SF900 - Let the Church Be The Church 3 of 9 - Biblical Church Discipline (1 Corinthians 5 1-13)
1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Introduction
During these days, we are seeking to lay the groundwork for God’s work among us. We are focusing on God’s blueprint for a healthy New Testament church.
I have been using an outline developed by Dr. Mark Dever, Pastor of the Capital Hill Baptist Church in Washington D.C. Dr. Dever has granted me permission to use his outline in developing this series of messages. Dr. Dever lists nine marks of a healthy church.
They are, 1) expositional preaching, 2) Biblical theology, 3) a Biblical understanding of the gospel, 4) a Biblical understanding of conversion, 5) a Biblical understanding of evangelism, 6) a Biblical understanding of church membership, 7) Biblical church leadership, 8)Biblical church discipline, and 8) A concern for promoting Christian discipleship and growth.
Today we take up the subject of church discipline. Because of the disregard of authority church discipline has become almost unheard of in our churches.
Corinth is a picture of modern America.
Sexual permissiveness was rampant. The church had become indifferent to it. Paul rebukes the church for not taking action concerning known sin.
The focus is on the discipline of church members who persist in a sinful lifestyle.
1A. The Need for Discipline (5:1-2a)
1B. The nature of the sin (5:1)
It was common knowledge inside and outside the church.
It involved at least one believer in a sexually immoral relationship.
Immorality (porneia) illicit sexual behavior
Deuteronomy 22:30 “A man shall not take his father’s wife so that he will not uncover his father’s skirt.”
Ø Roman law also forbade this sin; even the Gentiles did not practice it.
It was an ongoing, persistent situation.
Ø Has is a present tense verb, indicating that this sin had been going on for awhile.
Ø Since there is no charge of adultery, the father and stepmother were not married at this time.
Ø Since Paul calls for no discipline for the woman, apparently she was not a Christian.
2B. The neglect of the church (5:2a)
They accepted the sin and were proud of their tolerance of it.
Puffed up (phusioo) to puff or blow up
They should have “mourned” because of the sin.
Mourned (pentheo) to lament
We should not tolerate sin in the church any more than we should tolerate sin in our own lives. (Ephesians 5:3)
We are to expose and expel such behavior. (Ephesians 5:11)
2A. The Method of Discipline (5:2b-5)
1B. Church discipline is to be practiced with care (5:2b-3; Matthew 18:15-17)
First, there is to be a private attempt to correct (Matthew 18:15).
Next, there is to be a formal attempt to correct (Matthew 18:16).
Then, there is to be a public attempt to correct (Matthew 18:17a).
Finally, we are to remove the unrepentant member from fellowship with the church (Matthew 18:17b).
2B. Church discipline is an expression of love. (5:4)
Hebrews 12:6 “For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, And He scourges every son whom He receives.”
We are to act in accordance with God’s Word in the spirit of Christ.
Ø When we do, we exercise the power of Christ.
3B. Church discipline is designed to redeem. (5:5)
The unrepentant member is “delivered” over to Satan without the protection of the church.
1 Timothy 1:20 “Among these are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have handed over to Satan, so that they will be taught not to blaspheme.”
Ø This may result in physical death.
The true believer will be redeemed at death.
If the person repents, he is to be restored. (2 Corinthians 2:6-8)
Even if he does not repent, treat him with respect. (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15)
3A. The Purpose of Discipline (5:6-13)
1B. Discipline is for the repentance, reconciliation, and spiritual growth of the individual disciplined. (Galatians 6:1-2)
2B. Discipline is for the instruction in righteousness and good of other Christians. (5:11, 13)
1 Timothy 5:20 “Those who continue in sin, rebuke in the presence of all, so that the rest also will be fearful of sinning.”
3B. Discipline is for the purity of the church as a whole. (5:6)
Ephesians 5:27 “that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless.”
Sin is always serious.
Ø God’s standard for discipline is His righteousness, not our opinion.
Sin always spreads.
Ø In the Scripture leaven represents the power of influence, often an evil influence.
Ø A little sin goes a long way.
Sin is like cancer; it must be dealt with quickly and completely.
“The principle use of public discipline is not for the offender himself, but for the Church. It tendeth exceedingly to deter others from like crimes, and so keep the congregation and their worship pure.”[1]
4B. Discipline is for the good of our corporate witness to non-Christians. (5:9-10, 12)
Unbelievers are expected to act like unbelievers.
We are not to be joined to unbelievers.
2 Corinthians 6:14 “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?”
We are to be salt and light in the world.
Matthew 5:13-14 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden”
5B. Discipline is supremely for the glory of God by reflecting His holy character.
1 Peter 1:15-16 “but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.’”
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”
“It has been remarked, that when discipline leaves a church, Christ goes with it.”[2]
Application
Church discipline is to be both corrective and preventative. Our commitment to live a holy life should help prevent us from becoming entangled in sin. We are to watch out for each other and warn our fellow Christians when we see them slipping.
Our commitment to holiness and to God’s idea for His church should cause us not to tolerate sin in the body. We should be actively calling straying believers to repentance and reconciliation. We must hold up God’s standard and seek to live by it.
"Biblical church discipline is simple obedience to God and a simple confession that we need help. Here are five positive reasons for such corrective church discipline. Its purpose is positive (1) for the individual disciplined, (2) for other Christians as they see the danger of sin, (3) for the health of the church as a whole and (4) for the corporate witness of the church. Most of all, (5) our holiness is to reflect the holiness of God. It should mean something to be a member of the church, not for our pride’s sake, but for God’s name’s sake."[3]
1 Corinthians 5:1-13
1A. The ________________ for Discipline (5:1-2a)
1B. The ______________________ of the sin (5:1)
It involved at least one believer in a sexually immoral relationship. (Deuteronomy 22:30)
It was an ongoing, persistent situation.
2B. The _________________ of the church (5:2a)
They accepted the sin and were proud of their tolerance of it.
They should have “mourned” because of the sin.
We should not tolerate sin in the church any more than we do in our own lives. (Ephesians 5:3)
We are to expose and expel such behavior. (Ephesians 5:11)
2A. The Method of Discipline (5:2b-5)
1B. Church discipline is to practiced with __________________ (5:2b-3; Matthew 18:15-17)
Private attempt to correct. (Matthew 18:15)
Formal attempt to correct. (Matthew 18:16)
Final attempt to correct. (Matthew 18:17)
Remove the unrepentant member from fellowship with the church. (Matthew 18:17b)
2B. Church discipline is an expression of ___________________. (5:4; Hebrews 12:6)
3B. Church discipline is designed to redeem. (5:5)
The unrepentant member is “delivered” over to Satan without the protection of the church. (1 Timothy 1:20
The true believer will be redeemed at death.
If the person ________________ he is to restored. (2 Corinthians 2:6-8)
Even if he does not repent, treat him with respect. (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15)
3A. The Reasons for Discipline (5:6-13)
1B. For the repentance, reconciliation and spiritual growth of the individual disciplined (Galatians 6:1-2)
2B. For the instruction in righteousness and good of other _______________________. (5:11,13; 1 Timothy 5:20)
3B. For the purity of the church as a whole (5:6; Ephesians 5:27)
4B. For the good of our corporate witness to __________-___________________ (9-10, 12; 2 Corinthians 6:14; Matthew 5:13-14)
5B. Supremely for the glory of God by reflecting His holy character (1 Peter 1:15-16; Matthew 5:16)
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[1] Richard Baxter, The Reformed Pastor (Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust, reprinted 1999), 105.
[2] John L. Dagg, Manuel of Theology, Volume 2, Chapter 9 (http://www.founders.org/library/dagg_vol2/ch9.html)
[3] Mark Dever, Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2000), 174-178.
