OceanSide church of Christ

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A SPIRITUAL FAMILY THAT DISCIPLINES (2)

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.   In our first lesson, we looked at discipline in a general way.

1.    The Definition of Discipline

2.    The Methods of Discipline

3.    The Purposes of Discipline

 

B.   In this lesson, we will be completely focused on what is commonly called:  “Church Discipline.”

 

C.   Again, the main title of our lesson is:  “A Spiritual Family that Disciplines.”

 

I.             CAUSES OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE

 

A.   Members become lazy and slothful (Matt. 25:26).

 

His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant…

 

B.   Members get entangled in sin (2 Pet. 2:20).

 

For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.

 

C.   Members proclaim or accept false doctrine (2 Pet. 2:1-2).

 

But there were false prophets among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.  And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

 

II.           THE NEW TESTAMENT AND CHURCH DISCIPLINE

 

A.   2 Thessalonians 2:6

 

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

 

B.   1 Corinthians 5:11

 

But now I have written unto you not to keep company , if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such a one no not to eat.

 

C.   Romans 16:17

 

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

 

 

III.        THE PURPOSES OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE

 

A.   To obey God (2 Thess. 3:6).

 

Now we command you brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves…

 

B.   To manifest love for the transgressor (Prov. 13:24).

 

He that spareth the rod hateth his son:  but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.

 

C.   To restore the sinner (1 Cor. 5:5).

 

To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.

 

D.   To keep the church pure (Eph. 5:27).

 

That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.

 

E.   To warn other members that improper behavior and teachings will not be tolerated (Acts 5:5, 11).

 

And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

 

IV.         ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS ON CHURCH DISCIPLINE

 

A.   Church discipline needs to be fair and equitable.

1.    James 2:9

 

But if ye have respect of persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

 

2.    Elderships would be wise to take some time and draw up plans of church

discipline.  These plans could then be made known to the church.

 

B.   Church discipline is supposed to involve the entire church body (1 Cor. 5:4-5).

 

In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus..

 

1.    As the overseers, the elders take the lead in the discipline process.

2.    However, the entire church is supposed to be involved in the action.

 

C.   Church discipline should be carried out much quicker than it often is in most churches (Eccl. 8:11).

 

Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set I them to do evil.

 

1.    Sometimes it takes months or over a year before church discipline is initiated.

2.    This is where a plan of action and a very attentive leadership are of utmost value. 

3.    NOTE:  Elders are shepherds of the flock.  They know when one of the sheep has departed from the fold and immediately go out and see it, Luke 15:4.

 

D.   Church discipline does not rule out further admonition of the individual (2 Thess. 3:14-15).

 

And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that ye may be ashamed.  Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

 

E.   Church discipline was never intended to bring division to the body of Christ.

1.    There are some members of the church who are so opposed to church discipline that they with either side with the sinner or quit the church when discipline is practiced.

2.    Some will become enemies of diligent elders and faithful members who practice church discipline.

 

F.    Church discipline should be made known to area congregations.

1.    There is no direct command for this action.

2.    It is a matter of wisdom and courtesy. 

3.    It can reduce problems between congregations when the one who is in sin show up at another congregation.

 

CONCLUSION

 

A.   In our homes, we understand and accept discipline (Heb. 12:9).

 

B.   In our lives, we realized that God wants us to be disciplined (Heb. 12:6).

 

C.   Thus, discipline in the family of God should not come as a surprise to us.

1.    The wise man accepts discipline (Prov. 9:8)

2.    The good and honest heart will repent and turn back to God and seek forgiveness (2 Cor. 2:6-7).

 

D.   Discipline begins with wholesome teaching. 

1.    The home needs to engage in teaching God’s Word more (Eph. 6:4).

2.    The church needs to make certain that the Word of God is being taught to her members (Acts 2:42).

3.    Individual members need to give diligence in their study and application of God’s Word in their lives (Col. 1:27).