From the desk of Pastor Ben

Final Discipline Not Optional

“If he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a
Gentile and a tax collector.”     (Matthew 18:17b)

The church has no option but to enact final discipline when the situation calls for it. Jesus commands it (“let him be” is imperative) and Paul ordered the Thessalonians to “keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us” (2 Thessalonians 3:6). Then he admonishes them, “If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame” (vs. 14).

When we have done our scriptural best to restore the offender, but he refuses to respond, that person must be left to his sin and shame. If he genuinely believes, the Lord will not cast him away. The discipline process should continue until the person repents or dies. The purpose of putting the person out is to protect the fellowship’s purity and testimony to the rest of the world who is watching. And for the offender himself, the purpose of exclusion is not simply to punish, but to awaken; that’s why we must act with love and humility. Paul declares again in that passage from 2 Thessalonians, “Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother” (vs. 15).

Not to have fellowship with an unrepentant brother or sister does not exclude all contact. Opportunities to admonish or call back ought to be taken and even sought out. But the sole purpose of these should be further admonishment.

Ask Yourself:
What are some specific examples of what it would cost a person to be outside the fellowship of a church? By thinking through this unpleasant list, consider the flip side — what a blessing these relationships are to those who enjoy and add to the privilege of being a part of the church.