Church Discipline
1 Cor.5
The church has a responsibility to exercise discipline and exclude from its fellowship any member who persist in sin and disobedience to God’s word as found in 1 Cor. 5. Sin will spiritually affect the church and any of the blessings of God. The Lord shows us the use of the church in disputes between individuals,[Matt.18:15-17]
The example of Church Discipline working:
[1Cor.5:1-13] Acknowledgement of the sin and dealing with it, by separation, also [2Thes.3:6]
[2Cor.2:1-11] Repentance and forgiveness of the offender
[2Cor.7:8-12] Godly Sorrow and Clearing for the church, Verse 11- the reason for church discipline!
Other Biblical examples:
[Gal.2:11-14] Paul withstood Peter to the face because his actions were affecting others in the church
[3Jn.9-11] John was going to discipline Diotrephes because of his behavior in the church
[1Tim.1:18-20] Hymenaeus and Alexander, blasphemers, “delivered unto Satan”
The final result may be that the offender be removed from the church, but it is the last resort.
[Hebrews 13:17]
Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
God requires our pastor to watch over our soul, are you causing Joy or grief? It’s unprofitable for YOU.
[1Tim.5:17-25] Paul instructs a young pastor, Timothy:
V:19 – out of the mouth of two or three witnesses…
V:20 – rebuke in public, so others will fear… [Acts 5:11]
V:21 – treat all equal
V:22 – never do wrong to do right
V:24-25 – be sure your sin will find you out… always true.
Benefits of Church Discipline
[1Cor.5:2] Keeps the Church Humble
Sad to say, but unless we see consequences to our sin we will not change [Ecc.8:11]
Should motivate you to judge yourselves often [1Cor.11:31]
[1Cor.5:6-8] Protects the Church
Protects the church from leaven: Because of the lack of judgment by the church, others deem it ok behavior