Temple Baptist Church - 2-14-2016
1 Thessalonians 5:14-15
Introduction:
A. As we near the second coming of our Lord and Saviour,
Jesus Christ, it is imperative that we maintain the local church in
such a way as to follow the Scripture and godly traditions that have
been placed in our care. If the local church fails, it is the fault of
those who are a part of it! It is not the fault of the times nor the
influence of the world, it is the fault of those who “knoweth to good
and doeth it not!”
B. Our church is important to us as individuals and also to our families.
1. We must work hard to maintain its atmosphere. The
local church is a haven of rest for the weary. We so often get
“pounded” by the world, circumstances, worries, health, and finances
that we must have a place where we can leave all of those things outside
for a while. It is hard to do that at home as most of these things
mentioned involve the home and family.
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
2. We must work hard to maintain its Biblical purity. The
local church is the pillar and ground of the truth. It is our “anchor
in the shifting sands of modern religion,” which has no clear path to
follow! Every man does that which is right in his own eyes. The Bible
is our “true north” to keep us directed. Is he “benchmark” from which
all things must be measured.
C. There are several things
in our verses for tonight that give clear directive for retaining a
godly local church in these perilous last days in which we live. It
will take me more than a week to deal with them so I want to look at the
first tonight.
D. Keeping our church clean through discipline! “warn them that are unruly” Church discipline is not an act done by the pastor alone but one that is consistent throughout the church corporately.
E. One of the hardest parts of the ministry is that of church discipline.
1. It should never be the heart of a pastor
to unnecessarily bring some precious member of the church before the
congregation, but the Lord instituted the act of discipline and it is
right when done in a right manner.
2. Church discipline is not negative, but rather a positive thing intended to bring good Biblical results.
3. The Lord’s will is always the repentance of the believer but, in many cases, the individual continues in rebellion and sin, leaving the church no alternative but to discipline.
4. Church discipline is a time of heart break to God’s man and the church family and, yet, is beneficial to both the church and the one disciplined.
2 Thessalonians 3:6
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly,
and not after the tradition which he received of us.
F. Church discipline is often misunderstood
because of a lack of teaching on the subject. Most churches never
teach on the subject so that, when church discipline becomes necessary,
the people do not understand the why and how of it.
1. Rightful church discipline is an act of love. (It is a natural part of the ministry, just as is child disciplining. It has become an unnatural thing because no one does it!)
Proverbs 13:24 He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.
Proverbs 3:12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Hebrews 12:6 For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
2. Rightful church discipline is necessary for the health of the church. (Sin,
left unrebuked, will always affect others in the church and will
eventually lead to others following the same sinful example.)
1 Corinthians 5:5-8
To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh,
that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your
glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the
whole lump? 7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new
lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed
for us: 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither
with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread
of sincerity and truth.
3. Rightful church discipline is beneficial to the one disciplined. (The
Lord’s chastening is not to simple inflict pain upon a believer, but to
bring them to a place of repentance and restoration.)
James 5:19-20
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; 20
Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his
way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
4. Rightful church discipline causes others to fear. (Others
need to realize that continued sinfulness within the membership of a
church is not acceptable and will be dealt with through church
discipline.)
1 Timothy 5:19-20
Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three
witnesses. 20 Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may
fear.
G. Another cause for misunderstanding is when church discipline is not done in a manner consistent to the Bible.
1. It must be done Scripturally. Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and
offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
2. It must be done progressively. Admonishment, reproof, rebuke, dismissal. Matthew 18:15-17
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him
his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast
gained thy brother. (16) But if he will not hear thee, then take with
thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every
word may be established. (17) And if he shall neglect to hear them,
tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him
be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
3. It must be done in love with reconciliation the primary goal. 2 Corinthians 2:6-7
Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of
many. (7) So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and
comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with
overmuch sorrow.
H. The offenses involved in proper church discipline are:
1. Hypocrisy – Acts 5:1-11
2. Fornication, covetousness, idolatry, railing, drunkenness, or extortion. 1 Corinthians 5
3. Walking disorderly. 2 Thessalonians 3:6
4. Unresolved personal disputes. Matthew 18:17
5. Causing divisions, offences contrary to sound doctrine. Romans 16:17-18
6. Heresy. Titus 3:9-11
7. False teachers. Titus 1:10-16
8. Blasphemy. 1 Timothy 1:20
I. Church discipline is to be progressive in nature:
1. Kept private when it is private. Matthew 18:15
2. Kept semi-private when it remains unresolved. Matthew 18:16
a) The offender may be persuaded when one than one go to him or her.
b) For protection from false accusations being made when it is the word of one against another.
c) For proof as to what actually took place.
3. Made public when: Matthew 18:17
a) The sin is public.
b) The conflict is ongoing and can no longer be resolved.
J. There is a two-fold responsibility
in proper church discipline when the perpetrator refuses to get right
with God, the church, or the individuals involved. I will deal with
these separately.
1. Church Responsibility
a. To Put Them Out Of The Church - Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. (They are no longer a members nor are they welcome at Temple Baptist Church until they repent!)
b. To Turn Them Over To Satan - 1 Corinthians 5:4-5 In
the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and
my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 To deliver such an
one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be
saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (They are to be turned over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh!)
c. To Restore Them When They Repent - 2 Corinthians 2:5-11
But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that
I may not overcharge you all. 6 Sufficient to such a man is this
punishment, which was inflicted of many. 7 So that contrariwise ye
ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one
should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. 8 Wherefore I beseech you
that ye would confirm your love toward him. 9 For to this end also did I
write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in
all things. 10 To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I
forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in
the person of Christ; 11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for
we are not ignorant of his devices. (At
such a time when they come to full repentance, they are to be restored
to full fellowship with the church and the sin both forgiven and
forgotten.)
2. Individual Responsibility - Ephesians 5:11-12 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 2 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret
.
a. Have No Fellowship With Them - 1 Corinthians 5:11 But
now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is
called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a
railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. (Do
not company with them! Have no fellowship with them! Do not be mean
spirited to them, but totally avoid them when possible. This is both
physically and also by the telephone.)
b. Do Not Listen To Them - 1 Timothy 5:19 Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. (If they call you, you are to not give a listening ear!)
c. To Continue To Love Them - 1 Peter 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15
And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and
have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. (We are still their friend and love them in spite of their sinfulness.)
d. Pray For Them - Ephesians 6:18
Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and
watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all
saints; (The church’s heart should always be towards them and continue to pray for them to get right with the Lord.)
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