Lesson 21

Church Discipline and Church Officers: Lesson 21

I. Introduction

God’s Rule in Redemptive History

God’s visible rule was withdrawn after the Fall but restored progressively through covenants.

Genesis 17:9–11 “And God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you.”

Jesus, the perfect King, manifests God's rule, forgives rebels, and forms a new people under His reign.

Mark 1:15 “and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.””

II. Jesus as the True King

Jesus fulfills the roles of Adam, Abraham’s seed, true Israel, and David’s heir.

He resisted Satan, obeyed perfectly, and accomplished redemption through His life, death, and resurrection.

Ephesians 1:20–23 “that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.”

Jesus inaugurated a new creation and kingdom through His resurrection.

2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

Ephesians 2:4–6 “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus,”

III. The Church as a Political Body

The church is a visible people under Christ’s rule, bound by baptism and communion.

Believers are recommissioned as God’s royal priesthood, bearing a political and priestly vocation.

1 Peter 2:9–12 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.”

Our mission is gospel witness through holiness, evangelism, and obedience—not by state power.

IV. Two Kingdoms, One King

The earthly state wields temporary authority for justice; the church represents the eternal kingdom.

Christ’s kingdom expands through His people making disciples

Matthew 28:18–20 “And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.””

The church is a visible outpost of heaven on earth.

Philippians 2:27 “Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.”

Philippians 3:20 “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,”

V. Keys of the Kingdom

The church has authority to bind and loose—affirming gospel truth and gospel citizens.

Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and membership form the visible structure of the local church.

The church declares who belongs to Christ and exercises discipline accordingly.

VI. The Church’s Political Role

The church represents Christ’s authority, recognizing His people and proclaiming His rule.

As an embassy, it embodies heaven’s rule in the present age.

It is a sign of the future gathering of God’s people and an agent of heavenly justice.

VII. Religious Tolerance and Authority

The church, not the state, discerns true doctrine and believers.

States lack authority to define religion or enforce church membership.

The keys of the kingdom belong to the church, not political powers.

Church Discipline

To understand biblical discipline as a means to preserve unity, protect Christ’s reputation, and engage responsibly as church members.

I. Definition

Church discipline is the process of rebuking and correcting sinful members for the purpose of restoring them.

II. Two Types of Discipline

Formative Discipline – Regular teaching and correction

(Ephesians 4:11–12 “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,”)

2 Timothy 3:16–17“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

Corrective Discipline – Responding to unrepentant sin

(1 Corinthians 5:1–5 “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.”

Matthew 18:15–17 ““If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”

III. Purposes of Corrective Discipline

For the sinner’s good

For the good of the church

its witness

To guard Christ’s name

IV. How to Exercise Corrective Discipline

A. If Someone Sins Against You

(Matthew 18:15–17 ““If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.” )

Go privately

Bring 1–2 witnesses

Tell the church

Always pray, check your heart, avoid gossip, and speak with love.

B. If You Witness Sin (Galatians 6:1 “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” )

Approach in gentleness—especially if the sin is public, harmful, divisive, or spiritually dangerous.

C. In Cases of Serious Sin

(1 Corinthians 5:1–5 “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father’s wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you. For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing. When you are assembled in the name of the Lord Jesus and my spirit is present, with the power of our Lord Jesus, you are to deliver this man to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.” )

Immediate action is needed to protect the church and honor Christ.

D. Relating to the Excommunicated

(1 Corinthians 5:11 “But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one.” )

Treat as an unbeliever—encourage repentance but avoid socializing.

E. When a Church Leader Sins

(1 Timothy 5:19–20 “Do not admit a charge against an elder except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.” )

Requires multiple witnesses.

Public rebuke if unrepentant to warn others of the seriousness of sin.

Church Officers

I. Church Offices Defined

Leadership roles include apostleship, bishopric, eldership, and diaconate. Each office holds authority fitting for its role.

II. Descriptions of Offices

Apostleship: Foundational role, eyewitnesses of Christ, established doctrine, wrote Scripture.

Bishopric: Oversight, ordains clergy, teaches, governs, administers sacraments.

Eldership: Teaches, leads, prays, and shepherds the church.

Diaconate: Serves in practical ministry; distinct from leadership offices.

Church Member: Someone, who has a proven profession of faith in Christ, and been baptized. They are involved in governing through affirmation of officers and church beliefs. They are to be equipped to do ministry.

Recognition of Leaders: Qualified individuals are publicly affirmed for their roles.

III. Biblical Support

A. Authority and Structure

Church members are called to obey leaders (Heb. 13:17; 1 Thess. 5:12–13).

Apostolic foundations: the Twelve and other apostles like Paul and Barnabas.

B. Leadership Terms Used Interchangeably

Bishop, elder, and pastor are often synonymous in Scripture. Elders teach, lead, pray, and shepherd.

C. Plurality of Elders

Local churches consistently had multiple elders. (Titus 1:5 “This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you—”)

Elders are chosen based on godly character, teaching ability, and unity. (Titus 1:6–9 “if anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or insubordination. For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.”)

D. Role of Deacons

Office of service with distinct qualifications (1 Timothy 3:8–13 “Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued, not addicted to much wine, not greedy for dishonest gain. They must hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And let them also be tested first; then let them serve as deacons if they prove themselves blameless. Their wives likewise must be dignified, not slanderers, but sober-minded, faithful in all things. Let deacons each be the husband of one wife, managing their children and their own households well. For those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” ).

Examples: Acts 6 (Jerusalem) and Phoebe (Rom. 16).

Public Affirmation

Leaders recognized through laying on of hands.