Introduction
Church discipline is an often-misunderstood concept within the Christian faith. Many believers associate discipline with punishment and condemnation, leading to an unhealthy and negative view of the practice. However, the purpose of church discipline is not to punish, but to restore individuals to a right relationship with God and with the community.
As Christians, we strive to live according to the teachings of the Bible and to honor God with our actions. However, we are all human and fall short of perfection. When a fellow believer commits a sin that harms others or undermines the integrity of the church, it is the responsibility of church leaders to address the issue and implement discipline as necessary.
In this blog post, we will explore what sins require church discipline, according to the teachings of the Bible. We will examine specific scriptures that provide guidance on church discipline and explain why it is important for the health and well-being of the church. By the end of this post, readers will have a better understanding of the purpose and practice of church discipline and how it can help to create a healthy and thriving community of believers.
Viral Believer is reader-supported. We may earn a small fee from products we recommend at no charge to you. Read Our Affiliate Disclosuree
What is Church Discipline?
Before we dive into the specific sins that require church discipline, it is important to understand what church discipline is and why it is necessary. Church discipline is a process of correction and restoration that the church applies to members who have sinned in a way that harms others or brings dishonor to the church. The purpose of discipline is not to punish, but to restore the individual to a right relationship with God and with the community.
The Bible teaches that church discipline is necessary for the health and well-being of the church. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus instructs his followers to confront a fellow believer who has sinned against them in private. If the person does not listen, then the matter should be brought before the church. Paul also emphasizes the importance of discipline in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, where he admonishes the church in Corinth for tolerating a man who had committed sexual immorality.
What Sins Require Church Discipline?
Now that we have established the importance of church discipline, let us look at the specific sins that require discipline according to the Bible. The following sins are mentioned in the Bible as requiring church discipline:
Sexual Immorality
Sexual immorality is a sin that is explicitly mentioned in the Bible as requiring church discipline. In 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, Paul rebukes the church in Corinth for tolerating a man who had committed sexual immorality with his father’s wife. He instructs the church to “deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Corinthians 5:5, NKJV). This passage emphasizes the seriousness of sexual sin and the need for swift and decisive action.
False Teaching
False teaching is another sin that requires church discipline. In Galatians 1:6-9, Paul warns the Galatians about those who preach a different gospel, saying “let him be accursed” (Galatians 1:8, NKJV). False teaching can lead people astray from the truth of the gospel and cause division within the church. Therefore, it is important to address false teaching and correct it through church discipline.
Divisiveness and Slander
Divisiveness and slander are sins that can cause harm to the unity of the church. In Titus 3:10-11, Paul instructs Titus to “reject a divisive man after the first and second admonition, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned” (Titus 3:10-11, NKJV). Similarly, in 1 Timothy 5:19-20, Paul instructs Timothy to “rebuke those who sin in the presence of all, that the rest also may fear” (1 Timothy 5:20, NKJV). These passages emphasize the importance of maintaining unity within the church and addressing behavior that threatens that unity.
Unrepentance
Unrepentance is a sin that can hinder the restoration process that church discipline seeks to achieve. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus instructs his followers to confront a fellow believer who has sinned against them in private. If the person does not listen, then the matter should be brought before the church. If the person still does not repent, then they are to be treated as a Gentile and a tax collector (Matthew 18:17, NKJV). This does not mean that the person should be shunned or ostracized, but rather that the church should continue to pray for their repentance and restoration.
Greed and Materialism
Greed and materialism are sins that can lead people away from God and cause harm to others. In 1 Timothy 6:9-10, Paul warns that “those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition” (1 Timothy 6:9, NKJV). He goes on to say that the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Therefore, it is important to address greed and materialism through church discipline, both for the sake of the individual and for the health of the church.
Disobedience to Church Leaders
Disobedience to church leaders is a sin that can cause division and undermine the authority of those God has placed in leadership. In Hebrews 13:17, the author exhorts his readers to “obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17, NKJV). When someone refuses to submit to the authority of church leaders, it can cause harm to both the individual and the church as a whole.
Conclusion
In conclusion, church discipline is an important aspect of the Christian life that helps to maintain the health and integrity of the church. While all sins are ultimately forgiven through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, some sins require church discipline in order to address harm to others and to maintain the unity and integrity of the church. Sexual immorality, false teaching, divisiveness and slander, unrepentance, greed and materialism, and disobedience to church leaders are all sins that require church discipline according to the teachings of the Bible.
It is important to remember that church discipline is not about punishment, but about restoration. The goal of discipline is to restore the individual to a right relationship with God and with the community. As Christians, we are called to love and care for one another, even in difficult situations. By following the teachings of the Bible and implementing church discipline as necessary, we can create a healthy and thriving community of believers who honor God with our actions and our words.
