Healing the Body: What to Do If a Church Member Sins
Base Text: Matthew 18:15–17
Introduction
The Church is the Body of Christ—a community of the called-out ones. However, while the Church is holy in its standing before God, it is not yet perfect in its practice. It is composed of redeemed individuals who are still engaged in a fierce struggle against the flesh and the world.
When a brother or sister falls into sin, the church often reacts in ways that are worldly rather than godly. We might ignore it out of a false sense of "tolerance," criticize it behind their backs, spread rumors through "prayer requests," or seek personal vengeance. But Christ did not leave us to our own devices. He established a clear, divine, and mandatory procedure for dealing with sin within the assembly.
The purpose of biblical discipline is never to destroy, but to restore. It is a ministry of reconciliation.
I. The Ultimate Goal: Winning the Brother
"If they listen to you, you have won your brother over." (Matthew 18:15)
The primary objective of this process is not to win an argument or to exert power. It is to "win back" a soul that has wandered.
• Doctrinal Truth: Church discipline is rooted in three priorities:
1. Restoration: Bringing the sinner back to a right relationship with God and the community.
2. Purity: Preserving the moral and doctrinal holiness of the local church.
3. Deterrence: Protecting others from falling into the same error.
• Correction is Love: Authentic Christian love does not enable sin; it confronts it so that the person can find freedom.
II. Step One: Private Correction
"Go and point out their fault, just between the two of you." (Matthew 18:15)
• Personal Initiative: The responsibility falls on the person who is aware of the sin. You do not wait for the leadership to handle it; you go yourself.
• Spirit of Gentleness: You go with a heart of meekness, keeping the matter private to protect the person’s dignity.
• The Urgency of Reconciliation: Jesus taught that reconciliation is so vital that it takes precedence even over formal worship (Matthew 5:23–24). We must not let the sun go down on our anger (Ephesians 4:26).
• The Maturity Test: A mature believer takes the initiative to heal a relationship, whether they are the offender or the offended.
III. Step Two: Bringing Witnesses
"But if they will not listen, take one or two others along..." (Matthew 18:16)
If the private meeting fails, the circle of involvement expands slightly but remains confidential.
• Why Witnesses? This follows the biblical principle established in Deuteronomy 17:6 and 19:15. Witnesses ensure that every word is confirmed, preventing one-sided stories or unjust accusations.
• Objective Mediators: These witnesses act as mediators who can provide a fresh perspective and demonstrate a sincere, collective desire for peace (Hebrews 12:14–15).
• Avoiding Vengeance: By involving others, we move away from personal vendettas and toward a formal, righteous process (Romans 12:19).
IV. Step Three: Telling the Church
"If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church." (Matthew 18:17)
This is the final appeal. If the person refuses to listen to their friend and refuses to listen to a small group of witnesses, the matter is brought before the local assembly (or the leadership representing the assembly).
• Collective Exhortation: The weight of the entire church’s concern is brought to bear on the individual. It is a loud, public call to repentance.
• Protecting the Body: At this stage, the sin is no longer private; it threatens the spiritual health of the entire congregation.
V. The Final Consequence: Disciplinary Separation
"Treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector." (Matthew 18:17)
If the person persists in their sin despite the church’s plea, their status changes.
• The Context: To a first-century Jew, a "pagan" was someone outside the covenant, and a "tax collector" (publican) was a known sinner.
• Practical Meaning: We cease normal spiritual communion and social intimacy with the person (1 Corinthians 5:11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6).
• The Intent: We treat them as someone who is unsaved and in desperate need of the Gospel. We do not treat them as an "enemy," but as a brother or sister under admonition who needs to see the gravity of their separation from God.
VI. The Necessary Atmosphere: A Heart of Forgiveness
The entire process of confrontation must be saturated in a spirit of forgiveness. Before you ever open your mouth to rebuke, you must have already forgiven them in your heart.
• The Standard: Jesus teaches that if we do not forgive others, our Father will not forgive us (Matthew 6:14–15). When Peter asked how many times he should forgive, Jesus replied, "Seventy times seven"—meaning, without limit (Matthew 18:21–22).
• The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant: In Matthew 18:23–35, Jesus reminds us that we have been forgiven an unpayable debt of millions. How can we then refuse to forgive the "pennies" that someone else owes us?
VII. The Goal Realized: Complete Restoration
"You ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow." (2 Corinthians 2:7)
When a disciplined member repents, the church must act swiftly:
1. Forgive: Release the debt.
2. Comfort: Restore the emotional bond.
3. Confirm Love: Publicly and privately reaffirm their belonging in the family of God.
Summary of Doctrinal Principles
• Biblical discipline is an act of love, not hate.
• The objective is always restoration, not expulsion.
• The holiness of the church is a priority for the glory of God.
• Forgiveness is mandatory for every believer.
- Duality in the Scriptures: Neutrality is an illusion
- How to Find the Solution to Your Problem
- How to Avoid Making Bad Deals
Conclusion
God has given us a clear model to keep His Church pure and His children safe. We must have the courage to confront sin, the humility to accept correction, and the grace to forgive as we have been forgiven. By following the Master's instructions, we ensure that the Body of Christ remains a place of healing, holiness, and hope.
