Church discipline is not a popular subject. Some have chosen to ignore the biblical commandment to discipline, when necessary, those within their church family. The Scriptures are clear that sin must be confronted correctly, carefully and compassionately to keep the sin from spreading to others (Heb. 12:15; I Cor. 5:6-7). God’s inerrant Word reminds His followers of the danger of leaven and to not allow those who persist in sin to be emulated or imitated. Church, you are called to protect the purity of the church and to honor Christ (Rom. 2:24; I Cor. 5:1-2; Rev. 2:20).
Church discipline is to be obeyed with love, great sadness and heaviness of heart. It is done with seriousness and soberness, understanding the gravity of the situation. The goal must always be to pursue biblical repentance, reconciliation and restoration with the hope that the individual will come back into full fellowship of your church. Yes, it is done with very heavy and burdened hearts, but knowing that it is right. Think of the impact it would have on your fellowship by realizing that willful habitual sin will not be swept under the rug. Though in the world you can do that, it will not happen in your fellowship.
The church is supposed to be different and must stand for the permanence and purity of marriage. God requires His children to stand for the protection of those who are innocent, and His followers are to be distinctively different from the world by upholding standards of purity. God expects His instructions to be followed and His commandments to be obeyed. The other option — no church discipline — says it does not matter how someone lives and the sin continues spreading to others. Scripture clearly states that if a church does not exercise discipline, the Lord Jesus will do it Himself. That discipline could include your church.
Here are some guidelines and principles to follow in church discipline:
• When made aware of a particular sin, you should keep it between the smallest group possible for proper resolution to hopefully occur (Matt. 18:15-17). Be careful to not harm someone’s reputation too quickly or wrongfully. Be cautious to not cast doubt and suspicion that is undeserved. However, some sins are already publicly known, and should be dealt with publicly. In Galatians 2, Paul rebuked Peter in front of everyone.
• Disciplinary measures should increase in strength until there is a solution. Be careful to inform and include church leaders in this process because there is wisdom in the multitude of counsel. Make sure that much prayer is taking place. Jesus’ presence must be behind the decisions made by the church (Matt. 18:19-20; I Cor. 5:4). He is present to give power to this disciplinary process, which requires strength, wisdom, compassion and conviction to be carried out correctly. This is to prevent the church from giving the impression of approving disobedience (I Cor. 5:11; II Thess. 3:6, 14-15; II John 10-11).
• Never give public endorsement of what God has called iniquity, transgression, sin and immorality. When under church discipline, how should you deal with those disciplined in public? What if they invite you to get together for some fun activity? Consider this response, “No we cannot do that, but we would love to sit down with you and discuss with you where you are spiritually and pray with you on this.” Nowhere in Scripture do you see that we should just go on as if nothing is wrong. Let them know they are loved and that you are praying for them, but you must stand with the Word of God and not compromise its truth.
• As soon as genuine repentance has occurred, the person should be quickly brought back into fellowship of the church (II Cor. 2:7-8; Gal. 6:1; Matt. 18:21-22, 35). It is unwise to set any timetable in advance for church discipline to be completed. Different situations will be unique in how they work out. You do not know when a person’s heart might soften or harden. You do not know when repentance may occur. Also, granting forgiveness is different from restoring trust. Trust is built only slowly over time and can be shattered quickly and take a long time to rebuild.
Looking at all of the above verses and I Corinthians 5, there are several reasons for biblical church discipline:
• First, believe it or not, it is for the good of the person being disciplined. It is out of love for them that you want to see them disciplined for their spiritual health and vitality. You should never encourage hypocrisy where members are hardened, confirmed and lulled in their sins.
• It is also for the good of other Christians, as they see the danger of sin as according to I Tim. 5:20. This is not for just any sin, but ongoing sin that is not repented of and when the one in sin refuses counsel, guidance or to repent.
• Church discipline is also for the health of the church as a whole. No church or believer should ever boast of their tolerance of ongoing, unrepentant sin. Scripture is very clear about what a little yeast can do. Encouragement, love and support will be your focus and church discipline will be the exception, not the rule. The corporate witness of the church is not to be forgotten or taken lightly. People do notice when there is no difference between how followers of Christ live and how others live. Some have asked, “What about grace?” This is the most gracious thing you can do (Heb. 12:6).
• Lastly, but most importantly, church discipline is to be practiced for the glory of God, as we reflect His holiness. We are to be conspicuously holy. This is not for our reputation but for His (I Peter 1:16; I Peter 2:12; Col. 1:21-22; I Cor. 6:9-11).
Resources to consider are The Handbook on Church Discipline by Jay E. Adams, Church Discipline by Jonathan Leemanand Nine Marks of a Healthy Church by Mark Dever.
