1. The Purity of the Church (2) Discipline
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2. Discipline is needed
Lack of discipline in our society
Lack of discipline in our homes
Lack of discipline in congregations, often endangers its purity
The Bible calls for us to practice discipline!

3. Discipline in scripture
Matthew 18:15-18, withdraw AFTER personal efforts fail
Romans 16:17, note those who cause divisions and offenses
1 Corinthians 5:1-7, a case of discipline needed
2 Thessalonians 3:6, withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly

4. Congregational discipline
Can be a reference to the entire process of ensuring purity in the body, including teaching, admonishing and perhaps rebuking if needed.
Can refer to that final step where we withdraw from one. This will be our primary focus

5. Congregational discipline
It is not an act of vengeance
Not about getting even, or even punishing someone (though it might involve punishment)

6. Congregational discipline
It is about restoring an erring child of God.
1 Corinthians 5:5, destruction of the flesh that they spirit may be saved
Jude 22-23, some have compassion, others snatch out of the fire
Matthew 18:15, if he repents, you gain your brother

7. Congregational discipline
It is about restoring an erring child of God.
Hebrews 12:11, no chastening seems joyful, but it yields righteousness…
James 5:19-20, save a soul from death, cover sins
2 Thessalonians 3:14, that he may be ashamed

8. Congregational discipline
It is necessary for maintaining the purity of the church
1 Corinthians 5:6-7, a little leaven, leavens the whole lump. Purge out the old leaven that you may be a new lump…

9. Who is to be withdrawn from?
Matthew 18:18, one who refuses to repent
1 Corinthians 5:1-7, those living in adultery or sin, see also vs. 11
Those teaching error – 2 Timothy 2:16-18, 2 John 9-11, Titus 1:10-11, Romans 16:17

10. Who is to be withdrawn from?
Romans 16:17, those causing division
2 Thessalonians 3:6, those who are walking disorderly (out of step) – could be one who forsakes the saints, refuses to be admonished, stirs up trouble with the brethren, etc.

11. How do we treat one withdrawn from?
2 Thessalonians 3:6, we ARE to withdraw from them! Avoid, abstain from familiar company. NOT just a ceremonial action, but a way we are to behave.
Romans 16:17, we note (mark - identify) and avoid them!
WHILE the act is a collective action, it is carried out individually. We have responsibilities toward the withdrawn!

12. How do we treat one withdrawn from?
Withdrawing is typically not the first step, Matthew 18:15-18, Titus 3:10 after first and second admonition
Do not act hastily – 1 Timothy 5:22, Is one trying? What is their attitude? Are they humble or rebellious?

13. Let your actions be out of love – 1 Timothy 1:5, 1 Corinthians 16:14
How do we treat one withdrawn from?
A change in social relationship, 1 Corinthians 5:11, 2 John 9-11, 2 Thessalonians 3:14 do not keep company, do not eat with them, greet them, etc.
Let your actions be out of love – 1 Timothy 1:5, 1 Corinthians 16:14

14. How do we treat one withdrawn from?
Do not treat him as an enemy, 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 Galatians 6:1, a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself. He/she is a brother in danger of eternal condemnation
Are we consistent in this? Do we show favoritism? Both in who and how we discipline!

15. How do we treat one withdrawn from?
When they repent, restore them – 2 Corinthians 2:6-8, reaffirm your love to him Rejoice that a soul has been saved from death (James 5:19-20)
Be genuine in this!

16. Withdrawing from a sinning brother does not give us pleasure
Withdrawing from a sinning brother does not give us pleasure! A soul is in danger. It ought to grieve us
BUT it IS necessary for the purity of the church and in hopes of delivering his soul.

17. One withdrawn from needs to feel a loss
One withdrawn from needs to feel a loss. NOT treated hatefully, but there needs to be a change in relationship.
NOTE: It is totally ineffective if true fellowship is not present in the first place.

18. What are we doing to keep the church pure?
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