09/23/2014
How to deal with open sin in Churches?
The Bible teaches the correct way for church congregation to deal with sin. As a matter of fact, Paul gives us a great example of how to deal with sin within the church in 2Thessalonica3:14-15 Be on your guard against any followers who refuse to obey what we have written in this letter. Put them to shame by not having anything to do with them. Don't consider them your enemies, but speak kindly to them as you would to any other follower.
Dealing with someone’s open acts of sin is what many theologians called church discipline.
Church discipline is considered as the Biblical process of confrontation and correction out by individual genuine Christians, church leaders, or the entire church congregation when a member of Christ Body is involved with one or several open acts of sin.
There are at least 4 reasons for Church discipline. First, to honor the Lord’s call to be holy and live for His glory Leviticus 11:44.
Second, It is a commend from the Lord. 1Co 5:12-13 Why should I judge outsiders? Aren't we supposed to judge only church members? God judges everyone else. The Scriptures say, "Chase away any of your own people who are evil."
Third, to maintain the testimony of the church around the world. Mat 5:14-16 You are like light for the whole world. A city built on top of a hill cannot be hidden, and no one would light a lamp and put it under a clay pot. A lamp is placed on a lampstand, where it can give light to everyone in the house.
Make your light shine, so that others will see the good that you do and will praise your Father in heaven.
Lastly, to bring the culprit brother or sister to a point of godly sorrow, so that his relationship with God and with other believers might be restored. Gal 6:1 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.
Matthew 18:15-17 teaches and gives us the specific steps for confronting and correcting a rebellious believer.
The first step is personal: 18:15 If one of my followers sins against you, go and point out what was wrong. .
The second step is private: 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more.
The third step is corporate: 18:17a And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church.
The fourth step is to deliver the verdict: Restoration or removal from the fellowship of the Church: 18:17b but if he neglects to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. 1Co 5:5 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.
The last step which I believed is always omitted is for God to seal the church verdict in heaven: Mat 18:18 I promise you that God in heaven will allow whatever you allow on earth, but he will not allow anything you don't allow.
How many churches are following these steps today? There is too much tolerance in churches today. Tolerance is not a synonym for Grace.
I wonder how many undone church disciplines are being rolled over to God every day. The bad news for the culprits is this: God will hold everybody accountable.
