Restoration Of A Brother

CHURCH DISCIPLINE

Text: Matthew 18:15-20

Place Preached - (Mississauga International Baptist Church)

Date Preached - (10/26/03)

Introduction:   

ILLUS: How would you treat a wayward Family Member?

It is a church matter – In House – Not in the courts...

SEE I Cor. 6:1-8

God’s people are to get along with each other and solve problems.

Philippians 2:12  Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

EXPLAIN verse in it’s Context – Work out your own “solution”.

Hebrews 10:24-2524And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:25Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

We must avoid the two extremes...

1. Cut people off

2. Ignore Sin

I. Procedure for Church Discipline

God has provided a mechanism for such matters.

A. Setting the Stage...

Is there a need for church discipline?

1. “If” Clause – Matt. 18:15

2. The Trespass -  “Sin” not preference.

Galatians 6:1  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

“overtaken” – they are caught, cannot help themselves.

Sometimes all that is necessary is ....

1 Peter 4:8  And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

We ought to ask – How wide is the knowledge of the offense?

1. God and the Individual.

2. God, the Offender and the Offended

3. Some public offenses.

Keep the circle as small as possible.

3. “GO” not “GO”ssip vs.15

B. The Steps of the Process

1. Tell Privately (one-on-one) setting – the idea is convince / correct.

2. Two or three – For Confirmation of facts not to gang upon one person.

Evaluate and establish truth.  Increase pressure for resolution.

Keep few involved.

3. Bring before church

Indefinite time element involved.

Revelation 2:21  And I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not.

Repentance is what is needed – if no repentance then....

“let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.” Vs.17  Treat him as an unbeliever.

(Delivered unto Satan – I Cor.5:4-5)

1). Removal from the protection of the church (Church discipline)

Eg. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5 :1-11)

2). Restricted to physical destruction

3). Remedial in it’s purpose

II. Purpose of Church Discipline

The goal is always restoration.

Galatians 6:1  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

RESTORE – The idea is to restore to a place of usefulness.

The picture is that of setting a broken bone, or to repair a hole in a fishing net which is rendered non-functional by the rent.

We are talking about reclamation!!

III. The Spirit of Church Discipline

Our attitude in this process is of paramount importance and ultimate significance.

A. Spirit of Meekness

Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

B. Not for personal revenge

Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

C. Spirit of Forgiveness

Mark 11:25  And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

D. Return Good For Evil

Romans 12:20-21 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

IV. The Possibilities of Church Discipline

Matthew 18:15 ...if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

Matthew 18:20  For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

A. All can be restored

B. The worst-off can be restored

I Cor 5 – II Cor. 2:1-8

C. God will be glorified.

D. The Church Strengthened

In Harmony / Growth / Purity

V. The Priority of Church Discipline

SEE I Cor. 5:1-6

Settling offenses has priority before worship.

Matthew 5:23-2423Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee;24Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.

Conclusion:     (Review)

APP:  This is about reconciliation and restoration.  It sets the table for our series on forgiveness.

Are you in need of restoration?  Reconciliation?

The GOSPEL