SF900 - Let the Church Be The Church 8 of 10 - A Biblical Understanding of Church Discipline (1 Corinthians 5 1-13)
1 Corinthians 5:1-13
Introduction
A New Testament Church
Ø Has a Biblical Theology; Has a Biblical Understanding of Worship; Will Preach the Word; Has a Biblical Understanding of the Gospel; Has a Biblical Understanding of Conversion; Has a Biblical Understanding of Evangelism; Has a Biblical Understanding of Church Membership; Has a Biblical Understanding of Church Discipline; Has a Biblical Understanding of Church Leadership; Has a Biblical Understanding of Church 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
Ø The OT law forbid this behavior (Deu 22:30) as did Roman; even the Gentiles did not practice it.
It was an ongoing, persistent situation.
Ø Has is present tense, it 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.
Arrogant (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 in our own lives.
Ephesians 5:3 “But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints”
We are to expose and expel such behavior.
Ephesians 5:11 “Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them”
2A. The Method of Discipline (5:2b-5)
1B. Church discipline is to be practiced with care (5:2b-3; Matthew 18:15-17)
A private attempt to correct (Matthew 18:15)
A formal attempt to correct (Matthew 18:16)
A public attempt to correct (Matthew 18:17a)
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 Tim 1:20)
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 Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
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; Eph 5:27)
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.
Sin is like cancer; it must be dealt with quickly and completely.
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)
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.”[1]
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.
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[1] John L. Dagg, Manuel of Theology, Volume 2, Chapter 9 (http://www.founders.org/library/dagg_vol2/ch9.html)