Matthew 18:15-20
Introduction:
1. Having seen sin’s devastating impact as the reason for church discipline this morning, we now turn our attention to the painstaking process of church discipline.
2. Many immediately think of disfellowship, but there is so much more to the process.
3. We can neither be hasty nor slothful regarding church discipline.
Discussion:
I. The Goals
A. Discipline is often viewed as punishment.
B. Though punitive measures (rebuke, disfellowship) are part of it, punishment is not the stated goal.
C. The two goals per the New Testament are to:
1. Restore the erring (Matthew 18:15; 1 Corinthians 5:4-5; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; James 5:19-20; Jude 22-23).
2. Protect the church (Matthew 7:15-20; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; Titus 3:10-11; 2 John 9-11).
II. The Causes
A. Such a hard task with such heavy consequences begs the question as to who needs disciplined.
B. Broadly, we all need disciplined sometimes.
C. Specifically, many types of errors that call for rebuke and eventual withdrawal are named.
1. Unrepentant sin against another (Mathew 18:15).
2. Unrepentant immorality (1 Corinthians 5:1-13).
3. False teaching (Matthew 7:15-20; Romans 16:17-18; 1 Timothy 1:3-4; Titus 1:9-13; 2 John 9-11).
4. Refusal to fulfill one’s God-given duties (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 1 Timothy 5:8).
5. Persistent divisiveness (Titus 3:9-11; 3 John 9-10).
III. The Process
A. Withdrawal of fellowship is one of numerous steps in the process of discipline.
B. Positive and negative steps in this process are remarkably balanced.
1. Preach (Mark 16:15; Romans 1:15; 2 Timothy 4:1-2).
2. Teach (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 20:27; Ephesians 4:11-16; Colossians 1:28; Titus 2:1).
3. Encourage (Romans 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:11; 2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 3:12-13; 10:24-25).
4. Warn (Acts 20:31; Romans 15:14; Colossians 1:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 3:15).
5. Reprove/expose (Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 5:20; 2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:13; 2:15).
6. Rebuke (Matthew 18:15-18; Luke 17:3; 2 Timothy 4:2)
a. Privately first (Matthew 18:15).
b. With one or two witnesses (Matthew 18:16).
c. Before the congregation (Matthew 18:17).
7. Withdrawal follows when rebellion continues after all the above (Matthew 18:17; Romans 16:17-18; 2 Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; Titus 3:10-11).
C. This said, discipline does not end here.
D. After withdrawal is done, Christ demands we:
1. Continually seek restoration (2 Thessalonians 3:15).
2. Upon repentance we must forgive, comfort, and reaffirm our love for the restored (2 Corinthians 2:5-11; Galatians 6:1).
Conclusion:
1. For church discipline to please the Lord, we must do all that He commanded us, in the way He commanded it, and for the reasons He commanded it.
2. It must also be honored by the entire congregation to avoid undermining its effects.
3. May we all strive to execute the positive steps of church discipline daily in hopes that the negative steps may be avoided.
4. If and when they must be executed, may we proceed with the gravity such demands.
Ways We Need to Help the Elders
1. Do your part to help with the positive discipline of those in need: teaching, encouraging, correcting are not exclusive works for preachers and elders.
2. Address any concerns about discipline to them, not to others in the congregation.
3. Be sure they know you stand with them in any necessary disciplinary actions.
4. Make their work as easy as you can by submitting to His will (Hebrews 13:17).