Discipline: A Call to Restoration and Purity
Introduction:
The subject of discipline within the church is often met with discomfort. Yet, it is a vital aspect of God's love, a means of restoration and purification. Today, we will explore the biblical principles of discipline, understanding its purpose, its process, and its ultimate goal: to bring wayward brothers and sisters back into fellowship with God and His people.
- Sin against a brother – Matt. 18:15-18
- Liars – Acts 5:1-14 - Administered by God!
- False Teacher – Rom. 16:17; 1 Tim. 6:3-5
- Arrogant – 1 Cor. 4:19-21
- Immoral – 1 Cor. 5:1-13
- Action toward penitent – 2 Cor. 2:6-11
- Sinned & not repented – 2 Cor. 13:1-2
- Unruly to be warned – 1 Thess. 5:14
- Disorderly – 2 Thess. 3:6-15
- Those who reject the faith – 1 Tim. 1:19-20
- Elders who sin – 1 Tim. 5:19-20
- Insubordinate – Titus 1:10-13
- Heretics – Titus 3:10-11
I. The Nature of Discipline: Instruction and Correction
A. Beyond Punishment:
• Discipline is not merely punishment; it encompasses instruction, training, reformation, and a thoughtful approach to correction.
• Acts 26:18, 2 Timothy 4:2-5, and Titus 3:10-11 paint a picture of discipline as a means of opening eyes, turning from darkness to light, and receiving forgiveness.
B. Coercive and Corrective:
• Discipline may involve coercive measures, but its ultimate aim is to reform, not merely to inflict pain.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:14 calls us to "warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all."
II. Titus 3:10, 11: Rejecting Divisive Individuals
A. A Time to Reject:
• Titus 3:10, 11 outlines a specific scenario: dealing with divisive individuals who persist in causing division within the church.
B. The Process:
• Admonition (instruction) is given once or twice.
• If repentance is not forthcoming, rejection (punishment) follows.
C. The Reasons for Rejection:
• The individual is "warped" (turned inside out), sinning (missing the mark), and self-condemned.
D. Different Pattern, Different Situations:
• This pattern differs from Matthew 18:15-17 (dealing with personal sins) which requires three warnings.
• Titus 3:10, 11 deals with divisive brethren who reject the faith.
III. 2 Corinthians 2:6: Sufficient Punishment
A. Punishment Inflicted by the Majority:
• 2 Corinthians 2:6 speaks of a punishment inflicted by the majority of the church, deemed sufficient.
B. The Nature of the Punishment:
• To understand this, we must look to 1 Corinthians 5.
IV. 1 Corinthians 5: Congregational Action
A. The Individual’s Sin:
• 1 Corinthians 5:1, 2 describes a case of sexual immorality, a sin so egregious that even the Gentiles would find it appalling.
B. The Church’s Sin:
• The church’s sin was their arrogance and lack of mourning over the situation.
C. The Church’s Task:
• Paul outlines the church’s task: to gather in the name of Jesus, deliver the individual to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, and purge out the leaven of sin.
D. The Danger:
• Sin, like leaven, spreads and corrupts the entire body.
Establish that sin has been committed:
- Sin to be proved – Mt. 18:15-17
- Proof of Achan’s sin shown to all – Josh. 7:22-23
- Cannot act on hearsay – 1 Tim. 5:19
- Give time to reach erring – Matt. 18:15-17
- Time for individuals & church to act – Gal. 6:1; Jas. 5:19
- Combine cards, visits, admonishments, & prayers
- After all other efforts fail – Final step – 1 Cor. 5
- Withdrawal – Last Step In Long Chain of Efforts to Save the Erring Child of God!
V. The Purpose of Discipline: Purity and Restoration
A. Keeping the Church Pure (Ephesians 5:8):
• Discipline maintains the church’s purity, ensuring it reflects the light of Christ.
B. Concern for the Soul (1 Corinthians 5:5):
• Discipline is motivated by concern for the individual’s soul, seeking their repentance and salvation.
C. Obedience to the Lord:
• Discipline is an act of obedience to God’s commands.
VI. Our Specific Responsibilities Toward the Disorderly:
A. Mourning (1 Corinthians 5:2):
• We are to mourn over sin, not condone it.
B. Social Ostracism (1 Corinthians 5:9-11):
• We are to separate ourselves from those who persist in sin, not to judge, but to create a space for repentance.
C. Admonition, Not Enmity (2 Thessalonians 3:14, 15):
• We are to admonish, not treat them as enemies, always maintaining a spirit of brotherly love.
VII. Remembering Our Vulnerability (1 Corinthians 9:27; Galatians 5:4; Hebrews 3:12):
A. No One Is Immune:
• We must remember that no one is immune to sin. We must remain vigilant, disciplining ourselves.
B. The Danger of Falling Away:
• We can fall from grace, stray from the living God.
VIII. Reclaiming and Restoring (Galatians 6:1):
A. A Spirit of Gentleness:
• Galatians 6:1 calls us to restore those caught in sin with a spirit of gentleness, always remembering our own vulnerability.
B. Who?
• Those who have sinned.
- Preaching on Judgment: The Inevitable Appointment
- Preaching on The Liar: Exposing the Deception of False Faith
- Preaching on Scoffers and Mockers: The Peril of Rejecting Truth
Conclusion:
Discipline is not a harsh act of judgment, but a loving act of restoration. It is a means of purifying the church, protecting the flock, and reclaiming those who have strayed. Let us approach this difficult subject with humility, wisdom, and a heart that seeks the ultimate good of all. Amen.
