When Discipline is Not Practiced
Demise of a Congregation Pt. 8
2003011
Subject: church discipline
Introduction:
A.
Discipline works
B.
It is nothing
more than teaching & instruction.
1.
But also does
more than instruct – it corrects!
2.
Correction
mentioned in 2 Tim. 2:16-17
C.
We must
understand that we do not take advantage of the tools God has given us, if we
fail to use His word to correct improper:
1.
beliefs
2.
attitudes
3.
actions/behaviors.
D.
Tonight…we’ll
take a good look at the importance of church discipline. If it is not practiced, it will lead to
the demise of the congregation.
I. Effective discipline.
A.
Not all discipline is productive. May be productive at certain times and not during other situations.
1.
Some methods could be counter-productive.
B.
Discipline needs to be constant & consistent.
1.
Discipline is MORE than withdrawal!! That’s all some associate w/it. Withdrawal is the
final straw!
a)
Gal. 6:1-2 – restore such a one…
b)
Acts 18:16 – Priscilla and Aquila took Apollos aside & taught
him more accurately! This is discipline!
2.
Remember…it involves teaching & instruction.
3.
When correction is made it needs to be consistent.
4.
If not consistent it just encourages MORE inappropriate behavior &
attitudes.
C.
Discipline must be on time.
1.
Tendency to wait. But
waiting too long brings ineffective discipline.
2.
Dog – trash can
3.
Need to be watching out for one another.
D.
Discipline needs to sting a little.
1.
Heb. 12:11 – time frame involved here.
2.
Should cause sorrow. Acts
5 – Ananias & Sapphira.
II. Remember the purpose & motive behind it.
A.
Heb. 12:6
1.
We discipline because of the good it produces in those we love.
2.
Heb. 12:11 – don’t we appreciate the results of discipline?
B.
After discipline administered – demonstrate true love.
1.
Lk. 15:20-24 – father went out to meet him.
2.
2 Cor. 8-9 – Corinthians were to reaffirm their love for the
immoral brother who had repented. See also 1 Cor. 5
III. Why don’t we correct as we should?
A.
Some are unaware that their brethren need attention.
1.
Result of not being more involved in each others lives.
B.
This part of the wisdom of having elders w/in each congregation. These are overseers and they look over
the flock.
1.
No elders here. But we
must feel a sense of responsibility toward each other.
2.
Take care of one another.
3.
Need to be involved in each others lives.
C.
Perhaps we don’t love brethren as we should.
1.
We make time for things we love most.
2.
Discipline not fun. But it
is the highest manifestation of love!
3.
It risks friendships – but it saves souls!
IV. A look at a local church where discipline was not practiced:
A.
Inappropriate attitudes.
1.
1 Cor. 5:2
a)
Should have been ashamed – but were arrogant.
b)
Some actually proud of their sin.
2.
This will undermine growth of any church.
3.
why? People do not stand
for anything. Nothing to hold them
to it. No standard to go by.
B.
Sin spreads. 1 Cor. 5:6
1.
Toleration increases the potential for rebellion against God.
a)
In the home/classroom – one allowed to misbehave – the
others are learning.
b)
Cow finds weakness in fence &
crosses over. Others soon follow.
2.
A church that stands for nothing will find itself in chaos.
C.
We are sending a message.
1.
What are we telling our brethren when we fail to gently correct them
when they need to be corrected?
2.
DO we care enough? Do we
love them as we should?
3.
2 Cor. 2:5-11 – Corinthians removed sinful man from them & proved
their love for Him. He repented!
a)
Their message was loud/clear/effective.
4.
Churches headed in the wrong direction when they follow the path of
least resistance.
a)
Easy to ignore & hope they’ll change their lives on their own.
b)
Difficult & delicate work – must not be neglected.
5.
Souls are at stake!
6.
Jude 22-23
Conclusion:
A.
Which direction are we headed?
1.
Are we willing to practice corrective discipline?
2.
How much do we love our brethren?
3.
Are we willing to put Gal. 6:1-2 in practice?
B. I N V I T A T I O N