Church Discipline Part 1
Correcting the Body
Correcting the Body
Introduction
R.C. Sproul writes, “The church is called not only to a ministry of reconciliation, but a ministry of nurture to those within her gates. Part of that nurture includes church discipline. . ..[1]” If Church Discipline is so important to the nurture and care of the Body of Christ, why is it so difficult for us? Let me suggest a few reasons:
1. “Fear of man” comes to mind at the top of the list. What will they do to me? What if they hate me? What if this all blows up in my face? Fear of man is probably the most significant intimidator to Church Discipline. (“The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted.”[2] )
2. “Love of man.” There is a love and compassion that does not readily seek to inflict pain upon another. It is real. It is not a rationalization. Paul experienced that. He was reluctant to cause pain. In fact in 2 Corinthians 10 he diffuses arguments that he was a wimp in person but only bold when he wrote. I would be concerned about someone who said, “Oh boy, I get to go hurt someone!” There is a compassionate angle to this.
3. Skill and knowledge play an important role. How do I approach someone? What do I say? Lack of understanding can cause us to avoid such confrontation.
4. Personal sin. When I our lives are less than desirable it is very difficult to point out the speck in your brother’s eye. (see Matthew 7:4)
5. Prevalent sins in the Body. When the Church fails to live in obedience, to single out someone for correction is virtually impossible. (“we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.”[3] )
I – WHY SHOULD WE EXERCISE CHURCH DISCIPLINE?
God’s Design for His Church in disciplining one another is not only based on clear Biblical commands and examples, but is founded on solid Christian doctrine. The necessity to discipline is enveloped within two of the important truths that we taught in the previous lesson. They are:
The Doctrine of the Communion of Saints. We are all part of the one Body and are responsible to one another; and The Doctrine of the Priesthood of Believers. We all are expected to be in ministry.
However there is another important doctrinal area that gives rise to the importance of Church Discipline. Theologically it is called The Doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints. (I have placed a summary pamphlet at the literature table that describes this is greater detail.)
The Doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints essential states the following: That any person truly born of the Spirit unto eternal life “can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace, but they shall certainly persevere in grace to the end and be eternally saved” (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith). The application then is that those who profess faith in Christ and are struggling with their faith will ultimately and gladly welcome those attempts by the Church to enable them to persevere. In other words, for people who are truly Christ’s sheep, they will be truly warned by the Word of God; and they will hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:3-4).
II – WHAT IS CHURCH DISCIPLINE?
So we’ve been discussing this thing called Church Discipline for the last few moments, what is it? Knowing what it is will give you greater courage and confidence to face this difficult ministry.
The word “discipline” often conjures up ideas of censure, spankings, punishment and so on. So let’s go back to the basics and ask, “What is discipline?” W.E. Vine defines discipline as “sophronismos” and he defines it literally as “saving the mind.” [4]
This word is made up of 2 words: One is sos (meaning safe) and the other is phren (the mind). Thus the New Testament often interpretes the same word as self-control, sound mind, etc. We see that in a particular passage:
2 Timothy 1:7 (NASB95) reads, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” [5] The KJV renders the phrase: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Church Discipline is then the application of sound, healthy, Biblical THINKING. What and how we think is what is affecting our behavior. This is the foundational ethic behind cognitive therapy. It is biblical. Solomon writes: “For as he thinks within himself, so he is . . ..”[6]
So ultimately the role of Church Discipline is enabling a brother or sister in Christ to think correctly, thus live correctly. How is this encouraging to the one that is called to do that?
a. It means that you need not seek to manipulate the other person. They are simply invited to examine their wrong thinking in light of God’s Word.
b. It means that you are not responsible to affect the change. You are responsible to the person but not for them.
Even the Apostle Paul understood this truth. When Paul had to write a letter of rebuke to Corinth he noted clearly, “"Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy . . .." (2 Corinthians 1:24a). John MacArthur comments:
Ever sensitive to avoid provoking unnecessary conflict, Paul quickly added the very positive disclaimer, Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy. Paul never abused his apostolic authority to gain prestige or power, or to further his own selfish aims. His goal, even in disciplining the unruly Corinthians, was the joy that holiness would bring them.[7]
III – THREE TYPES OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
As I examine God’s Word I find that there are 3 types of Church Discipline. It becomes blatantly obvious to me that if Type 1 was not happening, Type 2 will be necessary. And if Type 2 is not successful, Type 3 will become required. So what are these types of Church Discipline?
#1. Type 1 Discipline – Preventative Discipline.
Most of us don’t look at the Church, particularly life in the Church as a form of discipline but it is. Let me remind you of how this works:
1. There is “private” preventative discipline. If you are truly a member of Christ’s Body then you must be engaged regularly in the “washing of your feet”! (“If I do not wash you have no part with Me,” Jesus said.[8]) Our daily lives, our daily walk down life’s road needs cleansing. It is a characteristic of a true child of God that they are continually recognizing their sin and seeking God’s cleansing (1 John 1:9). In fact if you notice John’s teaching you will see that this comes from a daily walk in the light and it brings fellowship with each other (v7). How do you and I walk in the light? " How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments." (Psalm 119:9-10). Have you ever noticed that the profit that comes from the Word of God includes “correction” and “rebuke” (2 Timothy 3:16). When Christians are not seeking the enlightenment and cleansing that comes through the Word and by the Spirit there will be trouble. I will offer to say that the root of all public Church Discipline is someone who is not “hearing and obeying Christ’s words” (Matthew 7:24ff)
2. There is public preventative discipline. We’ve spoken on this in the past that that God has established the assembly of the Church in it’s various forms to “spur us on and stimulating us to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24f). It is part of Christ’s Great Commandment to the Church – the entire assembly to "“Go therefore . . . teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”" (Matthew 28:19-20) Ken Sande from Peacemakers Ministries describes this type of discipline as “formative” discipline. He says,
“First there is formative discipline. This is the idea of bringing people to maturity in Christ the way a football coach disciplines his team through daily practices. This includes encouragement, practice, instruction, and showing them what is right and good. This is what a church does through its ministries.”
Again, when Christian neglect a daily walk with the Lord; and neglect the ministries of the Church, we can be assured that it will not be long before serious problems emerge.
#2. Type 2 Discipline – Private Discipline.
I am convinced that if we all kept short accounts with God and frequented the ministries of the Church that further discipline would almost become irrelevant. However when this does not occur, the next level of discipline is required. I refer to it as private discipline for it’s that encounter that takes place privately with the hope of seeing resolution, reconciliation and restitution. The Bible draws our attention to 4 opportunities for this type of Church Discipline. Let’s look at each of them:
1. Matthew 5:23-24. In these verses we are reminded of the first occasion when private resolution ought to take place. “"“Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering." (Matthew 5:23-24) Jesus has just spoken quite directly about the seriousness of being angry with your brother. The insinuation might be that we can appease our consciences by bringing a gift to God … an act of worship. The principle is clear: If there is conflict between two Christians it is God’s desire that they be reconciled before engaging in worship or service. The case given places the responsibility upon the person who is aware that a brother has “something against [him]”. He is to make reconciliation before he offers service. This is something that the people of God must consider constantly. It is the one with cleans hands and pure heart that can approach God (Psalm 24:3).
2. Matthew 18:15-16 This passage is one that we are probably most familiar with. In the previous account, you are aware that you have wronged someone and you do something towards restoration. In this passage the opposite is true, you are aware someone has sinned against you, or you have knowledge of his sin. “If your brother sins go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother." Again we see that your responsibility is to “go and show”. We pray for a listening heart and responsive will. We have grown up in a culture that would rather not get involved. This verse says the opposite. Failure to speak up will lead to a worsening situation, for the individual and the purity of the Church. If it is you that has been wronged it will nearly always lead to bitterness if you fail to act.
3. Galatians 6:1 is another passage that speaks of a private encounter. "Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted." Now this a different scenario apart from the previous two. This is a brother “caught in a trespass”. Literally the Greek reads “to take before”. We know there is willful sin and deliberate sin. But there are sins that overcome us because we are walking unaware. It is an unexpected failure. There was a lapse of judgment. There was a deviation from the path that has brought a brother into a situation of bondage. Those who exemplify the fruit of the Spirit are to go with humility and meekness (Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”[9] ) are to restore him. “This word (Gr katartizō) is used as a surgical term, of setting a bone or dislocated joint. It is the same word used in Matthew 4:21 of mending nets.”[10] We are to help him and bear his burden (6:2). Why? The idea here is “there but the grace of God go I.” This is truly helping the weak.
4. 1 Timothy 5:19. There is yet one other scenario where a private confrontation is to take place. In this passage we read, “"Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses." Obviously any accusation of any saint of God is serious. It can destroy an elder and a church. Before grounds are sought to publicly rebuke an elder, we are cautioned to determine the truthfulness of the matter first. This means that it “must be witnessed before two or three persons or not at all.”[11] This is why elders ought always to minister in plurality – never alone.
R.C. Sproul writes, “The church is called not only to a ministry of reconciliation, but a ministry of nurture to those within her gates. Part of that nurture includes church discipline. . ..[1]” If Church Discipline is so important to the nurture and care of the Body of Christ, why is it so difficult for us? Let me suggest a few reasons:
1. “Fear of man” comes to mind at the top of the list. What will they do to me? What if they hate me? What if this all blows up in my face? Fear of man is probably the most significant intimidator to Church Discipline. (“The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the Lord will be exalted.”[2] )
2. “Love of man.” There is a love and compassion that does not readily seek to inflict pain upon another. It is real. It is not a rationalization. Paul experienced that. He was reluctant to cause pain. In fact in 2 Corinthians 10 he diffuses arguments that he was a wimp in person but only bold when he wrote. I would be concerned about someone who said, “Oh boy, I get to go hurt someone!” There is a compassionate angle to this.
3. Skill and knowledge play an important role. How do I approach someone? What do I say? Lack of understanding can cause us to avoid such confrontation.
4. Personal sin. When I our lives are less than desirable it is very difficult to point out the speck in your brother’s eye. (see Matthew 7:4)
5. Prevalent sins in the Body. When the Church fails to live in obedience, to single out someone for correction is virtually impossible. (“we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.”[3] )
I – WHY SHOULD WE EXERCISE CHURCH DISCIPLINE?
God’s Design for His Church in disciplining one another is not only based on clear Biblical commands and examples, but is founded on solid Christian doctrine. The necessity to discipline is enveloped within two of the important truths that we taught in the previous lesson. They are:
The Doctrine of the Communion of Saints. We are all part of the one Body and are responsible to one another; and The Doctrine of the Priesthood of Believers. We all are expected to be in ministry.
However there is another important doctrinal area that gives rise to the importance of Church Discipline. Theologically it is called The Doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints. (I have placed a summary pamphlet at the literature table that describes this is greater detail.)
The Doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints essential states the following: That any person truly born of the Spirit unto eternal life “can neither totally nor finally fall from the state of grace, but they shall certainly persevere in grace to the end and be eternally saved” (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith). The application then is that those who profess faith in Christ and are struggling with their faith will ultimately and gladly welcome those attempts by the Church to enable them to persevere. In other words, for people who are truly Christ’s sheep, they will be truly warned by the Word of God; and they will hear His voice and follow Him (John 10:3-4).
II – WHAT IS CHURCH DISCIPLINE?
So we’ve been discussing this thing called Church Discipline for the last few moments, what is it? Knowing what it is will give you greater courage and confidence to face this difficult ministry.
The word “discipline” often conjures up ideas of censure, spankings, punishment and so on. So let’s go back to the basics and ask, “What is discipline?” W.E. Vine defines discipline as “sophronismos” and he defines it literally as “saving the mind.” [4]
This word is made up of 2 words: One is sos (meaning safe) and the other is phren (the mind). Thus the New Testament often interpretes the same word as self-control, sound mind, etc. We see that in a particular passage:
2 Timothy 1:7 (NASB95) reads, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” [5] The KJV renders the phrase: “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
Church Discipline is then the application of sound, healthy, Biblical THINKING. What and how we think is what is affecting our behavior. This is the foundational ethic behind cognitive therapy. It is biblical. Solomon writes: “For as he thinks within himself, so he is . . ..”[6]
So ultimately the role of Church Discipline is enabling a brother or sister in Christ to think correctly, thus live correctly. How is this encouraging to the one that is called to do that?
a. It means that you need not seek to manipulate the other person. They are simply invited to examine their wrong thinking in light of God’s Word.
b. It means that you are not responsible to affect the change. You are responsible to the person but not for them.
Even the Apostle Paul understood this truth. When Paul had to write a letter of rebuke to Corinth he noted clearly, “"Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy . . .." (2 Corinthians 1:24a). John MacArthur comments:
Ever sensitive to avoid provoking unnecessary conflict, Paul quickly added the very positive disclaimer, Not that we lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy. Paul never abused his apostolic authority to gain prestige or power, or to further his own selfish aims. His goal, even in disciplining the unruly Corinthians, was the joy that holiness would bring them.[7]
III – THREE TYPES OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE.
As I examine God’s Word I find that there are 3 types of Church Discipline. It becomes blatantly obvious to me that if Type 1 was not happening, Type 2 will be necessary. And if Type 2 is not successful, Type 3 will become required. So what are these types of Church Discipline?
#1. Type 1 Discipline – Preventative Discipline.
Most of us don’t look at the Church, particularly life in the Church as a form of discipline but it is. Let me remind you of how this works:
1. There is “private” preventative discipline. If you are truly a member of Christ’s Body then you must be engaged regularly in the “washing of your feet”! (“If I do not wash you have no part with Me,” Jesus said.[8]) Our daily lives, our daily walk down life’s road needs cleansing. It is a characteristic of a true child of God that they are continually recognizing their sin and seeking God’s cleansing (1 John 1:9). In fact if you notice John’s teaching you will see that this comes from a daily walk in the light and it brings fellowship with each other (v7). How do you and I walk in the light? " How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Your word. With all my heart I have sought You; Do not let me wander from Your commandments." (Psalm 119:9-10). Have you ever noticed that the profit that comes from the Word of God includes “correction” and “rebuke” (2 Timothy 3:16). When Christians are not seeking the enlightenment and cleansing that comes through the Word and by the Spirit there will be trouble. I will offer to say that the root of all public Church Discipline is someone who is not “hearing and obeying Christ’s words” (Matthew 7:24ff)
2. There is public preventative discipline. We’ve spoken on this in the past that that God has established the assembly of the Church in it’s various forms to “spur us on and stimulating us to love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24f). It is part of Christ’s Great Commandment to the Church – the entire assembly to "“Go therefore . . . teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”" (Matthew 28:19-20) Ken Sande from Peacemakers Ministries describes this type of discipline as “formative” discipline. He says,
“First there is formative discipline. This is the idea of bringing people to maturity in Christ the way a football coach disciplines his team through daily practices. This includes encouragement, practice, instruction, and showing them what is right and good. This is what a church does through its ministries.”
Again, when Christian neglect a daily walk with the Lord; and neglect the ministries of the Church, we can be assured that it will not be long before serious problems emerge.
#2. Type 2 Discipline – Private Discipline.
I am convinced that if we all kept short accounts with God and frequented the ministries of the Church that further discipline would almost become irrelevant. However when this does not occur, the next level of discipline is required. I refer to it as private discipline for it’s that encounter that takes place privately with the hope of seeing resolution, reconciliation and restitution. The Bible draws our attention to 4 opportunities for this type of Church Discipline. Let’s look at each of them:
1. Matthew 5:23-24. In these verses we are reminded of the first occasion when private resolution ought to take place. “"“Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering." (Matthew 5:23-24) Jesus has just spoken quite directly about the seriousness of being angry with your brother. The insinuation might be that we can appease our consciences by bringing a gift to God … an act of worship. The principle is clear: If there is conflict between two Christians it is God’s desire that they be reconciled before engaging in worship or service. The case given places the responsibility upon the person who is aware that a brother has “something against [him]”. He is to make reconciliation before he offers service. This is something that the people of God must consider constantly. It is the one with cleans hands and pure heart that can approach God (Psalm 24:3).
2. Matthew 18:15-16 This passage is one that we are probably most familiar with. In the previous account, you are aware that you have wronged someone and you do something towards restoration. In this passage the opposite is true, you are aware someone has sinned against you, or you have knowledge of his sin. “If your brother sins go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother." Again we see that your responsibility is to “go and show”. We pray for a listening heart and responsive will. We have grown up in a culture that would rather not get involved. This verse says the opposite. Failure to speak up will lead to a worsening situation, for the individual and the purity of the Church. If it is you that has been wronged it will nearly always lead to bitterness if you fail to act.
3. Galatians 6:1 is another passage that speaks of a private encounter. "Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted." Now this a different scenario apart from the previous two. This is a brother “caught in a trespass”. Literally the Greek reads “to take before”. We know there is willful sin and deliberate sin. But there are sins that overcome us because we are walking unaware. It is an unexpected failure. There was a lapse of judgment. There was a deviation from the path that has brought a brother into a situation of bondage. Those who exemplify the fruit of the Spirit are to go with humility and meekness (Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.”[9] ) are to restore him. “This word (Gr katartizō) is used as a surgical term, of setting a bone or dislocated joint. It is the same word used in Matthew 4:21 of mending nets.”[10] We are to help him and bear his burden (6:2). Why? The idea here is “there but the grace of God go I.” This is truly helping the weak.
4. 1 Timothy 5:19. There is yet one other scenario where a private confrontation is to take place. In this passage we read, “"Do not receive an accusation against an elder except on the basis of two or three witnesses." Obviously any accusation of any saint of God is serious. It can destroy an elder and a church. Before grounds are sought to publicly rebuke an elder, we are cautioned to determine the truthfulness of the matter first. This means that it “must be witnessed before two or three persons or not at all.”[11] This is why elders ought always to minister in plurality – never alone.
[1] Sproul, R. C., In Search of Dignity, Regal Books, 1983, p. 182.
[2]New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995 (Pr 29:25). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[3]New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995 (2 Co 10:6). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[4]Vine, W., Unger, M. F., & White, W. (1997, c1996). Vine's complete expository dictionary of Old and New Testament words (electronic ed.) (2:172). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
[5] New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995. LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[6]New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995 (Pr 23:7). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[7]MacArthur, J. (2003). 2 Corinthians (p47). Chicago: Moody Publishers.
[8]New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995 (Jn 13:8). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[9]New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995 (1 Co 10:12). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
[10]KJV Bible commentary. 1997, c1994 (electronic ed.) (2400). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
[11]KJV Bible commentary. 1997, c1994 (electronic ed.) (2504). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
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