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ASK YOUR PREACHER/PASTOR Or PRIEST HOW SHOULD CHRISTIANS TREAT A CLEARLY SINFUL BROTHER OR SISTER IN CHRIST? - “CHURCH DISCIPLINE” -

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH… SEEK TO RESTORE/CONVERT HIM/HER: Galatians 6: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH… SEEK TO RESTORE/CONVERT HIM/HER: James 5: Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins. The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH… SEEK TO RESTORE/CONVERT HIM/HER: Matt. 18: “ Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. ” The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH… IF HE WILL NOT HEAR –Matt. 18: " But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.” The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH… TO WITHHOLD APPROVING ASSOCIATION IF UNREPENTANT (I Cor. 5:1 – immoral man) - I Cor. 5:11 – "But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner--not even to eat with such a person." –I Cor. 5:13b ---- "put away from yourselves the evil person." The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH… TO DELIVER SOME TO SATAN –I Cor. 5:4-5 – In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982 –See I Tim. 1:18-20

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH… TO WITHHOLD APPROVING ASSOCIATION IF UNREPENTANT (II Thess. 3:11 – won’t labor) –II Thess. 3: “ But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.” –II Thess. 3: “And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.” The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH… CERTAIN ONES ARE TO BE NOTED/MARKED AND AVOIDED/REJECTED (divisive; doctrinal error) –Rom. 16: “Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.” –Titus 3: “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

THE SCRIPTURES TEACH… CERTAIN ONES ARE NOT TO BE UPHELD OR RECEIVED (doctrinal error) –II John Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. The Holy Bible, New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.

Is this “CHURCH DISCIPLINE”? Phrase “church discipline” is not in Bible. - What about the principle? Discipline – includes “training of the mental, moral, and physical powers…” - Surely the passages we have read involve “discipline” - Includes a type of “punishment - see II Cor. 2:6 - Must be willing to teach, train, seek to restore,. - A family-type relationship offers potential for effective discipline when association withheld.

Is this “CHURCH DISCIPLINE”? The relationship among Christians has particular significance in the “local” church. Some cases specifically mention “local church” responsibilities (not decision of “higher” organization) - Matthew 15:15-17 – tell it to the church - I Corinthians 5:4 - when gathered together verses 2, 13 – put from among you - II Corinthians 2:6 – by the majority (Individual responsibility is not diminished by instructions for the “local church”)

Some objections to such “discipline” “Jesus said, ‘Don’t judge’” - Mt. 7:1f - Jesus spoke against hypocritical judging - Mt. 7 - Jesus encouraged righteous judging - John 7:24 - We are taught to judge those “within” (the church) - 1Cor. 5:12-13

Some objections to such “discipline” Relative to “judging” – some are unwilling to withstand erroneous doctrine. This may be especially true among those who consider that “doctrine doesn’t matter.” Can we truly “preach the gospel and leave others alone”? - II Timothy 4:1-5 ASK YOUR PREACHER!

Some objections to such “discipline” “It’s just between the individual and the Lord” (or “the Lord and me” if the offender is speaking) - Not to be busybodies (I Peter 4:15) - However, God made the well-being of other saints the business of their brothers and sisters. (All the scriptures in this study.) - Many have fallen away from God who have never been “bothered” by others.

Some objections to such “discipline” UNKIND - As one woman said upon hearing of a church withdrawing from someone, “That’s the meanest thing I’ve ever heard.” - A primary objective of “discipline” – Salvation of the soul of the sinner – I Cor. 5:4-5 - Compare II Cor. 2: Compare James 5:19-20

Some objections to such “discipline” If we practice “church discipline” we will lose members. - Is it more important to keep our numbers up or to seek the salvation of souls? - Is it more important to “build a bigger church” or to obey God? - God’s word teaches the necessity of “purging out the old leaven” - (I Cor. 5:6-8)

Some objections to such “discipline” “It makes me uncomfortable to reprove or withstand others.” - It is not “fun” – but it is necessary. - Love of God and love of others demands it! ASK YOUR PREACHER/PASTOR/PRIEST, ETC. ABOUT “CHURCH DISCIPLINE”

Call To Speak To US Live Now!!! Call And --- –Ask For A Copy Of This Presentation –Ask To Be Added To The Beacon’s Mailing –Ask For A Free Bible Correspondence Course Call With A --- –Biblical Question Or Comment Receive a Biblical Answer – “Book, Chapter and Verse” Call (828) or - WHKY