 Preventive Discipline: All of the means and methods employed by a local church to prevent sin in the life of a Christian  Corrective Discipline: All of the means and methods employed by a local church to correct sin in the life of a Christian short of punishment  Punitive Discipline: Punishment administered by the local church after all other efforts have failed to bring a rebellious child of God to repentance and thus restoration 1

 Mt. 18:15-17  Rom. 16:17-18  1 Cor. 5:1-13  2 Th. 3:6-15  1 Tim. 1:18-20  [1 Tim. 6:3-5]  2 Tim. 3:1-9  Tit. 3:10-11  2 Jn  2 Cor. 2:5-11 2

 Rom. 16:17: 17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned….  2 Th. 3:14: 14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person 3

 1 Cor. 5:2: …that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.  1 Cor. 5:5: 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.  1 Cor. 5:7: Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump….  1 Tim. 1:20: …of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. 4 Excommunication: exclusion from membership in a group or community. (Websters Collegiate Dictionary)

 Mt. 18:17: “But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector  Rom. 16:17: “…avoid them”  1 Cor. 5:11: But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother…not even to eat with such a person”  2 Th. 3:6, 14: …withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us” 5

 2 Th. 3:14: “And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him”  2 Tim. 3:5: “And from such people turn away!”  Tit. 3:10: “Reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition….” 6

 2 Th. 3:15: “Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” 7 Admonition : gentle reproof; counsel or warning against fault or oversight. (Websters Collegiate Dictionary)

 2 Cor. 2:6-8: “ 6 This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.” 8

 Elders Acts 20:28 1 Peter 5:1-3 Hebrews 13:17  The church Matthew 18:15-17 I Corinthians 5:4-5 9

 Personal offenders (Mt. 18:15-17)  Divisive brethren (Rom. 16:17-18)  Fornicators  Covetous  Idolaters  Revilers  Drunkards  Extortioners (1 Cor. 5:9-11)  Disorderly (2 Th. 3:6, 11, )  Lazy  Busybodies (2 Th. 3:11-12)  Disobedient (2 Th. 3:14)  Blasphemers (1 Tim. 1:18- 20)  Factious (Tit. 3:10-11)  Innovators (2 Jn. 9-11)  Anyone who needs it 10

 Get revenge  Drive someone away  Let the elders flex their muscles  Put the church on the map  Hurt someone who has disgraced the church  Protect one’s political position  “Wash one’s hands” of the sinner  Make up for the past 11

 Save the impenitent child of God  Keep the church pure  Maintain the integrity of the church  Obey God  Prove our love 12

 If any one refuses to obey what we say in this letter, note that man, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not look on him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. (2 Thessalonians 3: RSV)  I appeal to you, brethren, to take note of those who create dissensions and difficulties, in opposition to the doctrine which you have been taught; avoid them. (Romans 16:17 RSV)  But rather I wrote to you not to associate with any one who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or robber--not even to eat with such a one. (1 Corinthians 5:11 RSV) 13

 Several factors to consider: How mature and knowledgeable is the sinning person? How public or private is the sin among the church? How public or private is the sin among the world? Is the sin committed out of ignorance or is it willful?  We must practice patience and longsuffering (James 5:7,10-11, 19-20).  We must make distinction between the weak and strong (Romans 14, 15, 1 Corinthians 8; Jude 22-23). 14

 Why Is Church Discipline Often Ignored Today?  What Happens When Discipline Is Neglected?  "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (John 14:15 RSV)  Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? (1 Corinthians 5:6 RSV)  "If you love me, you will keep my commandments. (John 14:15 RSV)  Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? (1 Corinthians 5:6 RSV) 15

 Objection #1 - I just don’t think it’s very loving.  Objection #2 - We are all sinners, so we cannot discipline others.  Objection #3 - It will do more harm than good.  Objection #4 - The parable of the tares suggests God will take care of the discipline. 16

 If we are serious about being disciples of Christ and restoring New Testament Christianity, we must be willing to do all that he asks us to do, even when it is difficult. 17 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. (2 Thessalonians 3:6 NKJV)

 Outline material from Kevin Kay  Discipline material from Steve Higginbotham  Discipline articles from Gene Taylor 18