God and His doctrine may not be blasphemed.

3) To preserve the integrity of the church 2 Peter 2:1-2 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction.  2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.

4) It is a command 2 Thessalonians 3:6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

Final Notes It works. 2 Corinthians 2:6-8 This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man,  7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.  

It must be done to bring them back – not kick them out. Final Notes It must be done in love It must be done to bring them back – not kick them out. It must be done because it is a command of God.