Sermon Tone Analysis

The Power of the Church

The power of the church is its God-given authority to carry on spiritual warfare, proclaim the gospel, and exercise church discipline

Spiritual Warfare

The Keys of the Kingdom

Elsewhere in the New Testament a key always implies authority to open a door and give entrance to a place or realm.

Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub.

House, 2004), 889.

Therefore it seems that “the keys of the kingdom of heaven” which Jesus promised to Peter in Matthew 16:19 included both (1) ability to admit people to the kingdom through preaching the gospel, and (2) authority to exercise church discipline for those who do enter.

Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub.

House, 2004), 890.

Church Discipline

Church discipline is for the unrepentant and unruly

In fact, there are several examples of small group admonition in the New Testament which are carried out by elders or other church officers (see 1 Thess.

5:12; 2 Tim.

4:2; Titus 1:13; 2:15; 3:10; James 5:19–20).

Wayne A. Grudem, Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Leicester, England; Grand Rapids, MI: Inter-Varsity Press; Zondervan Pub.

House, 2004), 897.

Step 1. Repentance is required (Matt.

18:15)

Seek repentance alone

Seek repentance with others

Seek repentance with the body of Christ

Step 2. Reclassification is required (Matt.

18:17)

When repentance is not given reclassification is required.

Step 3. Relationship is removed

2 Timothy 3:1-5; 1 Timothy 6:3-5

Purpose of Church Discipline

a. Restoration and Reconciliation of the Sinning Believer

b.

Stop Sin from Spreading

c. Protect the Purity of the Church and Honor of Christ