Reflecting Church Discipline
Matthew 18:15-20 is probably one of the most popular passages about discipline. Here we can see that the offender has been given chances for repentance. It is very important to note how Jesus Christ presented the matter to his disciples.
To review it, first, we have to approach the sinning brother privately. If he repents, we already have won our brother. If not, we have to get two or three witnesses about the sin so that the matter can be established. This means that we are to approach the sinning brother semi-privately. If he repents, then we have won our brother. If not, we have to bring the matter to the church, this time publicly. If he repents, we have won our brother. If not, then we are to treat him as a pagan or tax collector.
There are many churches now that are no longer following this steps in the Bible. In fact, many already have the so-called discipline code in their churches. The question is, are these discipline code permitted in the Bible? I believe that as long as the Church sticks with the standards of the Bible, and as long as we agree on rules, it is enforceable and it has the blessings of God (Matthew 18:18-20).
But we always have to remember that discipline is never intended for condemnation or judging people. Discipline exists to enable a sinning brother or sister to come back to the Lord. Discipline is most often a painful experience because we have to admit that we have sinned and have broken the Biblical standards sacrificing the credibility, worth, and value of the hope that we profess in Christ. .
I strongly believe that in matters of discipline we need to stick on what the Bible says. It is normal for the members who are concerned with the discipline to reason out and ask for justification of sinned committed or being committed. But still, it should not be a reason not to implement it.
It is like you are being put to the hospital. Even if you don’t like it, it needs to be treated in order to save the body from further damage. Painful yes. But helpful.
Church discipline is more on maintaining the purity of the church in their beliefs and behaviors, doctrines and deeds, and principles and practices!!!
Laxity in such aspect would surely start the corruptive leaven that unless arrested and corrected, can further lead to continuous deterioration and degeneration in the church life, just as viruses not fought by the immune system can compromise the whole body to eventually get sick, or even maybe, die off!!! If we obey God, it would be His responsibility to continually bless His Body. But if we disobey God, it would be the delinquent believer’s responsibility to bear the brunt of God’s own discipline.
God warns about evading, avoding, and ignoring God’s disciplining in
Hebrews 10:31
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
and another clear warning in
Romans 11:22
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.