Untitled Sermon (2)

Below is a structured lesson plan on "Biblical Church Discipline" based on the chapter you provided. The lesson is organized into sections to facilitate teaching, discussion, and application, with key points, scripture references, and questions for reflection. It’s designed for a small group, Bible study, or church class setting.

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### Lesson Plan: Biblical Church Discipline

#### Objective

To understand the biblical basis, purpose, and practice of church discipline as a mark of a healthy church, and to apply these principles in a loving, God-honoring way.

#### Introduction (5-10 minutes)

- **Opening Question:** What comes to mind when you hear the term "church discipline"? Does it feel harsh, loving, or something else?

- **Overview:** Explain that today’s lesson will explore church discipline as a biblical practice that reflects God’s character, protects the church, and promotes holiness. It’s not about punishment but about restoration and reflecting God’s glory.

- **Key Scripture:** Matthew 18:15–17 – “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone… But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you… If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church…”

#### Lesson Outline

##### 1. What Is Biblical Church Discipline? (10 minutes)

- **Definition:** Church discipline is the act of excluding someone who professes to be a Christian from membership in the church and participation in the Lord’s Supper due to serious, unrepentant sin (p. 103).

- It’s about drawing a boundary line around the church to distinguish it from the world (p. 103).

- It gives meaning to church membership and is a mark of a healthy church (p. 103).

- **Scriptural Basis:**

- Matthew 18:15–17: Jesus outlines the process of addressing sin within the church.

- 1 Corinthians 5:5: Paul instructs the church to hand over an unrepentant sinner to Satan “for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved.”

- 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1; 1 Timothy 6:3–5: The church is called to be holy and distinct from the world.

- **Discussion Question:** Why do you think drawing a boundary around the church is important for its health and witness?

##### 2. The Purpose of Church Discipline (15 minutes)

- **Reflecting God’s Character:**

- God created the universe, humanity, Israel, and the church to display His glory (p. 103).

- Discipline reflects God’s holiness by ensuring the church mirrors His character (p. 104).

- God Himself judges (e.g., Adam in the garden, Israel in the OT, and Christians in the NT – 1 Cor. 3, Rev. 20), and the church’s discipline aligns with this (p. 105).

- **Five Positive Reasons for Discipline (p. 108):**

1. For the good of the disciplined individual (restoration, not punishment – 1 Cor. 5:5).

2. For other Christians, to warn them of the danger of sin (1 Tim. 1:20).

3. For the health of the church as a whole (protecting purity – 1 Cor. 5).

4. For the corporate witness of the church in the community (reflecting holiness – 1 Pet. 2:12).

5. For the glory of God (reflecting His holiness – 1 Pet. 3:2).

- **Discussion Question:** How does church discipline show love for the individual, the church, and God? Can you think of a time when discipline (in any context) led to restoration?

##### 3. How Does Church Discipline Work? (15 minutes)

- **The Process (Matt. 18:15–17, p. 105):**

1. Begin privately: Address the sin one-on-one.

2. If no repentance, take one or two others as witnesses.

3. If still unrepentant, tell it to the church.

4. If the person refuses to listen to the church, treat them as an outsider (“a pagan or tax collector”).

- **The Attitude (p. 107):**

- Discipline should not be vindictive but loving, with “mercy, mixed with fear” (Jude 23).

- The goal is redemptive, not vengeful (Rom. 12:19; 1 Cor. 5:5).

- **Practical Steps (p. 107):**

- Exercise greater care in receiving new members (p. 107).

- Ask candidates about their understanding of the gospel and evidence of a Christ-honoring life (p. 107).

- Be intentional about who is included in the church to reduce the need for discipline later (p. 107).

- **Discussion Question:** Why do you think Jesus emphasizes a step-by-step process? How can we ensure discipline is done with love and not judgmentalism?

##### 4. Challenges and Misconceptions (10 minutes)

- **Misconception: Isn’t Judging Wrong? (p. 105)**

- Jesus says, “Do not judge” (Matt. 7:1), but also calls the church to rebuke sin (Matt. 18:15–17; Luke 17:3).

- God is the ultimate judge, but He delegates authority to the church to exercise judgment within itself for redemptive purposes (Rom. 12:19; 1 Cor. 5–6).

- **Challenge: Open or Closed Door? (p. 106–107)**

- Many modern churches focus on being accessible (“open the front door”) but neglect exclusion (“close the back door”).

- A biblical approach balances both: guard the front door (careful membership) and open the back door when necessary (discipline).

- **Discussion Question:** How can churches balance being welcoming with maintaining holiness? What happens if we only focus on one and not the other?

##### 5. The Role of the Church and Its Leaders (10 minutes)

- **Responsibility:** Each local church is responsible for judging its members (1 Cor. 5:1; 1 Tim. 3; James 3:1; 2 Pet. 3; 2 John, p. 108).

- **Holiness as a Witness:** Church discipline reflects God’s holiness and distinguishes the church from the world (p. 107).

- **Practical Application:** Churches should teach members about the importance of discipline and what it means to be a member (p. 108).

- **Discussion Question:** How can church leaders model holiness and accountability in their own lives to set an example for the congregation?

#### Application (10 minutes)

- **Reflection:**

- Are there areas in your life where you need to seek repentance or reconciliation with others in the church?

- How can you support your church in practicing biblical discipline in a loving way?

- **Action Steps:**

1. Pray for your church leaders as they navigate difficult decisions regarding discipline.

2. Commit to being a member who reflects God’s holiness in your actions and relationships.

3. If you’re in leadership, consider how your church can better teach and practice biblical discipline (e.g., through membership classes or clear communication).

- **Closing Prayer:** Pray for the church to reflect God’s holiness, for wisdom in practicing discipline, and for restoration in broken relationships.

#### Additional Resources

- **Scriptures to Study:** Matthew 18:15–17, 1 Corinthians 5, 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1, 1 Timothy 1:20, Jude 23.

- **Further Reading:** Look for books like *Church Discipline: How the Church Protects the Name of Jesus* by Jonathan Leeman (a possible author of this text, based on the style and content).

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This lesson plan organizes the chapter into a clear, teachable format while encouraging engagement through discussion questions and practical application. It emphasizes the redemptive nature of church discipline and its role in reflecting God’s character. If you’d like more details on any section or additional resources, let me know, and I can search for more information!