CHURCH DISCIPLINE

1. Important Scriptures to study.

• 1 Corinthians 5:5-13

• 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 14-15

• 1 Timothy 6:3-5

• 2 John 9-11

• Matthew 18:15-17

• 2 Corinthians 2:6-8

2. Understand the subject and the purpose.

MEANING:

A. Discipline does not mean to punish.

B. It means to teach, instruct, explain, correct.

C. I may be mild, "Here is a better way." or harsh punishment.

D. Harsh punishment is always a last method - not the first.

PURPOSE:

Not - - - Remove, show dislike or hatered toward

Is - - - Keep church pure, teach others, save church, save the sinner.

3. How - What is the process?

A. Teach, encourage, be patient

B. Correct, rebuke, tell them they are sinning

C. Encourage others to talk to them

D. When all attempts have failed - follow these instructions.

4. Some warnings and instructions - - -

A. Do not be trigger happy - Do not be quick to punish.

B. Do all you can to encourage, correct, rebuke.

C. Many must talk with the sinner.

D. Have an attidute of gentle, meekness - Gal. 6:1

E. What if he repents and asks to come back? 2 Corinthians 2:6-8

[1] Forgive him. [2] Comfort him.

[3] Prove you love him. [4] Accept him.

5. Some questions to answer on this topic.

A. Who is to be disciplined?

[1] See list in 1 Corinthians 5:10-11 [2] 1 Timothy 6:3-5

[3] 2 Thessalonians 3:6 ff. [4] 2 John 9-11

[5] Any sin that is (a) not repented of; and (b) harms the church.

B. What about one who stops attending the services?

[1] There is no punishment to tell small child - "Can't drive the car."

[2] Encourage them to return. Tell them you miss them.

[3] Remove them from the list of members.

C. Is this a loving thing to do?

[1] Yes. Like a parent who corrects a child

[2] Is it “loving” to see a brother sin and not correct them?

[3] Make sure your attitude is loving and kind.

D. What is included in "withdraw" from a brother?

[1] Avoid social contacts with them

[2] Maintain spiritual contacts

[3] Admonish him as a brother

[4] DO NOTHING TO ENCOURAGE HIM IN HIS SIN