THE PURPOSE OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE

When the idea of discipline is introduced, brethren shrink back in horror. Why? Has God given us a terrible command? No! Why do you discipline your children? For their good. Possibly, the reason many are shocked at the suggestion of discipline is because they, somewhere in the past, have witnessed a form of discipline and it was an ugly experience. Indeed, the suit against the elders in Collinsville caused many to think again when they need to withdraw fellowship. Discipline, as God would have it, is good, because, His discipline is designed to 1) Save the erring brother; 2) Prevent the church from falling into the same sin, and 3) Show true, pure Christianity to a lost world.

I.      PURSUE THE TRUTH: OBEDIENCE

        A.    2 Thessalonians 3:6, 13-14; 1 Corinthians 5:3-5, 7, 9; 2 Corinthians 2:9.

        B.    Cf God's command on bapt. (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16).

II.    PULL THEM OUT OF THE FIRE: SAVE THE LOST BROTHER

        A.    Jude 1:23; Matthew 18:15; Galatian 6:1; James 5:19-20; 1Cor. 5:5

        B.    ILL–"Daddy and Discipline" (John Gibson).

III.   PURGE OUT THE LEAVEN: SAVE CHURCH

        A.    1 Corinthians 5:6-7. Proper discipline teaches others not to sin (1Timothy 5:19-22; Galalatians 2).

        B.    "... [God] will not be with you any more, except ye destroy the devoted thing from the people" (Joshua 7:12).

IV.   PURITY: TO SAVE THE WORLD

        A.    The world does respect purity (Acts 5:11-14).

        B.    The church (therefore each member) is the light unto the world (Matthew 5:16; Philippians. 2:14-16).

V.    PERVERTED PURPOSES

        A.    Get rid of one we don't like.

        B.    Getting even.

        C.    Power politics.

        D.    A member may be withdrawn from in order to prevent the guilty from being exposed.

CONCLUSION: By fairly, consistently, and scripturally administering church discipline, we obey God, pull lost out of fire, purge out the leavening influence, and shine the light to a lost and dying world to see the way of God. If we fail, God will call us into account.