Church Discipline

Matthew 18:15-20

Context in this chapter so far:

Who is the Greatest Matthew 18:1-6.

Woe to those who bring offense Mt. 18:7-11.

The sheep gone astray Mt. 18:12-14.

Don’t seek position, or status, or being great. These breed offense.

Don’t be the one who seeks to offend others.

Instead, be as Christ the good Shepherd, and seek to save the lost. This should be the focus.

Today we focus on what overcoming offense looks like.

This gives us a look at church discipline and the steps it involves.

Personal

Small Group

Church wide

Verse 15

Quite possibly what is in mind immediately is the dispute at the beginning of the chapter (v1 Who is the greatest), but this is not limited to simple disputes of ignorance.

If thy brother shall sin (trespass) against you.

The onus or responsibility lies with the offended party to make his case with the offender. Literally, to “tell” him is fault means to convict, refute or confute, to prove wrong.

The opposite is found in Matthew 5:23-25, where the onus is on the offender to make reconciliation with the offended.

This would suggest that both offense or being offended are both to be overcome in favor of restoration and reconciliation.

Observe the first step, go and convince them of the offense between you and he alone. The first and proper way of resolving conflict is direct communication in love with a thought toward saving the relationship.

Verse 16

Step two should only be taken if your brother won’t hear you on the personal level, one on one. If he is receptive in private conversation there is no need to air the grievance. (1 Peter 4:8 “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” )

Step two we are told to bring two or three witnesses. Why? To gang up on them, to establish factions against one another? NO! This is to establish every word with two or three witnesses as the Law requires, (Deuteronomy 19:15 “One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established.”)

Verse 17

Again step three is not to be undertaken unless the person rejects small group correction.

Now we are to tell it to the entire church and they shall seek now to mediate between the two for restoration, reconciliation and repentance. (1 Corinthians 6:5 “I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?”)

If he neglect to hear the church, treat him as a heathen or tax collector? What does this mean?

You are to view him no longer as a brother in Christ, no longer as a Christian, but as unbeliever.

In short excommunicate him. Paul says, (1 Corinthians 5:13 “But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.”)

It is those inside the church, that the church must judge 1Corinthians 5:8-9, 11, 6:5.

Verse 18

First a very misquoted, misunderstood and mistaught verse.

To bind according to Thayer’s Greek Lexicon, refers to a Chaldean and rabbinical idiom meaning to forbid, prohibit, declare to be illicit.

What was seemingly given to Peter alone in Matthew 16:19, is now extended to all of the twelve.

According to Matthew Henry, Jamison-Faucette-Brown, “It has to do with admission to and rejection from the membership of the Church. But see on JF & B for Joh 20:23.”

Verse 19

Our Second verse that is often taken out of context.

What are they agreeing on? Any of these difficult decisions!

These will be final decisions as decided by the church through the act of prayer.

Verse 20

Our Third verse that is often taken out of context.

Note the mention of again two or three gathered in his name. These are the same correlating numbers as those who are to be witnesses of church discipline.

Christ will be in the midst of those practicing such church discipline.

Application

Commit to Restoring, Not Condemning I must approach church discipline with a heart of restoration rather than seeking to prove someone wrong or cast them out. When addressing an offense, my focus should be on reconciliation, just as Christ seeks to save the lost rather than discard them. My attitude should reflect humility and love, ensuring that correction is aimed at healing relationships rather than deepening division.

Practice Biblical Conflict Resolution I must be intentional about resolving conflicts in the way Scripture teaches—first personally, then with witnesses, and finally through the church. Instead of allowing resentment to fester, I must have the courage to address wrongdoing in a spirit of truth and grace. Likewise, if I am confronted with a fault, I should humbly listen and seek reconciliation rather than becoming defensive or dismissive.

Recognize the Authority and Responsibility of the Church I must understand that church discipline is not about legalism or harsh judgment, but about protecting the integrity of the body of Christ. When decisions are made prayerfully by the church, they carry spiritual authority that I should respect. If I am part of church leadership or a congregation member involved in discipline, I must ensure that my actions align with Scripture, treating those under correction with the hope of restoration rather than exclusion.