Discipline & the Local Church

Introduction Defined the Local Church as a community of individuals united on doctrine, function and behavior Noted that every community sets forth expectations and boundaries for inclusion Defined discipline as a process of instruction intended to educate the mind and shape behavior Noted that corrective discipline is needed when one refuses the instruction offered

Introduction Who should receive punitive discipline? How from a practical standpoint should punitive discipline be carried out? What should punitive discipline accomplish? 5 and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons, “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, Nor faint when you are reproved by Him; Hebrews 12:5 (NASB95)

Who Must a Church Withdraw From? Discernment must be exercised Time and opportunity for instructing, maturing and responding must be extended We withdraw from the impenitent, not the sinner 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. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 (KJV 1900)

Who Must a Church Withdraw From? “every brother that walketh disorderly” “disorderly” - literally “out of rank” (Strong’s) “‘disorderly, with slackness’ (like soldiers not keeping rank)’” Vines defined in the context as “not after the tradition which he received of us” 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. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 (KJV 1900)

Who Must a Church Withdraw From? 9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators… 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 1 Corinthians 5:9–11 (KJV 1900) Every brother who walks disorderly The one who practices immorality

Who Must a Church Withdraw From? 15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Matthew 18:15–17 (KJV 1900) Every brother who walks disorderly The one who practices immorality The one who sins against a brother

Who Must a Church Withdraw From? 17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. Romans 16:17–18 (KJV 1900) Every brother who walks disorderly The one who practices immorality The one who sins against a brother The false teacher

Who Must a Church Withdraw From? 10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. Titus 3:10–11 (NKJV) Every brother who walks disorderly The one who practices immorality The one who sins against a brother The false teacher The divisive brother 10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. Titus 3:10–11 (NKJV)

How is Punitive Discipline to Be Carried Out? 15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Matthew 18:15–17 (KJV 1900) One step of an intense process The disorderly must be warned and impressed with the nature of their actions 10 Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned. Titus 3:10–11 (NKJV)

How is Punitive Discipline to Be Carried Out? One step of an intense process The disorderly must be warned and impressed with the nature of their actions Sincere effort must be put forth to restore the sinner 1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1–2 (KJV 1900)

How is Punitive Discipline to Be Carried Out? 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 1 Corinthians 5:4–5 (KJV 1900) One step of an intense process The disorderly must be warned and impressed with the nature of their actions Sincere effort must be put forth to restore the sinner If still impenitent, the church must withdraw 6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 2 Corinthians 2:6 (KJV 1900)

How is Punitive Discipline to Be Carried Out? In a clear and unmistakeable manner “Mark” indicates not only the pointing out sin, but withdrawal from the sinner as well “Keep an eye on so as to avoid” (Robertson) “literally, ‘to furl the sails’; as we say, to steer clear of...” (Jamison Faucet Brown) 17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Romans 16:17 (KJV 1900) 6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 2 Corinthians 2:6 (KJV 1900)

How is Punitive Discipline to Be Carried Out? “To keep company with harlots” (Prov 29:3) meant “to feed, enjoy, have delight” The instruction deals with social interaction for the sake of social interaction Notice that the impenitent sinner should feel shame for his sins 14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 2 Thessalonians 3:14 (KJV 1900) 6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 2 Corinthians 2:6 (KJV 1900)

How is Punitive Discipline to Be Carried Out? Ensure they realize there are consequences for sin Put priority on the salvation of the soul Recognize this discipline is punitive and thus uncomfortable Do nothing that indicates spiritual fellowship 5 To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 1 Corinthians 5:5 (KJV 1900) 6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 2 Corinthians 2:6 (KJV 1900)

How is Punitive Discipline to Be Carried Out? Without hatred or hostility With kindness and compassion With an overriding concern for their soul Never demonstrating any concept of fellowship with them 17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Matthew 18:17 (KJV 1900) 6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 2 Corinthians 2:6 (KJV 1900)

How is Punitive Discipline to Be Carried Out? 18 …Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:18–20 (KJV 1900) By the whole church May challenge our willingness to submit To the Lord To the Eldership 6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 2 Corinthians 2:6 (KJV 1900)

How is Punitive Discipline to Be Carried Out? Are You Punishing them as a brother - 2Cor 2:6 Avoiding them - Rom 16:17 Not keeping company with them - 1Cor 5:11 Having no joint participation with them - Eph 5:11 Withdrawing from them - 2Thess 3:6 Turning away from them - 2Tim 3:5 Rejecting them - Titus 3:10 Treating them like a heathen/tax collector - Matt 18:17 6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 2 Corinthians 2:6 (KJV 1900)

What is the Goal? Repentance 5 ..that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 1 Corinthians 5:5 (KJV 1900) 10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2 Corinthians 7:10 (KJV 1900) 14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 2 Thessalonians 3:14 (KJV 1900) The shame, punishment and withdrawal are not an end unto themselves; rather they are a means to an end, tools that are painful and difficult to used yet needful for an essential purpose

What is the Goal? Purity 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. Ephesians 5:11 (KJV 1900) 2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. 1 Corinthians 5:2 (KJV 1900) 6 Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 2 Corinthians 2:6 (KJV 1900)

What is the Goal? To Honor Christ 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:12 (KJV 1900) 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 5:4 (KJV 1900)