Discipline within a Christian Community  –  21.06.2020

Discipline within a Christian Community  –  21.06.2020

In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing
that any of these little ones should perish.
Matthew 18:14

“If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses. If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat as you would do it with a pagan  or a tax collector” (Verses 15-17).
We are talking here about a tangible sin, about severe misconducts as they are mentioned in the 10 commandments: Fornication, sexual immorality, murder, theft, slander, fraud,gluttony. People who behave like that cannot be a member in the Church of Jesus.
I once had a box of apples with a rotten one in them. The next day 2 were rotten, and 4 the third day, and if I had not been careful, the whole contents of the box would have not been edible. In the same way sin is infectious. Could that be the reason`s why the church does not grow?  An intentional sin is meant here, a lifestyle that is frontally opposed to the gospel. Repentace is absolutely essential here. But if he refuses then he has to stay outside the church until he is willing to leave the wrong path and return ruefully. God wants repentance, not demnation! However, He does not force anyone, will not take away the freedom of decision.
In 1. Corinthians, Paul removes a man from the congregation who shared the bed with his stiff mother. Hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved (1Corinthians 5:5) Interesting, it is still about salvation here, not condemnation!
Paul continued writing some verses later: … you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.” (Verse 11)
But we, Christians, should be careful that we really recognize the bad sins and not exclude a brother too quickly, not hastily judge him that we will not be judged ourselves in the end.
We do not want to accept a sinful brother inmidst of our church so that the blessing can flow. No wrong compromises. But open arms for all who repent and decide to choose the small way of life. Quickly we want to expose a false brother but only with the help of the Holy Spirit not with our own judgement. And no pity and patience with him. Instead love, true patience, prayers for him and also for ourselves.

Thank ​Y​ou,Jesus, You will give me the love, the patience and wisdom not to judge, not to condemn. I want to tell of  Your grace everywhere. This will be my lifestyle!


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