In this outline, I am going to explain a few of the basic verses concerning discipline. The first of this article will be spent explaining cases where a person should be withdrawn from. The latter part will deal with questions that are frequently asked regarding this important subject. I have been assigned this topic primarily to deal with a few specific questions and to explain on what occasions withdrawal of fellowship would be appropriate.
It is my strong and firm conviction that the congregations of the church of Christ should indeed enforce discipline according to the Bible. It may mean withdrawing from someone for immorality, heresy, refusing to work, etc. I will address several subjects that some will differ with. Please carefully consider as these scriptural references are explained.
This article is divided into the following divisions:
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1) Noting Objections to Church Discipline
2) Old Testament Examples of Discipline
3) New Testament Examples of Discipline
4) Frequently Asked Questions About Church Discipline
5) Conclusion.
Objections to Church Discipline
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1) We cannot judge (Matthew 7:1-5).
2) The parable of wheat and tares prohibits discipline (Matthew 13:28ff).
3) We cannot discipline a family member because "blood is thicker than water."
4) It is not "Christian" to discipline anyone by not keeping company with them, not eating with them, marking and avoiding, etc.
5) People will leave the church and other people will not come to this congregation if we enforce discipline.
These objections are discussed in this presentation. Please remember that none of these objections remove our God-given responsibility to enforce church discipline.
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1) Leviticus 20:10-14
“And the man that committeth adultery with another man's wife, even he that committeth adultery with his neighbour's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death. 11 And the man that lieth with his father's wife hath uncovered his father's nakedness: both of them shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. 12And if a man lie with his daughter in law, both of them shall surely be put to death: they have wrought confusion; their blood shall be upon them. 131f a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them. 14And if a man take a wife and her mother, it is wickedness: they shall be burnt with fire, both he and they; that there be no wickedness among you.” br> br> 2) Deuteronomy 13:1-15
“If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, 2And the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; 3Thou shalt not hearken unto the words of that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams: for the LORD your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul. 4 You shall walk after the LORD your God, and fear Him, and keep His commandments, and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him, and cleave unto Him. 5And that prophet, or that dreamer of dreams, shall be put to death; because he has spoken to turn you away from the LORD your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust thee out of the way which the LORD your God commanded you to walk in. So shalt thou put the evil away from your midst. 61f your brother, the son of your mother, or your son, or your daughter, or the wife of your bosom, or your friend, which is as your own soul, entice you secretly, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which you have not known, nor your fathers; 7Namely, of the gods of the people which are round about you, nigh unto thee, or far off from thee, from the one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; 8You shall not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him; neither shall your eye pit him, neither shalt you spare, neither shalt thou conceal him: But thou shalt surely kill him; your hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. 10And you shalt stone him with stones, that he die; because he has sought to thrust you away from the LoR1i your God, which brouht you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is among you. 121f you shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the LORD your God has given you to dwell there, saying, 13 Certain men, the children of Belial, are gone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known; 14 Then shall you inquire, and make search, and ask diligently; and, behold, if it be truth, and the thing certain, that such abomination is wrought among you; 157hou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly, and all that is therein, and the cattle thereof, with the edge of the sword.”
3) Deuteronomy 21:18-24
“a man have a stubborn and rebellious son, which will not obey the voice of his father, or the voice of his mother, and that, when they have chastened him, will not hearken unto them: 19 Then shall his father and his mother lay hold on him, and bring him out unto the elders of his city, and unto the gate of his place; 20 And they shall say unto the elders of his city, This our son is stubborn and rebellious, he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton, and a drunkard. 21And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, that he die: so shalt thou put evil away from among you; and all Israel shall hear, and fear.”
4) Deuteronomy 22:20-25 “But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel: 21Then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father's house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die: because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father's house: so shalt thou put evil away from among you. 221f a man be found lying with a woman married to an husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman, and the woman: so shalt thou put away evil from Israel. 23If a damsel that is a virgin be betrothed unto an husband, and a man find her in the city, and lie with her; 24Then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones that they die; the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city; and the man, because he hath humbled his neighbour's wife: so thou shalt put away evil from among you. 25But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and the man force her, and lie with her: then the man only that lay with her shall die.”
It is clearly established in these few Old Testament cases of discipline that anyone guilty of immorality, heretics who teach false doctrine, etc. were put to death regardless of who they were. It they were your family member, son or daughter-in-law, etc., this relationship did not alter the plan of God to keep Israel pure.
We are to press forward keeping the church pure today by continuing to implement discipline within the church. In the New Testament, there is no death penalty to be administered by the congregation; however, major disciplinary principles are to be enforced without respect of persons. God will administer the final penalty for unrepented sins by the final separation of the righteous from the wicked known as the second death (Rev. 20:14).
1) Matthew 18:15-17
“Moreover if your brother shall trespass against yoiu, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone: if he shall hear you, you hast gained thy brother. 16But if he will not hear you, then take with you one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto you as a heathen man and a publican.”
Trespass (hamartano): This Greek word is translated "trespass, sin, offend, buffeted for your faults" (Thayer, p. 30, Strong's #264). In the New Testament, "to wander from the law of God, violate God's law, sin." Vine's simply says this word "trespass" means "to sin" (Vine's, vol. 4, P. 154). Tell him his fault (elenko): This Greek word is translated "fault, being reproved" (Luke 3:19), "being convicted" (John 8:9), "to convince" (Titus 1:9) in the King James Version. It means "to call to account, show one his fault," demand an explanation from some one (Thayer, p. 203, Strong's #1651).
Alone (monos): This word is translated in the King James Version, "alone" (Matthew 18:15), "only" (Matthew 4:10), "by themselves" (Mark 9:2). "Without a companion" (Thayer, p. 418, Strong's #3441). Vine's says it "denotes single, alone, solitary."
May be established is defined by Thayer as "to ratify and confirm" (p. 308, Strong's #2476). Shall neglect to hear (parakouo): This verse is the only occasion that this Greek word is used; it is used twice in this passage. Thayer says this word means "to refuse to hear, pay no regard to, disobey" (p. 484, Strong's #3878).
Heathen (ethnikos) is used twice (Mt. 6:7, 18:17) and is translated both times as "heathen." Thayer (p. 168, Strong's #1482) defines "heathen" as "in the New Testament, savoring of the nature of pagans, alien to the worship of the true God, heathenish; the pagan, the Gentile." Publican is defined as "a tax-gatherer, collector of taxes, or tolls" (Thayer, p. 620, Strong's #5057). Thayer says "The tax collectors were, as a class, detested not only by the Jews but by other nations also, both on account of their employment and of the harshness, greed, and deception, with which they prosecuted it."
2) Romans 16:17-18 “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”
Mark (skopeo) is defined "to look at, observe, contemplate" (Thayer, p. 579, Strong's #4648). This Greek word is also translated: "take heed" U. 11:35); "while . . . look . . . at" (2 Cor. 4:18); "considering" (Gal. 6:11); "Look. . . on" (Phil. 2:4).
Division (dikostasia) means "dissension, division" (Thayer, p. 153, Strong's #1370). This word is only used three times in the New Testament: Rom. 16:17; 1 Cor. 3:3, "division"; Gal. 5:20, "sedition."
Offenses (scandalon) means "to put a stumbling block in one's way. . . to cast a stumbling-block before one" (Thayer, p. 577, Strong's #4625). Thayer comments: "to cause persons to be drawn away from the true doctrine into error and sin."
This word scandalon is also translated: "stumblingblock" (Rom. 11:9, 1 Cor. 1:23); "occasion to fall" (Rom. 14:13); "offence" (Gal. 5:11, 1 Pet. 2:7-8); "occasion of stumbling" (1 Jn. 2:10). Contrary to the doctrine: "Doctrine" is from didakee and simply means "teaching, that which is taught" (Thayer, p. 144, Strong's #1322). Didakee is also translated "hath been taught" in Titus 1:9: “Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.”
The second use of the word doctrine in Titus 1:9 simply means "teaching, instruction" (Thayer, p. 144, Strong's #1319).
The reason disciplinary actions are to be imposed upon one who causes division and offenses contrary to the doctrine, is because he deceives the heart of the simple. "For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple" (v. 18).
Simple (akakos) means "fearing no evil from others, distrusting no one" (Thayer, p. 20, Strong's #172).
3) 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 “It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. 2And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that has done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, 41n the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5To 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. 6Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? 7Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: 8Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then you would need to go out of the world. 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. 12For what have Ito do to judge them also that are without? do not you judge them that are within? 13But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.”
Not to keep company (sunanamignumi) is used three times in the New Testament and all three times has reference to discipline. This phrase means "to mix up together," "to keep company with, be intimate with" (Thayer, p. 601, Strong's #4874). It is used in verses nine and eleven, as well as in 2 Thessalonians 3:14.
No, not to eat means "to eat with, take food together with" (Thayer, p. 604, Strong's #4906). Eat (sunesthio) is used five times in the New Testament. In each of these verses it refers to a common meal.
“And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them” (Luke 15:2).
“Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after He rose from the dead” (Acts 10:41). “Saying, Thou wentest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them” (Acts 11:3). “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).
“For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision” (Galatians 2:12).
Put away (exaireo) means "to lift up or take away out of a place; to remove" This Greek word is the same word as used in verse 2 of this chapter—"rnight be taken away from among you."
Paul is directing the Corinthian congregation that this wicked person should be lifted up, removed, and taken away out of their place within the congregation. Have no company with him and do not eat with him.
4) 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”
Warn (noutheteo) means "to admonish, warn, exhort" (Thayer, p. 429, Strong's #3560). Unruly (ataktos) means "disorderly, out of the ranks, irregular, inordinate, deviating from the prescribed order or rule" (Thayer p. 833, Strong's #813). Unruly "signifies not keep order. . . it was especially a military term, denoting not keeping rank, insubordinate; it is used in 1 Thess-alonians 5:14, describing certain church members who manifested an insubordinate spirit, whether by excitability or officiousness or idleness" (Vine's, p. 320).
5) 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. 7For yourselves know how you ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; 8Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. 10For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 13But you, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 14And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.”
Withdraw yourselves (stellomai) means "to abstain from familiar intercourse with" (Thayer, p. 587, Strong's #4724).
Walketh (peripateo) means "to regulate one's life, to conduct one's self."
Disorderly (ataktos) is an adverb signifying, "disorderly, with slackness (like soldiers not keeping rank), 2 Thessalonians 3:6; in verse 11 it is said of those in the church who refused to work, and become busybodies" (Vine's, p. 320). Vine recommends a comparison to I Timothy 5:13: "And withal they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house; and not only idle, but tattlers also and busybodies, speaking things which they ought not."
Tradition (paradosis) "in 2 Thessalonians 3:6 is used of instructions concerning everyday conduct" (Vine's).
Note means "to mark, note, distinguish by marking, to mark or not for one's self" (2 Thess. 3:14) (Thayer, p. 574, Strong's #4593).
Have no company with (sunanamignumi) means "to mix up together. . . to keep company with, be intimate with" (cf. I Cor. 5:9, 11; 2 Thess. 3:14) (Thayer, p. 601, Strong's #4874).
May be ashamed (entrepo): "to put to shame, in the passive voice, to be ashamed, literally means to turn in (en, 'in,' trepo, 'to turn'), that is, to turn one upon himself and so produce a feeling of shame, a wholesome shame which involves a change of conduct, I Cor. 4:14, 2 Thess. 3:14, Titus 2:8, the only places where it has this meaning" (Vine's, p. 77).
Enemy (ekthros) means "hostile, hating and opposing" (Thayer, P. 265, Strong's #2190). Admonish (noutheteo) means "to admonish, warn, exhort."
6) 1 Timothy 5:17-25 “ Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. 19Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. 20Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. 211 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. 22 Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. 23 Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach's sake and thine often infirmities. 24 Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment; and some men they follow after. 25 Likewise also the good works of some are manifest beforehand; and they that are otherwise cannot be hid.”
7) 1 Timothy 6:3-5 “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 4 H is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 5Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.”
Withdraw (aphisteemi): "to keep one's self away from, absent one's self from."
8) Titus 3:10 “But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”
Heretic (hairetikos) means "schismatic, factious" (Thayer, p. 16, Strong's #141). The word "primarily denotes capable of choosing (haireomai); hence, causing division by a party spirit, factious, Titus 3:10" (Vine's, P. 217).
Admonition (nouthesia) means "admonition, exhortation" (Thayer, p. 429, Strong's #3559).
Reject (paraiteomai) means "to shun, avoid" (Thayer, P. 482, Strong's #3868). This Greek word is also translated as "to make excuse" U. 14:18); "refuse" (Acts 25:11, 1 Tim.4:7); "avoid" (2 Tim. 2:23).
9) 2 John 9-11 “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, has not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son. 101f there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: "For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”
There is a possibility that this person coming to you bringing not this doctrine is a fallen Christian. This is indicated by the word "transgresseth."
About Church Discipline
I sincerely believe there are several answers to this one question. Some congrega- tions do not practice church discipline because: a. They are not well versed on the need to enforce church discipline. Many congregations have had occasion where members should have been disciplined but failed to apply this principle, therefore doing an injustice to the erring child of God.
b. Church discipline goes against the grain of many. People frequently try to rationalize why they don't think discipline should be enforced; for example "I want to love them back." If love did not keep them from committing these serious offenses, then I fail to see how love alone can bring them back. We must stay with the Bible.
2) What Sins Are We To Discipline Another For?
I believe the Scriptures makes it very clear what sins are sins that are to be disciplined: those that are specifically named in the Bible. The following list of Scriptures have been discussed as case in point for consideration: Matthew 18:15-17; Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:113; 1 Thessalonians 5:12-14; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-7; 14-15; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; Titus 3:10; 2 John 10.
One important point to make is that all sins are not grounds for a withdrawal of fellowship. The specific sins addressed in the Bible are the grounds upon which discipline is to be enforced.
3) In 1 Corinthians 5:11, What Does "with Such A One No Not To Eat" Mean?
"With such a one no not to eat" refers to a common meal. It does not seem to refer to communion because the Word of God teaches us in I Corinthians 11 to "examine ourselves." We should inform all erring Christians who have been disciplined that we cannot keep company with them or eat a common meal with them. And we should always support these conversations with book, chapter and verse from the Bible.
4) When We Discipline Erring Children Of God, Are We Not Violating Jesus' Command Not To Judge (Matthew 7:1-5)?
No, we are not violating Jesus' command not to judge when we enforce scriptural discipline . This objection is brought up repeatedly; however, it is not a sound objection. Paul, in I Corinthians, clearly stated, "For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person" (1 Corinthians 5:12-13).
Paul is a great example of passing judgment on an erring child of God. He stated "For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed" (1 Corinthians 5:3). Also, Jesus said, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment" (John 7:24).
5) Should We Withdraw From An Erring Child Of God If He Commits Sins That Are Grounds For Withdrawal Of Fellowship But Quits The Church Soon Afterwards?
Yes, if a person commits an offense that requires the congregation to enforce discipline, then the congregation should go ahead and enforce it regardless of whether the member quits or not. I would recommend withdrawal of fellowship from a member of the congregation if he has committed sins specifically named as grounds for discipline, even if he quits the church to keep you from enforcing discipline. This tactic is an escape to some, and we should not hold back in the least. If someone commits one of these offenses, and the church is in the process of enforcing discipline, and the person quits the church in the heat of the conflict, I would recommend following through with the withdrawal.
6) Is One Congregation Duty Bound To Honor The Withdrawal Of A Member From Another Congregation?
It is my recommendation that when one congregation disciplines someone, that the congregations in the area should honor that withdrawal of fellowship, unless they have just reason to question it.
If a question exists whether to honor it or not, then contacting the home congregation that enforced the discipline would be in order.
It would be very unwise to accept someone who had been disciplined, without making sure he has properly corrected the problem. It would undermine the effectiveness of discipline as ordained by the writers of the New Testament.
Metroplex congregations are frequently faced with "church hoppers" who get upset at one place and go to another, and then to another, etc. I would like to encourage congregations to contact the previous home congregation of the individual to make sure he is in good standing. If he is not, then refuse to accept him until the member in question returns to correct the existing problems.
7) Can One Congregation Withdraw Fellowship From A Member Of Another Congregation?
The answer to the question is "No." I will go on record saying, however, I feel a need to qualify my answer to keep anyone from drawing the wrong conclusion. Questions along this line become very difficult at times, but I will gladly offer you my thoughts.
A ploy is utilized by some errant Christians who are in the process of being withdrawn from. They simply change congregations! When this occasion occurs, I recommend full speed ahead, and follow through with the withdrawal of fellowship, and notify the existing home congregation that the offense had taken place.
A case in point: One brother was being withdrawn from by congregation A. He quickly claimed to be a member of congregation B, and said, "You at congregation A cannot withdraw from me because I am not a member of that congregation." Congregation A contacted the brethren from congregation B, and said, "Is this man a member of that congregation?" Congregation B said "No!" The brother then said, "I am a member of congregation C, and you cannot withdraw fellowship from me because I am not a member of congregation A." Congregation C said, "If he is a member here, we will withdraw from him." After much conversation, it was decided that since the offense occurred at congregation A, and he left in the heat of problems, that congregation A should withdraw and congregation C said they would honor it.
We should never allow such things to hinder or stop the congregation from applying proper measures.
Under normal circumstances, it is not scriptural for a congregation to withdraw from a member of another congregation. Congregational autonomy fits here. For congregation A to withdraw from someone in congregation B, who may never have been a member of congregation A, would be wrong.
8) Does The Parable Of The Tares Teach That We Should Not Enforce Discipline But _ Should Let Them Stay Until The Judgment?
No, it does not! This parable has been taken totally out of its setting when people contend for this. Please note that in Matthew 13:24-30, 37-40, the field is the world, not the church. The wheat represents the children of God. The tares were the children of the devil. The harvest is the end of the world. There is no doubt about this situation, for Jesus interpreted this parable for us. Brethren, it concerns me when people attempt to use the parable of the tares to offset their responsibility. I do not want to question anyone's heart; however, it is a total misapplication of this parable, and it is inexcusable.
9) What Should Be Done If One Congregation Withdraws From A Brother And Then Another Congregation Takes Him In Without Question, Or Without Insisting That The Brother Resolve The Conflict With The Previous Congregation?
There would be a serious undermining of God's initial intentions. If a person is disciplined by a congregation, he should not have free course to go where he wants, and have people accept him as if he is white as snow.
There is a situation of church autonomy here. The congregation that withdrew fellowship can alert the other congregation as to their actions and why; however, they cannot force the second congregation to honor their actions. Everyone will answer to God for their conduct in this situation.
10) Is It Possible That Someone Could Be Withdrawn From Wrongfully?
Yes, this is possible. It may have happened, but I have never known of a case. If a congregation oversteps their bounds and withdraws from a person without just cause, then a serious sitting down and talking needs to be done. It would be advisable to employ the teaching of I Corinthians 6:5, referring to finding a "wise man among you" who can judge between his brethren.
A congregation should be very careful not to jump the gun regarding withdrawal of fellowship. One important fact that has to be present is: "It is reported commonly" (1 Corin-thians 5:1), that is, it is common knowledge. Withdrawal of fellowship should never be done unless there are clear established facts without any partiality or preferences being shown.
11) If A Congregation Withdraws Fellowship From A Person And He Is Out Of The Church For Years, Then Shows Up And Attends Another Congregation, What Should Be Done?
The simple approach would be to notify the congregation that the person had been withdrawn from and corrections are in order. One important factor that should never be overlooked is that time does not erase sin. Distance does not cover sin. Sin remains sins regardless of whether you live in the USA or abroad. Until sins are properly dealt with, disciplinary actions should be honored.
12. Do We Withdraw From A Family Member Who Is Guilty Of These Specific Sins?
Yes. Anyone who commits sins wothy of disciplinary action should be withdrawn from. This includes a family member. If we did not discipline one because of who they were related to, but disciplined another for committing the same offense, this would be showing partiality. This is a sin (James 2:9).
I have carefully considered this point. I fully realize that many may differ with this conclusion; however, we need Scriptures to establish a firm conclusion. The Scriptures are clear in demonstrating that God dealt firmly with his children in both the Old Testament as well as the New Testament. In the Old Testament, even a family member was dealt with firmly and decisively. In an effort to be objective, the following quote from "Withdraw Yourselves," by Dick Blackford (a Truth Tract) is offered for your consideration; however, it differs from my conclusion. Question 10: What if the withdrawee is a member of one's own household? Answer. "This is probably the only exception. One command does not cancel out another and withdrawal was not designed to destroy the family. However, the realm of the home is not merely a social thing. It is a divine and permanent relationship. We are not to stop fulfilling our roles and responsibilities to other family members (Ephesians 5:22,23 6:1-3). Even then, one should not act so as to condone or encourage the sinning child of God in any way." (pp. 7-8)
I have known of different gospel preachers who are esteemed men of God who differ on this point. However, my conclusion remains because of overwhelming evidence from the word of God. The answer from the Old Testament examples are clear (Leviticus 20:11-12; Deutonomy 13:6-10; 21:18-24).
For example, if parents had a child who was stubborn and rebellious, they had to bring him to the elders of the city and he would be stoned to death. This case is a parent and a child (Deut.21:18).
Anytime an individual or congregation can: • Cause an erring brother to correct his wrong, Protect the hearts of the simple (Romans 16:18), • Provide actions where perhaps the spirit can be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 5:5), • And warn the unruly (1 Thessalonians 5:14), this is positive.
Just imagine with me the following scenario. A congregation refuses to enforce church discipline, and over the years experiences division, immorality, and heresy within the congregation. The environment would be poor, to say the least, and strong rebuke would be necessary; rebuke just as strong as that which Jesus gave to five of the seven churches of Asia (Revelation 2-3). They were told to repent or else—so let us do likewise!
Who would want to be a member of a congregation with no discipline at all? "Preach what you want to preach." "Live like you want to live." "Do what you want to do, because this congregation does not enforce discipline."
The purpose of discipline is to help the one in error to correct his wrongs. Paul said "so the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus" (1 Corinthians 5:5). Again, Paul said "they he may be ashamed" (2 Thess. 3:14). The attitude in which discipline must be administered is described by Paul as "with unleavened bread of sincerity and truth" (1 Corinthians 5:8).
Let it always be remembered that the one in error, who has been disciplined by the congregation can easily correct his spiritual life by "confessing his sins" (1 John 1:9). The infamous case of incest within the congregation at Corinth, in 1 Corinthians 5, was resolved with happy results, as we see in 2 Cor-inthians 1:5-11, where the one disciplined responded favorably and was restored.
I see constructive things happening when discipline is enforced according to the New Testament. Let us never shirk our responsibility, but always press forward to defend the cause for which our Lord died, never showing respect of persons, nor partiality to anyone at anytime. The Lord be with you all!
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