CHURCH DISCIPLINE “The Forgotten Commandment” 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. 2 Thessalonians 3:6

Important Scriptures 1 Corinthians 5: Thessalonians 3:6; Timothy 6:3-5 2 John 9-11 Matthew 18: Corinthians 2:6-8

Understand the subject Meaning : DISCIPLINE – Does not mean to punish – Means – teach, instruct, explain, correct, admonish – This correction can be mild or harsh – Harshness is always a last resort – not the first way to correct

Purpose of discipline NOT : Remove, show dislike, kick out, get rid of, show disdain for IS : Keep church pure, teach others, save the church, save the sinner

Process of discipline Teach, encourage, be patient Correct, tell them they must make some corrections Rebuke, exhort, warn When all else fails – follow the instructions of Matthew 18.

Warnings! Do not be “trigger happy” Do not be quick to punish Do all you can to encourage, correct, rebuke – FIRST. It must involve many members

If they repent : 6 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. 2 Corinthians 2:6-8

Some Question to Discuss Who is to be disciplined? See lists in 1 Corinthians 5:10-11; 2 John 9-11; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Thessalonians 3:6 ANY sin that is : – Not repented of – Harms the cause of Christ

Some Question to Discuss What about non-attenders? There is no punishement for a 2 year old – You can't drive the car for a week. How can we remove fellowship from one who has removed themselves from our fellowship?

Some Question to Discuss Is this a loving thing to do? Yes – Like a parent corrects a child Is it loving to see a brother in sin and NOT correct them? Make sure your attitude is loving and kind.

Some Question to Discuss What is included in withdrawal of felloship? Do not treat them as if they were OK in their present situaiton Maintain spiritual contact with them DO NOTHING TO ENCOURAGE THEM IN THEIR SIN

Final Thought Teaching, correcting, exhorting, and every form of discipline : Make sure that you are like a surgeon – remove the diseased tissue – but do the least possible harm.