1. Grace Fellowship Church Pastor/Teacher - Jim Rickard www.GraceDoctrine.org Thursday, April 24, 2014

2. 1 John 1:9-10, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar and His word is not in us.”

3. Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy (Ghost) Spirit. Amen.

4. Prov 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.”

5. Proverbs 13:24 Principles of Church Discipline: Mat 18:15-18; Rom 16:17-18; 1 Cor 5; 2 Cor 2:6-11; Gal 6:1-3; 2 Thes 3:6-16; 2 Tim 2:23-26; Titus 3:10.

6. Discipline is to deliver the offender from sinful patterns of behavior and not to drive him or her away from the fellowship of the church.

7. In disciplining, the church’s attitude is to be one of love and gentleness, Gal 6:1-3.

8. IV. Procedures for Church Discipline.

9. 1. First Step. Seek private correction and/or reconciliation with the offender whether the sin is against you or not, Mat 18:15; Gal 6:1.

10. 2. Second Step. If the first step fails, take witnesses to strengthen the effect of the discipline, preferably spiritual leaders, Mat 18:16-17; 1 Tim 5:19.

11. 3. Third Step If the 2 nd step fails, seek reconciliation and restoration through the whole body, 2 Thes 3:14-15; Mat 18:17; 1 Tim 5:20.

12. V. Procedures for Restoration.

13. Restoration should only occur after the reversionistic believer recognizes the sin and hurt they have committed against you or the local assembly.

14. This is called Rebound and Recovery.

15. This is called Rebound and Recovery. “Rebound”, 1 John 1:9, is a private issue between the sinner and the Lord.

16. “Recovery” is the visible change in the reversionistic believer’s words, deeds and actions, where they are now functioning in the righteousness of God.

17. The repentant person will: a. Freely acknowledge his sin, 1 John 1:9; Prov. 28:13, and confess it privately to the Lord.

18. b. Cease the activity for which he was disciplined / spoken to about, or seek help if it is a case of life dominating patterns, Gal 6:1f; James 5:19-20.

19. c. Make restitution and/or ask for forgiveness from those hurt as it is applicable, Philemon 18-19; Mat 5:23-24.

20. d. Demonstrate a genuine change of heart, a real concern and godly sorrow over his actions, 2 Cor 7:8-11; Psa 51:17.

21. e. He/she will begin to manifest the fruit of the Spirit and a concern for the things of Christ, Gal 5:22f.

22. Luke 3:8, “Bring forth fruits in keeping with repentance.” Acts 26:20, “That they should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.”

23. It is not just words but actions that are in view. They can say they are sorry, but if their behaviors do not change there is no true repentance.

24. Restoration Includes:

25. 1. Forgiveness. Accepting the person and forgetting the past, 2 Cor 2:7a.

26. 2. Comfort. This means reaching out to them, assuring them of your support, and encouraging, exhorting, and challenging them to move on, 2 Cor 2:7b.

27. 3. Love. Includes drawing them close, doing for them that which will aid their growth and complete recovery, 2 Cor 2:8.

28. Encouraging them to get involved in ministry, Luke 22:31-32.

29. For positions of leadership, there should be a time of testing to demonstrate their qualifications, 1 Tim 3:10.

30. 1 Tim 3:10, “These men must also first be tested; then let them serve as deacons if they are beyond reproach.”

31. Grace Fellowship Church Thursday April 24, 2014 Lesson # 14-041 Proverbs Chapter 13 James H. Rickard Bible Ministries 2014 Grace Fellowship Church Thursday April 24, 2014 Lesson # 14-041 Proverbs Chapter 13 The Importance of Discipline, Pt 5 Church Discipline, Pt 4 Restoration Prov 13:24; 2 Cor 2:7-8; Gal 6:1f; James 5:19-20 James H. Rickard Bible Ministries 2014