Assembly discipline is one of the areas where most sincere Church leaders often fail miserably. Either they take no action in spite of the blatant violation of number of spiritual norms or they over react thereby worsening the overall assembly situation. Let us consider briefly what the New Testament teaches about maintaining discipline in the local assembly.
I. THE IMPORTANCE
Is assembly discipline really an important matter? Consider 4 things:
a. The teaching of the Lord Jesus, Matt. 18:15-20.
Our Lord gives clear teaching to deal with an issue between two individuals in the church.
b. The action by the Lord, Acts 5:1-11; Rev. 2:5, etc.
The action against Ananias and Sapphira as well as the rebuke and warning to the local assemblies of Asia minor are evidence of the Lord's mind on discipline in the church (Rev. 2, 3).
c. The teachings of apostle Paul, 1Cor. 5:1-13.
In 1 Corinthians chapter five we have the classic passage on Church discipline. Paul strongly rebukes the oversight for their inaction even after immorality was evident among them. Further, he gives instruction on the action required.
d. The practice of the apostles, Acts 5:3, 9; 1Tim. 1:20
In the action against Ananias and Sapphira, apostle Peter was in full agreement with the Lord. What Paul did with Hymenaeus and Alexander also is noteworthy.
Remember, Matt. 18: 20 must be seen in the context of discipline. The decisions and standard of a local assembly should reflect the standard of heaven (Matt. 18:18). And it is to such a gathering the Lord has promised His presence.
II. THE CASES
There is a long list found in the New Testament regarding when the oversight will have to take some form of disciplinary action.
1. The Personal Offender, Matt. 18:15-20
When there is an issue between two individuals and the efforts of the concerned brethren became futile, the Church has to intervene.
2. The Division Maker, Rom. 16:17
By sweet words and flattering speech some deceive the hearts of simple believers (v. 18). Paul exhorts saints to 'avoid' such, before they cause division in the assembly.
3. The Serious Moral Offender, 1Cor. 5:1-5
When an assembly member lives in immorality, especially which the gentiles feel ashamed to even talk about, Paul exhorts the leadership to deliver such a one into the hands of Satan!
4. Wicked Brethren, 1Cor. 5:11
This refers to someone known as a follower of Christ and yet acts as an unbeliever. Paul gives six examples for this: sexually immoral, covetous, idolater, reviler, drunkard, and extortioner. Notice, how Paul tells them not even to eat with them, that means not even to have a social fellowship with such.
5. The Overtaken Brother, Gal. 6:1
When someone has fallen temporarily, spiritual brethren should settle the issue and restore him.
6. The Disorderly Brother, 2Thess. 3:6-15
Disorderly conduct such as unnecessary visits to houses and gossips may not be evil in itself, yet the oversight will have to deal with it.
7. The Unprofitable Speaker, Tit 1:11
Speakers who teach erroneously with personal agenda should also be dealt with, (2Pet. 2:1-3; 1Tim. 1:19, 20).
Notice three things:
a. This is not an exhaustive list on cases when disciplinary action is needed. Many present-day issues like online abuses etc., are not addressed here.
b. Not all cases need stern actions like excommunication. Oversight should have the discernment and grace to take the most appropriate action.
c. Never the response. Some keep on discussing and the matter gets worsened or the concerned people leave.
III. THE PURPOSE
Never approach discipline with any selfish agenda like teaching someone a lesson or to get rid of somebody whom the oversight does not like. Paul wrote to the Corinthians later that he insisted on discipline because of his deep love and care for them (2Cor. 2:4; 7:12). With much fear and caution only we should approach this matter (Gal. 1, 2). Six objectives can be noticed:
i. To keep the purity of the assembly, 1Cor. 5:6-8.
God's assembly should be holy. Like a little leaven leavens the whole lump and dead flies putrefy the perfumers' ointment, similarly, allowing evil will spread to others as well.
ii. To maintain order in the church, 1Cor. 14:40.
Any disorder is not only ugly but harmful for the church. Each believer should know how to behave in the church of Christ (Tit. 1:5; 1Tim. 3:15).
iii. To restore the offender, 2Cor. 2:6-8; Gal. 6:1.
Any action is to 'gain' our brother, never to harm or destroy.
iv. To warn others, 1Tim. 5:20
If the oversight keeps silent, a wrong impression is created that any abnormality is tolerated.
v. To safeguard the spiritual health of the assembly.
If not acted against evil in time, it slowly spreads. Even if an action may lead to pain and sorrow, the end result will be joy, (cf. 1Cor. 5:6; 2Cor. 7:11, 12).
vi. To maintain public testimony, Acts 5:11, 13.
The action against Ananias and Sapphira affected the public view point of the church. People feared to join them at the same time, they esteemed the church.
Remember, the general public takes a note of what's going on among the people of God. Any disorder and indiscipline are a shame and dishonor to the assembly as well as the Lord Jesus Christ.
IV. THE PROCESS
Since each situation is unique, a fixed framework may not be suitable. Often a word of rebuke or admonition will be enough. Yet seven steps can be suggested based on the key passages on discipline.
1. Private effort should be taken by spiritual brethren, Mat. 18: 15-17; Gal. 6:1 cf. Jam. 5:16; Mat. 5:23, 24. (Especially in connection with an issue between two individuals.)
2. With thorough investigation, the assembly needs to realize the seriousness of the matter, 1Cor. 5:1; Mat. 18:17.
3. The assembly should mourn at such sin, 1Cor. 5:2. Deep sorrow and grief is required, for a dear brother is fallen.
4. The whole assembly needs to come together, 1Cor. 5: 3, 4. Public sin must be dealt with publicly. The gathering should be in the name of the Lord and in His will, v.4 cf. Mat. 18:17-20.
5. A public announcement is required, Mat. 18:17. Note, though not mentioned clearly, natural justice demands sufficient opportunity be given to the fallen one to explain his/her stand, (cf. Gen. 3: 8-13; Jos. 7:20, 21, 23).
6. Appropriate disciplinary action should be taken in Christ's authority, 1Cor. 5: 4, 5 cf. Mat. 18:18, 20.
This final step includes even excommunication, but it should be done only in extreme situations, to preserve the peace and purity of the church (cf. Matt. 18:17; 1Cor. 5:5, 13). Even in the divine chastening process, we see various grades of chastisements (1Cor. 11:30).
V. THE END OF DISCIPLIINE
What is the future of the disciplined? Two things are important:
a. Their soul may be saved in the day of the Lord, 1Cori. 5:5.
No disciplinary action can rob a believer;s place in heaven (cf. John 10:28; 5:24; 1Cor. 3:15). There are different opinions on 'delivering one to Satan'. We understand, it refers to how the disciplined will experience outside the assembly fellowship which is the sphere of Satan. Feeling the pain and sorrow due to the absence of Christian fellowship he/she will be led to repent.
b. Restoration after repentance, 2 Cor. 2: 5-7.
Any disciplinary action is not forever. We ought to prayerfully wait for their repentance and restoration. Paul encourages Corinthians to forgive the disciplined and restore him back to fellowship. Refusal to do so will result in Satan taking advantage of it.
Notice two things:
- The erring one should humbly yield to the decision of the assembly.
- The assembly should deal with this issue with much prayer and look forward to his restoration at the earliest (Mat. 7:4; Deut. 17:2–4).
Conclusion:
Assembly discipline is a very sensitive and difficult topic. However, keeping a blind eye towards the disorder in the local churches fearing any adverse consequence will only harm the assembly testimony further.
The best option is to encourage believers for periodic self-examination and self-judgement (1Cor. 11:28, 31; 2Cor. 13:5). Then each believer will stay close to the Lord and be obedient to the scripture. Thus, maintaining discipline and purity in the church of God.
G&P
