Apologetics Courses

Church Discipline

God says through the prophet Isaiah, ““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.” (Isaiah 55:8) This verse tells us that there are differences between what God thinks and does, and what humanity thinks and does. As a result of this mankind will often behave in a way that displeases God. Unfortunately, whilst we might expect to find behaviour that displeases God in society, it can also occur in churches. Although when this happens we might prefer to simply ignore the problem, the Bible tells us that we must act. This lesson briefly examines the procedure to discipline someone in the church, who is living in a sinful situation.

In 1 Corinthians 5:1 Paul writes, “It is actually reported that there is immorality among you, and of a kind that does not occur even among pagans: A man has his father’s wife.” Having explained to the Corinthian Church what he has heard, he later writes, “Expel the wicked man from among you.” (1 Corinthians 5:13) So in this situation, a man a Christian man, and part of the Corinthian church, had been involved in a relationship with his father’s wife, who was not part of the church. Since the relationship between this man and woman was immoral, Paul instructs the Church to expel him, a term we sometimes call excommunication. However, what should be done before this occurs?

Jesus speaking on the subject of church discipline says, “If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen to the church, treat him as you would a pagan or a tax collector.” (Matthew 18:15 – 17) Jesus teaching in these verses shows the steps that should be taken in church discipline. These are:

Step One
If we see a fellow Christian who is sinning, we should first approach them alone, and make them aware of their sin.

Step Two
If that person does not change their sinful conduct, then it will necessary to again approach that person and challenge them about their sinful conduct, together with two or three others to witness the conversation.

Step Three
If a person still continues in their sinful conduct, then the matter must be brought to the attention of the church. In practice this may involve the whole church, or just the church leaders. The church as a whole, or through the church leaders will then challenge the sinful brother or sister about their conduct.

Step Four
If the sinful brother or sister does not listen to the church, then there will be no option but to put that person out of the church fellowship. Although this is undesirable, it is sadly sometimes necessary to ensure that Godly standards exist within the church, and that God is glorified.

It is important to note that although we must enforce discipline within the church, that our primary aim is not to punish, but so that the sinful believer would stop their sin and be restored to the fellowship.