To: bcleek@niia.net
Subject: Bible question
2. It is inconsistent to insist on following the law for admission to the church (Acts 2) and to ignore His laws for exclusion from fellowship.
I. THE NECESSITY OF DISCIPLINE
A. Where no penalty is attached to the violation of the law, there is neither respect for the law nor for the lawgiver.
B. Juvenile delinquency results from no discipline (Prov. 13:24; Eph. 6:1-4).
C. School teacher must have discipline in the classroom.
D. Civil government--requires punishment for evil doers (Rom. 13:1-4).
E. God has never tolerated trifling with his laws.
1. Confusion would-result without discipline (1 .Cor. 14:33).
2. Penalty imposed on Adam and Eve (Gen. 2:17).
3. God brought flood on ungodly (Gen. 6:1-7).
4. God punished Nadab and Abihu's sin (Lev. 10:1,2).
F. Similarly, there must be discipline in the church.
II. THE SCRIPTURES COMMANDING DISCIPLINE (Matt. 18:15-17; Lk. 17:3; Rom. 16:17-20; 1 Cor. 5:1-13; Gal. 6:1; 1 Thess. 5:12-14; 2 Thess. 3:6-15; James 5:19,20). Obey or rebel?
III. THE DEFINITION OF DISCIPLINE
A. More people would be in favor of discipline if they understood its broad meaning.
B. WEBSTER.- a.'The treatment suited to a discipline or a learner; education; dev elopment of the faculties by instruction and exercise; training. b. Training to act in, accordance with established rules; accustoming to systematic and regular action; drill. c. Subjection to rule; submissiveness to order and control; state of discipline. d. Severe training, corrective of faults; instruction by means of misfortune, suffering, punishment, etc. e. Correction, chastisement; punishment inflicted by way of correction and training. f. ... The enforcement- of methods of correction. against one guilty of ecclesiastical offences; reformatory or penal action toward a church member."
C. Summary: Discipline means education , development , instruction, exercise, training, drill, correction, chastisement, punishment, reformatory or penal action.
D. Old Testament Usage
1. O.T. equivalent of "discipline" is "musar" which comes from "yasar".
2. "Yasar" means "to blind, to tame; hence to correct, chastise, instruct, admonish''.
3. "Yasar" is used concerning parental discipline (Prov. 3:11,12; 13:24; 22:15; 23:13).
4. "Yasar" is used of God's disciplinary action toward His people (Deut, 8:5; Job. 5:17; Psalms 94:12).
E. N.T. Usage:
1. Greek equivalent of "discipline" is "paideia".
2. It means "to bring up, rear a child; to train and teach, educate; to chastise, discipline".
3. It is used in reference to bringing up a child; "nurture" (Eph. 6:4).
4. Forms of this word occur 8 times in Heb. 12:5-11, showing necessity of discipline by earthly parents and by God.
F. In O.T. and In N.T. "discipline" meant more than ',chastisement.
G. Church discipline includes instruction, training, admonition, correction, chastisement, and reformatory or penal action.
H. There are basically two kinds of disciplinary action.
1. INSTRUCTIVE: is preventive in nature.
2. CORRECTIVE: is punitive in nature.
IV. THE MEANS OF DISCIPLINE
A. Public instruction (Heb. 10:25; Acts 20:20; 1 Cor. 14:26; 2 Tim. 2:2). Many sins are sins of ignorance.
B. Private instruction and exhortation (Acts 20:20; 18:26; Gal. 6:1; 1 Thess. 5:14).
C. Private rebuke and admonition (Lk. 17:3; Matt. 18:15). Not wise to parade every sin before public gaze.
D. Public censor. Action becomes progressively sterner. Gross and brazen sins merit public condemnation (2 Pet. 2:13; Gal. 2:11-14; 1 Tim. 5:20;-1:18-20; 2 Tim. 2:17; 4:10; 3 Jn. 9).
E. Social Ostracism (Eph. 3:6; 1 Cor. 5:9-13; 2 Tim. 3:1-5)."Turn away." (2 Thess. 3:14, 15), "Have no company with them" (2 John 9-11). In order to obey this demand, the sinners involved must be publicly named. objective of this is "to the end that he may be ashamed." Ultimate objective is that "his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus."
V. THE PURPOSE OF DISCIPLINE
A. The purpose is not:
l. To take vengeance on anyone (Rom. 12:19).
2. Throw somebody out of the church. Still to be counted "as a brother" (2 Thess. 3:15).
B. Reasons why corrective discipline is important:
1. To maintain the honor and authority of Christ (Eph. 1:22; Matt. 28:18; ; 2 Thess. 3:6; Lk.,6:46). Must do what He says.
2. To maintain the purity of the church. Church made up of "purified" souls (1 Pet. 1:22; Rom. 6:17; Rev. 7:14). It must be kept pure (1 Tim. 5:22; 4:12; 2 Cor. 6:17,18; Eph. 5:25-27; 1 Cor. 15:24; 5:13; 2 Pet. 2:13; Rev. 1:20; 2:5).
3. To maintain the respect of the world (Acts 5:1-11; 2 Pet. 2:2; 1 Tim. 5:20). Increased respect would result if ungodliness were not tolerated.
4. To save the erring brother (James 5:19,20; 1 Cor. 5:5). Evangelism to save the alien; corrective discipline to save the erring. Friends should request that corrective discipline be employed to try to save those whom they love.
VI. THE MANNER OF ACTION. Nearly anything can be done wrongly as well as rightly.
A. In manner calculated to accomplish the objectives in view (Matt. 18:15; Jas. 5:20; I Cor. 5:5).
1. May require strong teaching, but should be done in "gentleness" (Gal. 6:1).
2. One can do much to gain his brother, if his heart is going in the same direction.
B. In a spirit of kindness and love (Rom. 13:10; 1 Cor. 16:14; Col. 3:12-14; John 13:34,35). Yet must "tell him his fault".
C. Must be practiced according to the law of Christ (Gal. 6:1,2), but it must be done!
D. Must be practiced steadily and constantly. otherwise, the "disorderly" accumulate.
Should not wait to "clean house" until it becomes saturated with filth. (See 1 Cor. 5:1-8).
E. Must be taken with wisdom. Elders are to be discreet (1 Tim. 3:1-6). They are the proper ones to lead in such action.
F. Must be practiced impartially and without discrimination (1 Tim. 5:21;.Jas. 3:17). Rich, prominent, powerful should-receive the same treatment as the poor, humble and quiet.
VII. THE SUBJECTS OF DISCIPLINE. "Those who need it False teachers, indifferent, and those who corrupt themselves with the world.
A. Those who refuse-to correct personal offenses (Matt. 16:15-17).
B. Those who cause divisions contrary to the gospel (Rom. 16:17,18; Ps. 133:1; Prov. 6:16-19).
C. Those who are factious or who teach heresy (Titus 3:10; 2 Pet. 2:1)..
D. Those who are guilty of a sin (or sins) of the flesh (1 Cor. 5:11).
1. Fornicators (1 Cor. 5:9; 6:13-20; Gal. 5:19).
2. Adulterers (Matt. 5:32; 19:9; Rom. 7:2; 1 Cor. 5:1-5).
3. Drunkards (Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 5:11; 6:10; Gal. 5:21; Eph. 5:18).
4. Covetous (1 Cor. 5:11; Eph. 5:5).
5. Idolaters (Eph. 5:5; Col. 3:5; 2 Tim. 3:2,4; 4:10).
6. Railers and revilers (1 Cor. 5:11). Defined by Vine as - to abuse, to reproach, upbraid, speak reproachfully.
7. Extortioners (1 Cor. 5:11). (swindler NASV).
8. Tale-bearers and idle (2 Thess. 3:6-15; 1 Tim. 5:13).
9. Those who refuse to withdraw :(2 Thess. 3:14).
E. Those who are "disorderly" (2 Thess. 3:6-15).
1. The word "disorderly" means "out of ranks, irregular, inordinate, deviating from the prescribed order or rule" (Thayer, p. 83).
2. "Disorderly" are impenitent, defiant and show a disposition to continue in sin. Certainly includes those who habitually absent themselves.
VIII. OUR DUTY TOWARD THE DISFELLOWSHIPPED.
A. PUBLICLY
1. Should-not be used in the public services. Would make a sham of our action.
2. Give no recognition so as to imply endorsement as a faithful Christian. Instead must "mark" him or her (Rom. 16:17) and treat as a Gentile or publican (Matt.,18:17). Receive not into fellowship. Withhold your fellowship.
B. PRIVATELY
1. Even private association is restricted (see 2 Jn. 9-11).
2. To keep no social engagements with such a person .(l Cor. 5:ll; 2 Thess. 3:14). To make him feel ashamed (2 Thess. 3:14).
3. Count them not as an enemy (2 Thess. 3:15).
4. Admonish them as brethren (1 Thess. 5:14).
5. Pray for them (1 John 5:16).
6. Help them see how bad off they really are (Heb. 10:26-31; 2 Pet. 2:20-22).
7. Convert them (James 5:19,20); restore them (Gal. 6:1). if one feels insufficient effort was made to restore a sinner, he is at liberty to make further efforts.
8. When one repents, forgive him (Luke 17:3; 2 Cor. 2:4-11).
CONCLUSION
1. Brethren who are reluctant to apply these passages out of "LOVE" (?) are like gloating parents who pamper their children (Prov. 13:24).
2. If we are really interested in saving the lost and in restoring N.T. Christianity, we will follow God's plan.
3. When discipline is practiced by all churches as it ought to be, the authority of Christ will be honored and maintained, the church will be kept pure, the world will respect us, and the souls of sinful brethren will be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
May it be so!!
1. We often hear preachers, elders, and others speak of problems where they attend.
2. All churches have problems simply because they are made up of fallible human beings
. a. Some young couples move from one congregation to another looking for a perfect church. They will never find one.
3. Some dead and/or liberal churches supposedly have no problems.
a. Their problem is failing to recognize or correct problems.
B. The early churches had problems.
1. Jerusalem - Acts 6:1-7
2. Antioch - Acts 15:1-2
3. Corinth - the books of I and 2 Cor.
4. Galatia - Gal. 1: 6-7; 4:9-11
5. Seven churches of Asea - Rev. 2 & 3
C. Most problems are local.
1. Most of the N.T. addresses the local situations.
2. Often not much can be done regarding problems in churches elsewhere.
3. We can't overlook something because it is a universal problem. Ex. Attendance.
D. Problems do much harm.
1. Often weakens the church. Some become discouraged.
2. Hinders the spread of the gospel. They consume valuable time that could be used in reaching the lost.
3. Causes souls to be lost. Some problems involve sins that are never repented of or corrected.
11. SOME CAUSES OF CHURCH PROBLEMS.
A. False teaching. Titus 1: 10- 14
B. Forcing opinions on others. Matt. 5:1-2; Rom. 14:1-3
C. Preacher troubles.
1. Some are trouble makers - thrive on controversy, ride their hobbies. Titus 3:10
2. Some fall to preach the whole truth - will not condemn certain sins. Acts 20:27
3. Some build a party (clique) about themselves. Thus, men follow them rather than the Lord. I Cor. 1: 12-13; 2 Cor. 4:5
4. Some live ungodly lives. 2 Pet. 2:13 a- 14a
D. Elder problems. Acts 20:30
1. Unqualified - self-willed, weak,, or manipulated by others (wife, child, clique).
2. Sometimes members will not submit to them. Heb. 13:17
E. Desire for preeminence. 3 John 9; Matt. 23:5-12; Mark 10:34-45
F. Envy and jealousy. Prov. 27:4; 1 Cor. 3:1-3; James 3:13-16
G. Showing partiality. James 2:1-4,9; 1 Tim. 5:21 Partiality gives rise to cliques (divisions) in the local church.
H. Worldliness within. We get wrapped up in this world - busy in a multitude of things that really don't benefit the soul. Rom. 12:2; 1 John 2:15-17; Rev. 3:15-16
1. Immoral, ungodly members. I Cor. 5:1-2 Ungodly members don't want their sins rebuked or disciplined.
J. Family problems brought into the church. Correct your problems between yourselves if possible. If it can't be done, take other witness, etc. Matt. 18:15-17
K. Abuse of the tongue.
1. Fault finding. Matt. 12:7 Constructive criticism is good, but it must come from those who truly love.
2. Backbiting, gossip, slander, repeating the problems, keeping things agitated, etc.. Prov. II: 13; 26:20-22
3. Harsh and unkind remarks, angry words. Prov. 18:19; Eph. 4:31
4. Murmuring and complaining. I Cor. I 0: I 0; Phil. 2:14
L. Meddlers or busybodies in other's matters. I Tim. 5:13; 1 Thess. 4:1 1; Prov. 26:17
M. Lack of discipline - condones evil. I Cor. 5:6
1. WAYS TO CURE CHURCH PROBLEMS.
A. Face our problems realistically.
1. Don't panic. Some come apart at the seams. Some run rather than standing. Eccl. 10:4
a. The Lord expects one to stay and work out our problems.
2. Don't ignore, hide, or minimize. They must be faced sooner of later. The longer it goes, the worse it gets.
3. Don't exaggerate or advertise. Face it as it is.
4. Don't try to untangle every knot. Eccl. 7:21-22
5. Don't brood over the past. Try to be happy regardless of what we are facing. Phil. 4:4 Happiness is a choice and is contagious.
a. To be spoken against by every one is not always bad. Acts 28:22
B. Seek to prevent problems.
1. Don't side with the cliques.
a. When it is evident that there are warring cliques in the church, the Christian should be careful not to take sides.
(1) Remember, "there are two sides to every controversy." Prov. 18:13
b. We should oppose contentions, dissensions, and divisions in the church. Gal. 5:20; 1 Cor. 3:3
2. Don't judge another's heart.
a. Christians should be careful not to attribute evil motives to the words and actions of others. "Judge not, that you be not judged." Matt. 7:1 b. If we hear or witness some unseemly thing done by a brother, instead of being quick and harsh in our judgment, we should give him the benefit of the doubt. "...Love thinks no evil." I Cor. 13:5
c. Some things are to be labeled as "unwise," but not as "sin."
3. Don't build up a faction.
a. On any given controversy or issue in the local church, as you have opportunity state your conviction, but don't be trying to build up your side by going from house to house or by calling on the phone.
b. Working in secrecy is the tactic of evil people. Psalm 10 1: 5; 2 Pet, 2: 1
c. It puts those who differ at an. unfair disadvantage because it does not give equal time and opportunity. It is not practicing the golden rule. Matt. 7:12 d. Likewise, one has no right to take the problems of one church to another. This destroys God's plan for independence and autonomy.
4. Strive for unity.
a. All Christians should try to keep the church togther and not pull it apart.
b. Instead of leaving and pulling off a group, members of the church should stay together and reconcile their differences. Eph. 4:3; Rom. 14:19 c. There is no such thing as a perfect church and the Lord expects Christians to stay together and work out their problems.
5. Withdraw from the factious. Titus 3.- 1 0-1 1; Prov. 22: 1 0
a. Within time, the righteous will know who the real. troublemakers are.
b. They must be withdrawn from; otherwise, they will eventually divide the church, taking many souls with them.
6. Maintain a scriptural, working eldership.
a. An eldership can be extremely effective in preventing and correcting problems within the congregation.
b. They "take care of the church." and are "shepherds (guardians) of the flock." I Tim. 3:5; Acts 20:28-31
C. How can I as individual member help?
1. If possible, take care of the problem myself. Matt. 5:23-24
2. Always strive to bridle the tongue. James 1:26; Prov.21-23
a. Teach against gossip, backbiting, and evil speaking. 2 Cor. 12:20; Prov. 25:23
b. Gossip can destroy us. Gal. 5:15
3. All of us need to live godly, pure lives. Eph. 5:3-6
4. Keep busy in the service of the Lord. John 9:4; 1 Cor. 15:58
a. Keep our focus on soul-saving, not fighting among ourselves.
b. Often when bird dogs have no birds to hunt, they begin fighting among themselves.
5. Grow in grace and knowledge. 2 Pet. 3:18
a. Much trouble stems from ignorance of truth.
6. Be humble, yet strong as was Jesus. I Pet. 2:21
7. Be ready always to repent when necessary and ask forgiveness. James 5:16
a. Learn to forgive and forget. Luke 17:3-4; Prov. 17:9; Matt. 18:35 - "from the heart."
b. Stop all contentions and start anew. Phil. 3:13
8. Pray for one another. Eph. 6:18
9. Practice genuine, fervent love at all times. I Pet. 4:8; Col. 3:14
a. Always be willing to go the extra mile to promote love, peace, and unity.
Concl.
A. If church problems are not corrected, the zeal of the congregation will be sapped, its influence for good destroyed, error and sin will triumph, souls will be lost.
B. May God help us to strive to both prevent, and correct problems among us.