STUDY No. 38 - DISCIPLINE IN THE CHURCH

Historians have recorded how that crime increases and civilisations deteriorate during the course of time. Things do not get better and better, but rather go from worse to worse. The second law of thermodynamics is as observable in civilisations as it is in material science.

People create problems if all are allowed to do that which is right in their own eyes.

Many are recognising the increase of violence in our land, the lack of respect for the property or persons of others, the antagonism and hatred that are increasing year by year.

Unfortunately, the world's standards and ways are reflected in our local churches. We see discontent, divided opinions, personal quarrels, and even marriage break-ups, among those who call themselves Christians.

Timothy reminds us we should know how to behave ourselves in the house of God. (1 Timothy 3:15).
Discipline in the Church of Jesus Christ is important and is the subject of this study.

The word 'discipline' occurs in Job 36:10. Then there is the word 'chastening' (Job 5:17; Proverbs 3:11) which carries a similar meaning, signifying training by instruction and correction. The proper exercise of discipline is clearly enjoined in God's word. We are to recognise that we are members of Christ and part of His body (Phil. 2:1-5).

THE PERSONAL OFFENDER

NATURE OF OFFENCE
        Purely an individual 'evil speaking', 'personal wrong'.

PROCEDURE (THREE STAGES):

1. Show the fault, call to account, require explanation. Note measure of forgiveness (Matthew 18:21, 22).
2. Still private - but with some trusted friend(s) to exercise judgement.
3. 'The church' - if unsuccessful, the offender is treated as an outsider. There can be no fellowship between the two. (Note Matthew 18:22 - "I say not unto thee....". Was this word only for Peter? Some think so.)

THE OVERTAKEN BROTHER

NATURE OF OFFENCE
        A temporary lapse. The brother has been tripped up, yielded to temptation and sinned.

PROCEDURE:
The Greek signifies 'readjust', mend (as a dislocated joint). Consider 1 Timothy 5:20.

The rule is:
Private offence - private rebuke, Public offence - public rebuke

Mingle mercy with judgement, counsel, confession (to God), true repentance and faith in Christ Consider 1 John 1: 9, 10 with the person concerned.

THE MEDDLESOME IDLER

NATURE OF OFFENCE:
Walking disorderly. [Greek 'out of step']. 'Busybodies' who visit not for edification but to gossip.

PROCEDURE (TWO STAGES):

1. Warning by elder Christians (1 Thessalonians 5: 14).
2. If this is unavailing, then withdrawal by Christians (see 2 Thessalonians 3: 6, 14).

THE GROSS EVILDOER

NATURE OF OFFENCE
A grave moral lapse.

PROCEDURE

• 'Fornicator' covers all cases of illicit sexual intercourse.
• 'Covetous' covers all cases of evil desires for gain, sharp practices etc.
• 'Idolater' includes any association with false systems of worship, sorcery and spiritism.

"Put away from among yourselves..." This signifies clear rejection of such people.
Such drastic action can be very effectual.
See 2 Corinthians 2:1-11 and 2 Corinthians 7: 9-12.

Neglect of discipline dishonours the Lord, hinders the Holy Spirit and can thereby mar a local church's testimony. If sin is not dealt with immediately, like leaven it will spread.

"Pride, policy and power cause the most disturbances in the Christian churches." (Matthew Henry)