Week Six: Embracing Church Discipline - February 11, 2025

The Mended Life Blog offers deeper insights into the current sermon series, written by our lead pastor. Each post explores the themes, scriptures, and application of Sunday’s message, providing additional reflections and practical ways to integrate it into your life. This resource is designed to keep you connected to the Word throughout the week, helping you apply biblical truths and grow in your faith journey.

Week Six: Embracing Biblical Discipline

In our ongoing series, "Faith Unleashed: The Church Beyond The Walls," we delve into the often misunderstood topic of church discipline. You might think of it as harsh or judgmental, but what if I told you it's actually about love and restoration? Church discipline is a vital part of our spiritual journey, helping us grow closer to God and each other. It's not about punishment; it's about guiding each other back to the path of holiness. So, why should you care? Because being part of a church community means supporting one another, even when it means having tough conversations.

Understanding Church Discipline

Church discipline is the process of addressing sin in the life of a believer. It's not about being harsh; it's about love and restoration. Hebrews 12:10-11 reminds us that God's discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in His holiness. While discipline can be painful, it leads to a peaceful harvest of right living.

In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses a situation where sin had been normalized in the Corinthian church. A man was living in sin with his stepmother, and the church was proud of their tolerance. Paul’s message was clear: pride and unrepentant sin are problems that need addressing. The goal of church discipline is not to shame but to restore. Love is the motivation, and restoration is the hope.

The Process of Church Discipline

Jesus provides a framework for church discipline in Matthew 18:15-17. Here’s how it works:

1. Go Privately: If you see a fellow believer in sin, approach them privately. This is a personal conversation, not a public confrontation. The hope is that they will see the error and repent.

2. Take One or Two Others: If the private conversation doesn’t lead to change, bring one or two others to help address the issue. This shows that it’s not just a personal grievance but a concern shared by the community.

3. Involve Church Leadership: If the person still refuses to listen, involve church leadership. This step is about seeking restoration, not exclusion.

If all else fails, the person may need to be removed from the church community to feel the full weight of their sin. This is not about punishment but about helping them realize the seriousness of their actions and the need for repentance.

Why It Matters

You might wonder, “What’s in it for me?” Church discipline benefits not just the individual but the entire church community. Sin, like yeast, can spread and affect the whole body. Addressing it helps maintain the integrity and holiness of the church. It’s about being who we are called to be—set apart for God’s purposes.

Practical Steps to Incorporate These Elements into Your Life

1. Engage in Self-Reflection: Regularly examine your life for any unrepentant sin or areas where pride may have taken root. Ask God to reveal these to you and seek His forgiveness and guidance.

2. Build Accountability: Join a small group or community where you can be open and honest about your struggles. Allow others to speak truth into your life and be willing to do the same for them.

3. Practice Humility: Approach others with a spirit of humility and love when addressing sin. Remember that the goal is restoration, not condemnation.

4. Commit to Prayer: Pray for wisdom and courage to engage in difficult conversations. Ask God to soften hearts and bring about true repentance and healing.

5. Be Active in Church Life: Fully engage in the life of the church. Serve, participate, and build relationships that allow for mutual encouragement and accountability.

Personal Challenge Questions

1. What areas of my life have I become comfortable with sin, and how can I address them?

2. Who in my life might need a loving conversation about their spiritual walk, and how can I approach them with grace and truth?

3. How can I deepen my involvement in the church community to ensure I am both giving and receiving the support needed for spiritual growth?

4. Am I willing to sacrifice comfort for the sake of someone else's spiritual well-being?

5. How can I better communicate the love and truth of the gospel to those outside the church without judgment?

Conclusion

Church discipline is about love and restoration. It’s about helping each other live the life God intended for us. What will you do this week to support a fellow believer in their journey? Will you have that tough conversation? Will you examine your own life for areas where you need to grow? Without taking these steps, you might miss out on the fullness of what God has for you.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and discipline, which guide us toward holiness. Give us the courage to have difficult conversations motivated by love. Help us to be a community that supports and restores one another. May we always seek Your will and live in a way that honors You. Amen.