Church Discipline, part 3

This week, we are continuing our reflection on the subject of church discipline. We began last week to look at several biblical purposes for God’s institution of church discipline.

Today, we will finish out that list. We got through five, so here are six, seven, and eight.

Sixth, the right practice of church discipline is necessary for the spiritual health of the church body. Through formative and corrective measures (see part 1 for explanation of these two types of discipline), discipline is essential to being a healthy church. Un-repented of sins, in my life or any believers’ life, is detrimental to the spiritual health of the body of Christ; it is like a disease that if left un-checked could destroy that local church. It is my conviction that if we (church members & leadership) were better equipped in mutually accountable and edifying relationships, much of the angst over church discipline would be eliminated because the difficult conversations that needed to take place would be taking place on a small group level (cf. Matthew 18:15-20—notice the first part of that text).

Seventh, the right practice of church discipline is necessary for the corporate witness of the church to the gospel. How many times have we heard stories of people saying, “there are too many hypocrites in the church.” 

Unfortunately, there is a reputation like this for many people who are part of a church. And, unfortunately, there is some truth in that statement. Formative & corrective discipline helps the world to see that we, the church, seek to live what we say we believe. And, though, we may not do it perfectly, we are striving in that direction. The purity & health of the church body is an outworking of the effect the gospel is having on a particular church.

Eighth, the right practice of church discipline is necessary for the obedience to Jesus. Jesus is the head of the church. He has given us instructions to practice church discipline in all the forms as is necessary depending upon the circumstances. Jesus has also given us the authority to practice church discipline, and in the corrective form if necessary.

Next week, we will discuss some common objections that are offered against the practice of church discipline. We’ll deal with each one briefly in their context.

Jesus desires for his church to be spiritually healthy. One of the means of God’s grace to cultivate that spiritual health is the right practice of church discipline in obedience to his commands.