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. Living
Hope Fellowship Church
Church Study Course
CHURCH DISCIPLINE
Lesson 2
CHURCH DISCIPLINE
OUTLINE:
1. SELF DISCIPLINE
2. OFFEND NOT
3 WHO HAS AUTHORITY?
4. WHY DO WE NEED DISCIPLINE IN THE CHURCH?
5. CHASTENING, CORRECTION IS NOT REJECTION
6. ATTITUDE
7. IF THERE IS A FAULT
8. SPACE TO REPENT / WRATH
9. JUDGE BETWEEN BRETHREN
10. GOD ESTABLISHED SOME THINGS IN THE CHURCH
FOR MEMORIZATION: 1 Corinthians 10:13 & 1 Corinthians
11:31-32
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1. SELF DISCIPLINE
When a Christian fails to discipline himself or herself on
something that affects the church body, the church must take
responsibility, for the sake of the gospel.
You, as a Christian, offend the gospel if you continue in
sin, because you are a hypocrite. God is merciful to all of
us, and especially to baby (new born) Christians. As we grow
in Christ, we are to become mature. An adult is not treated
the same as a baby, in the natural or spiritually. When we
get saved, we are then to continue in Christ. God is
faithful to help us as we seek him for help.
He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that
they return from iniquity. Job 36:10.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to
man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be
tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation
also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. 1
Corinthians 10:13.
(31) For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be
judged. (32) But when we are judged, we are chastened of the
Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 1
Corinthians 11:31-32.
2. OFFEND NOT THE GOSPEL
(29) Conscience, I say, not thine own, but of the other: for
why is my liberty judged of another man's conscience? (31)
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do
all to the glory of God. (32) Give none offence, neither to
the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
(33) Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking
mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be
saved. 1 Corinthians 10:29, 31-33.
And herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience
void of offence toward God, and toward men. Acts 24:16.
Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not
blamed: 2 Corinthians 6:3.
That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may
be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;
Philippians 1:10.
3. WHO HAS AUTHORITY?
God is the supreme authority in all things. We are commanded
to submit to God. We are required to submit to Jesus, God's
Son. Jesus gave all believers some authority (Mark
13:34-37), but God still ordains leaders for his people.
Read 2 Corinthians 5:20 and Hebrews 13:17.
4. WHY DO WE NEED DISCIPLINE IN THE CHURCH?
Self-discipline is absolutely necessary. That is how you
resist sin. Individuals make up the body of Christ. Sin is
infectious; one bad apple left long enough in a bushel of
apples will cause the whole bushel to spoil. God wants us to
be pure and unspotted from the world as individuals and as a
church.
Purity brings power. We are supposed to judge ourselves
through self discipline so that we won't have to be
disciplined otherwise. We must each bring our bodies into
subjection to the will of God. God's leaders must also lead
and bring the church body into subjection to God. This is
what a shepherd does with the sheep. He applies love,
correction, and direction. We must stay yielded to the Holy
Ghost if we are to continually overcome the devil and endure
to the end that we be saved from going to hell. God is
faithful to help us. Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and all of
Galatians Chapter 5 & 6.
Unity provides strength. The church is an army for God. We
are soldiers in his army. Ephesians 6 tells us how to be
dressed for this battle we are in. An undisciplined army
cannot win. A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.
We are to have unity in the church so we can work together
to win souls to God (being fruitful, Romans 7:4).
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest
that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself
should be a castaway. 1 Corinthians 9:27.
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil
the lust of the flesh. Galatians 5:16.
And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot
stand. Mark 3:25. Read Matthew 12:25.
5. CHASTENING
There are times when the preacher may say something from the
Lord that chastises us. Discipline means training that
corrects the mental faculties or morals. Discipline also
means a rule or system of rules which govern conduct or
activity. It is necessary for order and happiness. If sin
reigned, there would only be confusion and misery. There is
discipline unto (1) restoration or (2) condemnation. When
there is discipline, action will be taken and decisions will
be made. Read again 1 Corinthians 11:31-32. Read ALL of
Hebrews Chapter 12 and Deuteronomy 8:5.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous
therefore, and repent. Revelation 3:19.
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a
cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the
sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with
patience the race that is set before us, Hebrews 12:1.
(5) And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh
unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the
chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of
him: (6) For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and
scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. (7) If ye endure
chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son
is he whom the father chasteneth not? Hebrews 12:5-7.
(8) But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are
partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. (9)
Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected
us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be
in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? (10) For
they verily for a few days chastened us after their own
pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers
of his holiness. (11) Now no chastening for the present
seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward
it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them
which are exercised thereby. Hebrews 12:8-11.
Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept
thy word. Psalm 119:67.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might
learn thy statutes. Psalm 119:71.
I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge
their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they
will seek me early. Hosea 5:15.
Lord, in trouble have they visited thee, they poured out a
prayer when thy chastening was upon them. Isaiah 26:16.
6. RIGHT ATTITUDE
If someone comes to you in love and meekness instead of
pride, self-righteousness, or meanness you are more likely
to accept what they have to say. Don't be a gossip about
people's sins and faults; talk to God in prayer. Read
Galatians 5:14-16.
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all
things, which is the head, even Christ: Ephesians 4:15.
(1) Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and
the younger men as brethren; (2) The elder women as mothers;
the younger as sisters, with all purity. 1 Timothy 5:1-2.
(19) Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before
two or three witnesses. (20) Them that sin rebuke before
all, that others also may fear. (21) I charge thee before
God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that
thou observe these things without preferring one before
another, doing nothing by partiality. 1 Timothy 5:19-21.
Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear
the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of
the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause
that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear
it. Deuteronomy 1:17.
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. Galatians
6:1.
7. IF THERE IS A FAULT. Read Galatians 6:1 again. Look at
the order of events.
(15) Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go
and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he
shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. (16) But if
he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more,
that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may
be established. (17) And if he shall neglect to hear them,
tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the
church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a
publican. Matthew 18:15-17.
Correction is not rejection of a person. It is rejection of
the error but acceptance of the brother or sister, if he or
she repents. Read all of 2 Corinthians Chapter 2.
(6) Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was
inflicted of many. (7) So that contrariwise ye ought rather
to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one
should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. (8) Wherefore I
beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him. 2
Corinthians 2:6-8.
In the early church Paul was told of a case of immorality in
the church. What was his advice? Read 1 Corinthians Chapter
5 and 1 Timothy 1:18-20.
To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the
flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord
Jesus. 1 Corinthians 5:5.
But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any
man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous,
or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an
extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 1 Corinthians
5:11.
(12) For what have I to do to judge them also that are
without? do not ye judge them that are within? (13) But them
that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among
yourselves that wicked person. 1 Corinthians 5:12-13.
If a Christian brother or sister has sinned and not
repented, pray that God will bring him or her back to the
fold. If chastisement causes pain and they repent, being
restored to the saints, Praise God. We don't want them to go
to hell.
8. SPACE TO REPENT / WRATH
God gives abundant grace. A baby Christian has much to learn
and has to be taught. The same conviction that deals with us
to get saved, convicts us if we sin after we get saved.
Praise God for the advocate, Christ Jesus (1 John 2:1). We
are to continue in Christ (Titus 3:8), quit sinning, and
become mature in the Lord (Ephesians 4:13). Read Hebrews 4:7
and Revelation 2:21 about space (time) to repent. Read Titus
Chapters 1, 2, & 3.
When you are a believer and you refuse to hear and heed
instruction and warnings from God, you can expect the wrath
of God to come upon you. Read Ephesians 2:2, Colossians
Chapter 3, Proverbs 3:11, Proverbs 15:10, and Proverbs
6:1-19.
(8) This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that
thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God
might be careful to maintain good works. These things are
good and profitable unto men. (9) But avoid foolish
questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings
about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. (10) A
man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition
reject; (11) Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and
sinneth, being condemned of himself. Titus 3:8-11.
(5) Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth;
fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil
concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: (6) For
which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children
of disobedience: Colossians 3:5-6.
He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall
suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. Proverbs
29:1.
They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him,
being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work
reprobate. Titus 1:16.
In the case of Ananias and Saphira, God gave swift judgment.
It caused many to be afraid to sin. The fear of the Lord is
to hate evil (Proverbs 8:13).
(17) For the time is come that judgment must begin at the
house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the
end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? (18) And if
the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and
the sinner appear? 1 Peter 4:17-18.
9. JUDGE BETWEEN BRETHREN
(1) Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to
law before the unjust, and not before the saints? (2) Do ye
not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the
world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the
smallest matters? (3) Know ye not that we shall judge
angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? (4)
If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life,
set them to judge who are least esteemed in the church. (5)
I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise
man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge
between his brethren? (6) But brother goeth to law with
brother, and that before the unbelievers. (7) Now therefore
there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one
with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not
rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded? 1 Cor. 6:1-7.
God is our master. We are his servants. We should be
extremely careful how we make judgments. The Word of God is
our guide. Some make excuse for their sin, saying, "You're
judging me." God and God's holy Word will judge us. We will
be judged according to our works. Therefore, we should
exhort and encourage each other to do right at all times
that we may be counted worthy to escape going to hell (Titus
2:15). Read Romans Chapter 14. We are to judge the fruit of
a tree; Christians can see by a life whether it is of God or
not.
And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and
the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is
the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those
things which were written in the books, according to their
works. Revelation 20:12.
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season;
reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.
2 Timothy 4:2.
Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own
master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up:
for God is able to make him stand. Romans 14:4.
(10) But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou
set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the
judgment seat of Christ. (11) For it is written, As I live,
saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me and every tongue
shall confess to God. (12) So then every one of us shall
give account of himself to God. (13) Let us not therefore
judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no
man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his
brother's way. Romans 14:10-13.
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous
judgment. John 7:24.
10. GOD ESTABLISHED SOME THINGS FOR THE CHURCH
God let us know that he has chosen some leaders. It is
according to God's purpose that we grow up, be mature in
Christ, and increase the kingdom of God (Ephesians 4:14-16).
(11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and
some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (12) For
the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry,
for the edifying of the body of Christ: Ephesians 4:11-12.
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the
knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the
measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: Ephesians
4:13. Read Ephesians 4:3.
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles,
secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles,
then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of
tongues. 1 Corinthians 12:28.
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in
my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out
your own salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians
2:12.
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