Discipline (part 2)
Introduction. Jesus only made two references to His church while still on this earth. The first was a significant prophecy with His promise to build and protect her! (Mt. 16:16-19). Jesus kept His promise. He built the church and purchased her with His own blood. (Acts 20:28). Jesus “loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her.” (Eph. 5:25-27). The second is equally significant! All that Jesus has done to sanctify and cleanse her must be subsequently protected by His disciples. Jesus wanted all disciples to have His love and desire that the church be sanctified.
When sin’s defilement enters a church, Jesus commanded: “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.” (Mt 18:12-17). Other passages in the NT reveal how this command was fulfilled. When any disciple becomes aware of sin, whether a private sin as here, a public sin known even to those in the world (1Cor. 5), or any form of a disorderly and insubordinate walk (2Th. 3:6), Jesus demanded it be promptly and properly resolved and removed to keep the church sanctified.
The beautiful and touching parable of a lost sheep, sought and found, is the imagery behind this command. When a sheep goes astray, everything stops. All effort is directed to finding and restoring it. There is great joy on earth and among the angels in heaven when repentance restores a sheep. “‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Lk. 15:6-7).
Jesus revealed that His sheep go astray through sin. The command to “go and show him his fault alone” is “seeking the sheep who are straying!” The success of “gaining your brother” brings joy to heaven. Just as the shepherd searches for a sheep in dangerous places, disciples seek the sinner and gain them through repentance. This is not an easy command. It brings fear into the heart to go and talk to someone about sin. But there is no other way to save a straying and lost sheep. But if the sheep cannot be coaxed to return by repentance, Jesus gave three more steps.
Jesus paints a very somber progression for saving a lost sheep. He saw any sin as a grave threat to His disciples, bringing imminent peril to the entire church. Paul also spoke of this: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.” (Gal. 6:1). The same thing Jesus proclaimed as “going astray”, Paul called a “trespass” (falling beside). Those who have “strayed” need to be “restored”. Without this, they will die in their sin: “unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Lk. 13:3). Thus when a brother sins, everything stops! They are in grave danger and we must “go,” “show them their fault” and seek to gain them.
If this step fails, Jesus commanded a second step. “But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’” What began as a simple conversation between two Christians is now moving toward a court-like proceeding in the church. If this step fails, “tell it to the church” will require these witnesses. While Jesus only quoted the last part of the verse, the entire verse reveals it is part of the process. “One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.” (Deut. 19:15-21).
The fact that witnesses are needed reveals how solemn this next step becomes. God spoke long before about the consequences of a sin that is not removed by repentance. “The soul that sins will die.” Though in the church and forgiven, “the righteousness of the righteous man shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression,” but if we can “gain our brother” “he shall not fall because of it in the day that he turns from his wickedness.” Therefore, “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin.” (Ezek. 18:4-32; 33:12-20). Jesus knew any sin of a disciple will bring death unless he is “gained.” “When the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he shall die because of it. But when the wicked turns from his wickedness and does what is lawful and right, he shall live because of it.” Thus either life or death will be the outcome. If the straying sheep won’t return, he will die because if it. If he can be “gained”, he will be forgiven and restored. This is why Jesus demanded witnesses.
If even the witnesses do not restore the sheep, another step is required. “And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.” In every community, where disciples meet, they are the church. The witnesses, or at least their names must be brought before the church. The sin must be “told,” and the opportunity for all the disciples in the church “to seek the one that is straying” must be bought up. All who have any influence must use it. The brother must still be “gained” by repentance and confession and everyone in the church must be concerned enough to pray and get involved.
The final step reveals the actual condition of an impenitent sinner in the church. Everything Jesus did on the cross and all the sinner did in obeying the gospel will end in vain if he doesn’t repent. “The wages of sin (a single one) is death.” (Rom. 6:23). This is the full meaning of Jesus final words: “But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.”
Since they are no longer acting like a disciple they can no longer be treated as one. Paul gave the application to the Corinthian church. “When you are gathered together, … deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (1Cor. 5:3-5). All churches of Christ “came together as a church,” “to take the Lord’s supper, “on the first day of the week.” (1Cor. 11:17-20; Acts 20:7). During that assembly, this disciple who is now an unrepentant sinner has been judged, condemned and sentenced. What God has already done is simply announced to the church.
The church plays a role in “delivering this man” back to “Satan.” We all come from Satan’s realm. God had “delivered from the power of darkness” and “called out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (Col. 1:13;1Pet. 2:9). Since this disciple has returned to that darkness and refuses to come back into the light, the church must acknowledge that fact and act accordingly. Just as they had accepted his membership and treated him as a disciple (Acts 9:26), they must accept that he has returned to the darkness and treat him as a “tax collector and Gentile.” The Holy Spirit revealed through Paul exactly what this means. “I have written to you not to keep company, “not even to eat with such a person,” and “put away from yourselves the evil person.” (1Cor. 5:9-12).
Peter revealed the true significance of what has occurred: “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world … they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from” it. (2Pet. 2:20-22). The Holy Spirit revealed that the brother Jesus described above is now in a worse state than before he became a Christian. This is difficult to comprehend, but as a matter of fact, it would have been better that he had never known the way of righteousness. This is the fate for any straying sheep who won’t return and Jesus wants them to be made acutely aware of it in order to keep that from happening.
Yet even at this point, there is still hope. This is not solely a punishment; it is still “seeking the straying sheep.” He has been “delivered to Satan” in hope that “the fleshly lusts” that led to this “can be destroyed” and he will want to return. These steps are done in hope that “that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” For those who rebel against Jesus’ commands and do not believe this is the best way to seek a straying sheep, the outcome reveals their folly. The “straying sheep” in Corinth was “gained!” “This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.” (2Cor. 2:6-9).
Conclusion. The discipline Jesus gave to the church is a punishment just like the discipline God gave to parents. Both work like a “rod of correction” driving “foolishness from the heart.” Such discipline has the power to “rescue his soul from Sheol,” “give wisdom,” “show love,” and “lead away from destruction.” Those who withhold such discipline allow “foolishness” to fester, “bring shame,” and “manifest hate.” It is all summed up with: “Chasten while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction.” Sin brings destruction, the discipline Jesus commanded brings wisdom, love, and deliverance. If at any point, “he hears you, you have gained your brother.”
When sin’s defilement enters a church, Jesus commanded: “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother.” (Mt 18:12-17). Other passages in the NT reveal how this command was fulfilled. When any disciple becomes aware of sin, whether a private sin as here, a public sin known even to those in the world (1Cor. 5), or any form of a disorderly and insubordinate walk (2Th. 3:6), Jesus demanded it be promptly and properly resolved and removed to keep the church sanctified.
The beautiful and touching parable of a lost sheep, sought and found, is the imagery behind this command. When a sheep goes astray, everything stops. All effort is directed to finding and restoring it. There is great joy on earth and among the angels in heaven when repentance restores a sheep. “‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.” (Lk. 15:6-7).
Jesus revealed that His sheep go astray through sin. The command to “go and show him his fault alone” is “seeking the sheep who are straying!” The success of “gaining your brother” brings joy to heaven. Just as the shepherd searches for a sheep in dangerous places, disciples seek the sinner and gain them through repentance. This is not an easy command. It brings fear into the heart to go and talk to someone about sin. But there is no other way to save a straying and lost sheep. But if the sheep cannot be coaxed to return by repentance, Jesus gave three more steps.
Jesus paints a very somber progression for saving a lost sheep. He saw any sin as a grave threat to His disciples, bringing imminent peril to the entire church. Paul also spoke of this: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness.” (Gal. 6:1). The same thing Jesus proclaimed as “going astray”, Paul called a “trespass” (falling beside). Those who have “strayed” need to be “restored”. Without this, they will die in their sin: “unless you repent you will all likewise perish.” (Lk. 13:3). Thus when a brother sins, everything stops! They are in grave danger and we must “go,” “show them their fault” and seek to gain them.
If this step fails, Jesus commanded a second step. “But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’” What began as a simple conversation between two Christians is now moving toward a court-like proceeding in the church. If this step fails, “tell it to the church” will require these witnesses. While Jesus only quoted the last part of the verse, the entire verse reveals it is part of the process. “One witness shall not rise against a man concerning any iniquity or any sin that he commits by the mouth of two or three witnesses the matter shall be established.” (Deut. 19:15-21).
The fact that witnesses are needed reveals how solemn this next step becomes. God spoke long before about the consequences of a sin that is not removed by repentance. “The soul that sins will die.” Though in the church and forgiven, “the righteousness of the righteous man shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression,” but if we can “gain our brother” “he shall not fall because of it in the day that he turns from his wickedness.” Therefore, “Repent, and turn from all your transgressions, so that iniquity will not be your ruin.” (Ezek. 18:4-32; 33:12-20). Jesus knew any sin of a disciple will bring death unless he is “gained.” “When the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he shall die because of it. But when the wicked turns from his wickedness and does what is lawful and right, he shall live because of it.” Thus either life or death will be the outcome. If the straying sheep won’t return, he will die because if it. If he can be “gained”, he will be forgiven and restored. This is why Jesus demanded witnesses.
If even the witnesses do not restore the sheep, another step is required. “And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.” In every community, where disciples meet, they are the church. The witnesses, or at least their names must be brought before the church. The sin must be “told,” and the opportunity for all the disciples in the church “to seek the one that is straying” must be bought up. All who have any influence must use it. The brother must still be “gained” by repentance and confession and everyone in the church must be concerned enough to pray and get involved.
The final step reveals the actual condition of an impenitent sinner in the church. Everything Jesus did on the cross and all the sinner did in obeying the gospel will end in vain if he doesn’t repent. “The wages of sin (a single one) is death.” (Rom. 6:23). This is the full meaning of Jesus final words: “But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.”
Since they are no longer acting like a disciple they can no longer be treated as one. Paul gave the application to the Corinthian church. “When you are gathered together, … deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (1Cor. 5:3-5). All churches of Christ “came together as a church,” “to take the Lord’s supper, “on the first day of the week.” (1Cor. 11:17-20; Acts 20:7). During that assembly, this disciple who is now an unrepentant sinner has been judged, condemned and sentenced. What God has already done is simply announced to the church.
The church plays a role in “delivering this man” back to “Satan.” We all come from Satan’s realm. God had “delivered from the power of darkness” and “called out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (Col. 1:13;1Pet. 2:9). Since this disciple has returned to that darkness and refuses to come back into the light, the church must acknowledge that fact and act accordingly. Just as they had accepted his membership and treated him as a disciple (Acts 9:26), they must accept that he has returned to the darkness and treat him as a “tax collector and Gentile.” The Holy Spirit revealed through Paul exactly what this means. “I have written to you not to keep company, “not even to eat with such a person,” and “put away from yourselves the evil person.” (1Cor. 5:9-12).
Peter revealed the true significance of what has occurred: “For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world … they are again entangled in them and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from” it. (2Pet. 2:20-22). The Holy Spirit revealed that the brother Jesus described above is now in a worse state than before he became a Christian. This is difficult to comprehend, but as a matter of fact, it would have been better that he had never known the way of righteousness. This is the fate for any straying sheep who won’t return and Jesus wants them to be made acutely aware of it in order to keep that from happening.
Yet even at this point, there is still hope. This is not solely a punishment; it is still “seeking the straying sheep.” He has been “delivered to Satan” in hope that “the fleshly lusts” that led to this “can be destroyed” and he will want to return. These steps are done in hope that “that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” For those who rebel against Jesus’ commands and do not believe this is the best way to seek a straying sheep, the outcome reveals their folly. The “straying sheep” in Corinth was “gained!” “This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him.” (2Cor. 2:6-9).
Conclusion. The discipline Jesus gave to the church is a punishment just like the discipline God gave to parents. Both work like a “rod of correction” driving “foolishness from the heart.” Such discipline has the power to “rescue his soul from Sheol,” “give wisdom,” “show love,” and “lead away from destruction.” Those who withhold such discipline allow “foolishness” to fester, “bring shame,” and “manifest hate.” It is all summed up with: “Chasten while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction.” Sin brings destruction, the discipline Jesus commanded brings wisdom, love, and deliverance. If at any point, “he hears you, you have gained your brother.”
- Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him. (Pr. 22:15)
- Do not hold back discipline from the child, Although you strike him with the rod, he will not die. 14 You shall strike him with the rod And rescue his soul from Sheol. (Pr. 23:13-14)
- The rod and reproof give wisdom, But a child who gets his own way brings shame to his mother. (Pr. 29:15)
- He who withholds his rod hates his son, But he who loves him disciplines him diligently. (Pr. 13:24)
- Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction. (Pr. 19:18)
- Correct your son, and he will give you rest; Yes, he will give delight to your soul. (Pr. 29:17)
- “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? 13 And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish. 15 Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.' 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector.” Matt 18:12-17
- 6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. ... 14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 2 Thess 3:6, 14-15;
- 3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed. 4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6 Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. ... 9 I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner — not even to eat with such a person. 12 For what have I to do with judging those also who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? 13 But those who are outside God judges. Therefore "put away from yourselves the evil person. 1 Cor 5:3-7; 9-13
- But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent — not to be too severe. 6 This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 7 so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. 9 For to this end I also wrote, that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. 10 Now whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ, 11 lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Cor 2:5-11
- 8 For even if I made you sorry with my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it. For I perceive that the same epistle made you sorry, though only for a while. 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that your sorrow led to repentance. For you were made sorry in a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11 For observe this very thing, that you sorrowed in a godly manner: What diligence it produced in you, what clearing of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what vehement desire, what zeal, what vindication! In all things you proved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 12 Therefore, although I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong, nor for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you. (2Cor. 7:8-12)