THE DEATH OF DISCIPLINE


The World, the Word & You! Broadcast
Commentary by Dennis L. Finnan

MILLIONS OF PEOPLE PROFESS TO LOVE JESUS CHRIST, BUT IN REALITY THEY MAY PROVE THEY DON'T WHEN THEY STAND AGAINST GOD'S WILL FOR PERSONAL & CONGREGATIONAL DISCIPLINE.

I’m Dennis Finnan, host and speaker on the WWY Broadcast and in a moment we’ll talk about the "Death of Discipline…

… Today when people hear the word "discipline," many shake and become resistive and angry at even the word being spoken. We live in a society today that has come to believe that we are all free to do as we please, and that no one should have the right to tell us what to do. This worldly thinking unfortunately has permeated even the church of Jesus Christ. So today, let's talk about discipline from a Christian's perspective and God's revealed Word.

Basically, there are three types of discipline mentioned in Scripture for the believer to honor and practice. They are,

1. Self discipline ¾ This is the ongoing personal process reworking yourself into the image of Jesus Christ as He has revealed Himself to us in the gospel and epistles of the New Testament. In other words every Christian is to work towards being conformed or better yet, "transformed," into a Christlikeness God reveals in Scripture. To do this requires much self-examination, confession and repentance. In 1 Corinthians 11:28-32, Paul pointed out that dealing with sin in our lives starts with self-judgment.
1 Cor 11:28-32 (NLT) "That is why you should examine yourself …. 31 if we examine ourselves, we will not be examined by God and judged in this way. 32 But when we are judged and disciplined by the Lord, we will not be condemned with the world."

Self-discipline is the work only of each individual who is born again, to be sure their lives are progressing and moving toward biblical changes to align oneself with God's will as revealed through His Word the Bible. But in addition to self discipline there is secondly,

2. Preventative discipline ¾ This is another way to describe the process of discipleship. Through fellowship, modeling, teaching and preaching, the truths of God are presented with a view to keeping God's people from sin and from sin's damaging effects. Preventative discipline serves to equip and encourage believers to practice self-discipline so that corrective discipline never becomes necessary. Along the way of the Christian life every believer finds out that there are certain things in the world that he or she cannot and should not do or be engaged in. Therefore certain steps are taken to avoid falling into the "consequences" such things will bring in the light of God's holiness and presence. Every believer in Christ is to be actively engaged in self-control, character modeling, and a striving for orderliness and efficiency with a goal toward unity of purpose with the body of Christ. Then thirdly we discover there is the most problematic of all disciplines we are to be engaged in. It is,

3. Corrective discipline ¾ This is the function of steering a believer towards righteousness when he is in sin. This ministry of the church is accomplished through teaching, rebuke, and in the extreme, through the divinely sanctioned act of "excommunication." Unfortunately this last one is the area where the death of it seem paramount in our 21st century church these days. Admittedly, the church does a much better job with preventative discipline than it does with corrective discipline, but both are essential aspects of New Testament Christianity.

Now I want to zero in on this last form of discipline for exactly that reason. Corrective discipline is vital to the ongoing blessing of God in the churches of our nation and the world. However, how sad it is it is almost non-existent, and where it does it exist, often it is carried out apart from the spirit of Christ as revealed in the Bible. So let's "cut to the chase" as the hunter would say and get down to business. First of all, let's ask, what is the basis of any "CORRECTIVE CHURCH DISCIPLINE?" The answer is three-fold,

1. THE PRIMARY BASIS OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE IS TO PRESERVE THE HOLINESS OF GOD ¾ We read in,

Heb 12:10 (NIV) "Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness."

In other passages of Scripture, we are reminded that believers are the temple of God, the place of holiness for His dwelling (1 Cor. 3:16-17;Ps. 93:5). God expects those who are born again and gathered together in His name, to maintain a sure place of difference from the world lost in sin and rebellion. This is clearly brought out in an epistle of Peter, ""Be holy for I am holy."(1 Pet. 1:16). Now the second reason for every congregation of believers to exercise corrective discipline when necessary is,

2. THE CHURCH IS GOD'S "WITNESS" TO THE WORLD - We as Christians are to continuously reflect the light of Christ and His righteousness to a world that rejects Him. (1 Pet. 2:11-12). What the world sees in us formulates for them a picture of our God.. Sin and indiscipline in the church is like a mirror that has mud, and filth on it or like graffiti on a wall. Our image of Christ must be His image in all its purity, holiness, and beauty. It is the obligation of every gathered local assembly to keep their mirrors clean, sparkling and beautiful as God intends, so the lost sinner can see the beauty and perfection of God in and through us. Thirdly,

3. THE CHURCH IS UNDER DIVINE COMMAND TO "PRACTICE" CHURCH DISCIPLINE WHEN FLAUNTED ¾ We read in the Bible in,

Mat 18:15-20 (NLT) ""If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the fault. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. 16 But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. 17 If that person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. If the church decides you are right, but the other person won’t accept it, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector. 18 I tell you this: Whatever you prohibit on earth is prohibited in heaven, and whatever you allow on earth is allowed in heaven. 19 "I also tell you this: If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them.""

This command for the Church to deal with unrestrained disobedience to the divinely revealed will of God, is further brought out in various other Scriptures (Romans 16:16, 17; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; 2 Corinthians 2:5-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15; 1 Timothy 1:18-20; Titus 3:10, 11; Revelation 2:20). Yet today, in spite of the numerous teachings of God's Word for the church to "preserve" itself and its image before the world, vast majorities of local assemblies refuse to honor God's command to exercise discipline within its ranks on those who flaunt their sins before them and the world. But now let's ask, what "sins" really call for a church to act upon the lifestyle of an individual Christian? Well here in a nutshell is a list taken from the Bible,

¾ WHAT SINS CALL FOR CONGREGATIONAL DISCIPLINE? ¾

First, it must be understood that Congregational Discipline is never to be viewed as an attempt to remove all sin from the congregation. There will never be a sinless church until the Lord comes! But there are specific cases where disciplinary action is prescribed.

  1. A member who refuses to settle an interpersonal dispute (Matthew 18:15-17; 1 Corinthians 5:5,6).
  2. A member who is in bondage to continual known sexual sin from which he will not repent (1 Corinthians 5:1-5).
  3. A member who continues to be factious and will not change (Romans 16:17; Titus 3:10,11; Jude 15-19).
  4. A member who openly confesses that he will continue to disobey truth when he knows it is truth (2 Thessalonians 3:14,15).
  5. A member who refuses to work for support when he is able to work and employment is available (2 Thessalonians 3:15,16).
  6. A member who involves himself in doctrinal error and false teaching and will not turn from it (1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 2:17,18; Revelation 2:14-16).

These are the basic areas every church that names the name of Christ, regardless of what city, or nation it resides in is commanded by God to deal with such rebellion to God's clear commands against such disobedience. Now what are the procedures every church and individual is to follow when such sin and disorder is manifested? Again, here is a simple outline of,

¾ WHAT PROCEDURES ARE TO BE FOLLOWED IN CARRYING OUT CHURCH DISCIPLINE ¾

There are four disciplinary steps are given in Matthew 18:15-17.

The first step is private reproof (v.15). The evangelist Charles Finney said that, "if you see your neighbor sin, and you pass by and neglect to reprove him, it is just as cruel as if you should see his house on fire and pass by and not warn him of it." Notice first, "a brother" is in view here. We have specific responsibilities toward our "fellow Christians" we don't have towards those who are outside of Christ. If the brother or sister listens (and agrees with you is implied in the word) you have gained him.

Mat 18:15 (NIV) ""If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over."

The second step is private conference (v.16). Bible scholars conclude that the purpose of sending witnesses here is not that they witness or establish the original charge, but that they strengthen the reproof by representing the church. As the church developed, the spiritual leaders were charged to fulfill this obligation (Galatians 6:1). The goals are the same as they were in verse 15: "to gain the brother and to persuade him of the error of his ways so he will turn from them."

Mat 18:16 (NIV) "But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’"

The third step is public announcement (v. 17a). You see, if the sinning brother rejects the representatives who have come to him, the spiritual leaders are to inform the church family of his sin and unrepentant attitude toward it. In 1 Corinthians 12:14-20 we are reminded that believers are members of one Body and that members have the responsibility to care for one another. That loving care must at times take the form of discipline. At each stage of discipline, the offender must be given time and opportunity to repent.

Mat 18:17 (NIV) "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church…

The fourth step is public exclusion (v. 17b). When the church leaders and the congregation have prayed and made every effort to bring the offender to repentance, yet without results, they must tangibly remove the offender from their fellowship, for God so instructs.

Mat 18:17 (NIV) "… and if he refuses to listen even to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector."

1 Cor 5:11 (NIV) "But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat."

Titus 3:10-11 (NIV) "Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. 11 You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned."

God's Word tells us that the sinning brother who refuses to repent of his sin must be removed from the circle of fellowship with God's people. We commonly refer to this as excommunication. Excommunication involves cutting a person off from membership, fellowship, and communion. No longer is the unrepentant brother (if he is truly a brother) to share in the activities and privileges of the congregation. In short, the unrepentant believer is to be treated like a non-believer because of his refusal to walk like a believer. As strong as this measure may seem, it's designed to bring the erring brother to full repentance and restoration, provided the congregation obeys and follows.

Now these things, I've just shared with you are taken from our IFCA International's "CHURCH & MINISTER'S HANDBOOK, a compilation of Biblical teachings, from many seasoned pastors, scholars, and teachers knowledgeable of God's Word on almost every matter of church polity.

Yet, here we are in the 21st century, and what do we see? We see the church in America is today almost void of any form of congregational disciplines, not to mention personal disciplines as well. Why is that? The answer is we have fallen far from the holy standard God has set for His people to live, walk and worship by.

Often today when godly leadership moves to set up disciplined goals for growth in holiness and purpose in Christ, violent reaction can often be seen. What's worse when sin breaks out among God's people in a local church, many within the congregation will rebel against the leadership dealing with the sins, as I've outline before you. Ironically, such people would rather swiftly deal with the leadership for bringing about any "church discipline" of a sinning brother, than deal with sin in the midst. How sad, and how grieved God must be. Yet there you have it my friend, God's principles for handling sin, disobedience and rebellion in the Church of Jesus Christ. Now it would be poor of me to leave you without at least giving you the positive reasons for discipline among God's people, for the Bible tells us its goal is always POSITIVE! Here then are the Biblical goals of all such discipline among God's people,

¾ THE GOALS OF CONGREGATIONAL DISCIPLINE ¾

The goal of church discipline concerning the offender must always be his restoration (cf. Galatians 6:1); But, to be restored, requires repentance. Repentance is a change of mind and action, a 180 degree turn about. To this end, the church must constantly strive. While church discipline is often cast in a negative light, the results for the disciplining church are intensely positive. For when exercised biblically,

  1. Loving discipline unites the family ¾ Sin that is ignored or tolerated will quench the Spirit and eventually lead to division. Righteousness brings people together. Indiscipline corrupts and divides.

  2. Discipline strengthens and reinforces the authority of the Word of God.

  3. Discipline honors Christ and brings renewed blessing.

  4. Loving discipline challenges the church to new levels of spiritual experience and growth.

  5. Discipline strengthens and purifies the testimony of God's people in a given locality.

  6. Discipline also allows the church to continue in its ministry to watch and care for others in the future. If discipline breaks down, any future authority to exercise it is lost.

In the final analysis, the practice of God's holiness and the manner of God's loving chastisement must be the model we all follow. But… when the offender repents, our forgiveness and willingness to restore must be God-like too.

Well, all this leads us to one thing. God is interested in rescuing fallen sinners and saints! This begins with the greatest sin of all, the sin of not crowning Jesus Christ one's God and Savior. You see, friend, the Bible makes it clear the whole world is born in a state of personal rebellion to God's Word and will.

Eccl 7:20 (NIV) "There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins."

Rom 3:23 (NIV) "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"

As such, God has decreed the death penalty for all who have broken His law. This leaves out none! But herein is the love and mercy of God. God doesn’t want to punish anyone, His love is so great that He devised a plan to save all who will hear it and implement it in their lives.

You see the great story of the Bible is that the sin payment of eternal death decreed by God upon all sinning creatures has been paid! Yes, no one need go to Hell and suffer for all eternity for their sins. But the only way anyone can receive this forgiveness and pardon of their sin penalty is to turn to Jesus Christ, surrender your rebellious will, and crown Jesus Christ, your God and Savior. Why? Because the Bible reveals He is just that. All who receive Christ into their heart's by faith believing in His Person, work and name ¾ are saved forever from their sins and born again into the likeness of Jesus Christ. Oh friend, if you are struggling today with rebellion, disobedience, an undisciplined life enslaved to sins - Christ can free you. Come to Him right now. Call upon Him to save you, and God's love, mercy, grace, forgiveness and pardon is yours!

Although many churches have cast off God's clear teachings on discipline, I pray you have not done that personally, and that you will continue to seek to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ. Therein shall we find our greatest fulfillment and purpose.

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A major portion of this message was taken directly from the clearly presented truths in:

The World, the Word & You! Broadcast is a non-denominational ministry based on the historic fundamental evangelical interpretation of the Scriptures. A copy of our doctrinal statement is available upon request. These weekly radio commentaries are not exhaustive studies of any particular subject due to the time limit of broadcasting. Actual broadcasts can be heard in selected areas around the nation, as funding provides. Dennis Finnan has been the speaker for over 18 years, and serves as General Director.

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