By TONY HOSS
If a congregation of the Lord’s church desires to be what God would have it to be then the answer is yes. According to Paul, church discipline is not just a suggestion, but it is a commandment. Paul said, “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” (2 Thessalonians 3:6). Some congregations refuse to practice any form of biblical discipline; but to stand justified before the Lord on the “Day of Judgment,” we must follow this and all commands. It must be understood that withdrawal of fellowship is the responsibility of the congregation and no single person or group of men have that authority. Thus, Paul addresses the congregation at Corinth. Also, the Eldership has a responsibility to watch for the souls of the congregation they serve (1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 1:5), and the congregation has the responsibility to follow those who serve (Hebrews 13:17). So, when elders are present they have a responsibility to take the lead in church discipline, but the action is one of the entire Church and not one man. The completion of this command demands that we take a serious look at ourselves as well as others.
As we address the issue of Church discipline we must remember we have an obligation to God, the Church and finally to the unfaithful member. Paul said, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Our duty is to restore not destroy; therefore, a proper attitude coupled with God’s Word is vital. Again, in 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15, Paul said, “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.” Also consider (James 5:19-20; 1 Timothy 1:19-20, 1 Timothy 3:1-6; Phil. 3:18-19; 1 Cor. 5:11).
In a congregation’s determination that one is unfaithful, a judgment has to be made. This act of judging must be a righteous judgment based on the commands of God’s Word (John 7:24). In doing so, we consider the various commands in God’s Word while beholding the lifestyle of members of the church in question. This does not mean that we are to go looking for sin in the lives of others, but when sin arises, we then must be honest and steadfast with God’s commands. The judgments we make must be honest and without partiality (James 2:1-9, Romans 2:1, Matthew 7:1-5).
As a congregation makes such decisions concerning others, love must be in the forefront of their minds. Peter wrote, “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8). While trying to restore the erring we should give the member of the church the benefit of the doubt and remember our desire is restoration (Gal. 6:1). We should also remember that we are to be a proper example to others (Matt. 5:16; James 4:17; Col. 3:16-17). Our goal should be to seek the kingdom of God (Luke 12:21, Matt. 6:33).
Next week we will continue to answer the question concerning “Church Discipline.”
(Tony Hoss is minister at the Centerview Church of Christ, Elizabethton. He can be contacted at 423-737-2287 or by e-mail at: tmagho1@comcast.net)