Let us understand the profound importance of discipline within the church, a concept deeply rooted in love and aimed at the spiritual growth and well-being of each member. As disciples of Christ, we are called not only to discipline ourselves in our walk with the Lord but also to engage in church discipline to uphold the purity, unity, and doctrinal integrity of the body of Christ.
In Romans 16:17, we are urged to be vigilant against those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine we have learned and to avoid them. This directive is not borne out of malice or judgmentalism but out of a deep concern for the spiritual health of the church. Similarly, in 2 Thessalonians 3:6, we are commanded to withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the traditions received from the apostles. This withdrawal is not an act of condemnation but an appeal to repentance and a return to faithful obedience.
Discipline, my brethren, is rooted in love. As we are reminded in Hebrews 12:6, “For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.” Discipline is an expression of God’s love intended to correct and guide us back to the right path. It is an act of spiritual care, aiming to restore the erring brother or sister to a right relationship with God.
In the pursuit of purity, discipline serves as a deterrent to sin and a means to preserve the sanctity of the church. A little leaven leavens the whole lump (1 Corinthians 5:6-7), illustrating how unchecked sin can permeate and corrupt the entire body. Thus, discipline is necessary to maintain the church’s purity and to prevent the spread of sinful behavior.
Furthermore, discipline is for the sake of self-preservation. As in Ezekiel 3:18-19, we are held accountable for warning the wicked. If we neglect this responsibility, we share in their guilt. Discipline is an act of obedience, preserving not only the individual but the entire church from the consequences of sin.
We also need discipline for self-improvement. In 2 Corinthians 7:11-12, the church’s discipline of a sinful member led to a beneficial outcome, not just for the individual disciplined but for the entire congregation. This act of discipline brought about godly sorrow, leading to repentance and a renewed commitment to righteousness.
Moreover, discipline acts as a deterrent, as seen in 1 Timothy 5:20, where those who persist in sin are to be rebuked publicly so that others may take warning. This public rebuke is not for humiliation but to instill a healthy fear of God and a desire to live righteously.
Finally, discipline is exercised for obedience. In 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, Paul instructs the church to expel a member engaged in sexual immorality, not out of vindictiveness, but to uphold God’s standards and to lead the individual to repentance.
In all these, let us remember that discipline within the church is an act of love and care, designed not to harm but to heal, restore, and build up. It is a difficult but necessary part of our life together in Christ, aimed at helping each one of us grow into maturity in Him. Let us, therefore, approach discipline with prayerful consideration, guided by Scripture, and always seeking the restoration and spiritual growth of the one being disciplined, for the ultimate goal is to bring glory to God and to edify His church. Amen.
Discussion Questions and Answers
1. All discipline is one of two types. What are the two types? Describe them.
• Proactive (warning and instruction) and corrective (reproof, rebuke, withdrawal, marking).
2. What does it take to be in the discipline (teaching) of Christ (John 8:31)?
• One must abide in Christ’s teaching to be his disciple.
3. How does a congregation receive discipline when it is assembled or in a class situation?
• Through the teaching of preachers and teachers.
4. How is this an example of the elders “feeding the flock” (1 Peter 2:2, Heb. 5:12-14)?
• They are providing the milk and meat of the word.
5. What are some practical ways in which Christians adorn the teaching of Christ (Gal. 5:22-25)?
• By obeying the word and producing fruits of the spirit.
6. How should the following types of people be treated?
a. unruly: warn c. weak: uphold
b. fainthearted: comfort d. all: be patient
7. List the steps in dealing with personal, private offenses between two brethren in which the offender does not repent (Matt. 18:15-17).
1. Go and tell the brother how he has offended you.
2. If he will not hear, take witnesses to establish every word said.
3. If he refuses to hear them, tell the church.
4. If he refuses to hear the church, withdraw from him.
8. Why did Paul demand the sinner in Corinth be withdrawn from at once (1 Cor. 5:6)?
• He was concerned about the influence of one “getting away” with indulgence.
9. What does it mean when Paul forbids them “to keep company with” such brethren?
• It means that social association must also be halted.
10. From which brother should we withdraw (2 Thess. 3:6)? By what standard of order (2 Thess. 2:15)?
• Every brother who walks disorderly against the standard of the traditions found in the scriptures.
11. How do we admonish such a brother without treating him like an enemy?
• By showing that our reproof is borne out of love, not hate.
12. What two offenses can lead to one being negatively marked (Titus 2:10-11, 2 Tim. 2:17-18)?
• Divisiveness and teaching error.
13. Of what should faithful men be warned concerning dealing with false teachers (2 John 9-11)? Why?
• They should not greet or receive them, for to give them aid and comfort would be to share in the evil deed of teaching error.
