The Need for Church Discipline

Introduction:

Recently Stephen McQuoid asked the following question, “Does church discipline have a place in the body of Christ today?”  The answer is a most definite “Yes!” While this is certainly a difficult subject, it is very needed in the church.  So why is church discipline needed?

Body:

I.             It Honors God

·         Most will recall the account of David and Goliath in I Samuel 17.  David was sent by his father to check on his brothers on the battlefield.  He couldn’t believe what he saw.  No Israelite was willing to fight Goliath who had been taunting God’s people.      (I Samuel 17:10-11, 26)  David was not intimidated; but was concerned about his people being cowardly by not following God.  They were disgracing God by not doing what was right.

·         As Christians, the world watches us to see if we have courage to do what we should.  (Philippians 1:27, Matthew 5:16)

·         Practicing church discipline is part of God’s Word and by doing it, we honor God.  (I Corinthians 5:1-5) 

II.           It Protects the Reputation of the Church

·         The church must maintain credibility before the world.  If it’s not seen as being credible, as being what it claims; then its impact on the community will be greatly reduced.  (I Peter 2:12)

·         The church claims to be a holy nation.  Therefore, its members are called upon to lead lives of holiness.  (I Thessalonians 4:7)

·         We must do all we can to keep the church holy; to keep it pure.  (I Corinthians 5:6-8, 11)  Our duty is clear 

III.         It Maintains the Health of the Body

·         The church of Christ is depicted as a body.  (I Corinthians 12:12-14)  Each part is to help all the other parts.  There is a mutual responsibility.

·         If one part is spiritually sick, the rest of the body can be damaged.  (II Timothy 2:16-18)

·         The church in Thyatira was being destroyed by immorality.  (Revelation 2:20-23)

·         Warnings by the Apostle Paul were given.  (I Corinthians 3:16-17) 

IV.         It Can Save A Soul

·         One purpose of church discipline:  I Corinthians 5:5

·         Responsibility to warn and admonish:  II Thessalonians 3:14-15

·         The hopeful outcome:  II Corinthians 2:6-11

Conclusion:

Church discipline is greatly needed in the body of Christ today.  It is an act of love, the love of Christ and love of the individual. 

Bobby Stafford                                                                                             

February 24, 2013