Foundations: Church Discipline - SERMON NOTES

Intro: (1) intro topic (2) broader picture of discipleship/membership → privileges, opp’s, responsibilities (2) definition → removing an individual from membership (3) three driving questions

Where is discipline in the Bible?
1. Hebrews 12:7-11: (1) general vs. formal (2) v.7 → connected to endurance (3) v.8-10 → best
when relational → spiritual and earthly parenting (4) v.11 → short vs. long-term
2. Matthew 18:15-17: (1) general pattern for dealing with sin (2) one-on-one, two/three, church, treat like unbeliever (3) responding to sin → harboring, reciprocating, slandering, addressing
3. 1 Cor. 5:1-11: (1) v.1-2 → unrepentant sin must be addressed (2) v.5 → “handing over to Satan”, goal of restoration (3) v.11-12 → ongoing unrepentant lifestyle, “judging”

When and how do we discipline?
1. When: (1) outward, serious, unrepentant (2) examples → divorce, divisiveness, sexual
immorality, false teaching, not providing, unwilling to reconcile (3) every situation different → how long they have been Christian, willing to be influenced by elders, person’s past
2. How: (1) involve as few as possible (2) led by the elders (3) move very slowly (4) start with
benefit of doubt (5) inform/instruct congregation (6) interactions with those being disciplined → little biblical specifics, depends on relationship, get counsel of elders, goal of restoration

Why do we discipline?
1. To expose: sin thrives in the dark, must be brought to the light (5:2, 1 John 1:6-7)
2. To warn: discipline a reminder of God’s ultimate judgment of sin (5:5)
3. To save: a tool of last resort to bring someone to repentance (Gal. 6:1. Rom. 2:4)
4. To protect: (1) sin spreads if left unchecked (5:6) (2) Creatures → herd protection
5. To present Christ: Christians should look different (5:1, Mt. 5:13)

Conclusion: (1) bb foul → whistle vs. coaching (2) songs → God’s faithfulness (cf. comm psg)