DISCIPLINE, ACCOUNTABILITY
& SEPARATION
INTRODUCTION
The Lord has instructed and commanded His Church and His disciples to practice discipline, excommunication and separation in situations that call for it. Unless we familiarize ourselves with what He teaches us on this topic through a number of different passages, we will struggle to appreciate the need and value and the appropriateness of such measures. This will result in doubt and lack of confidence as to when and how to apply the Lord’s directives. May this study help you understand better God’s will and your role in His Church.
PART I: OLD TESTAMENT FOUNDATIONS
It can be tempting to want to take a shortcut to the New Testament passages that give instructions about church discipline, excommunication and separation. However, these instructions are not stand-alone recipes. They are given within a context that communicates to us why they are the way they are and what they teach us about God and about what it means to be His people. Unless we take the time to ponder these questions, we will miss the big picture that helps us make sense of the whole.
A. EXCOMMUNICATION
Definition: The expulsion of a professed believer from the congregation as a disciplinary measure.
1) Read Genesis 17:14. This takes place before the law was given to Israel. What was the Lord’s command? Whom does it apply to? What is the reason given for it?
2) Read Lev 18:1-30 and Num 15:30-31. For further study, see Ex 12:15; 30:33; 31:14; Lev 7:19-27; 17:8-9; 19:8; 20:18; 23:29; Num 9:13]. (Note: depending on the case, to cut off can mean to execute or to excommunicate). What do we learn about the practice of cutting off as God had commanded it in the Old Testament? What do we learn about God Himself from these passages?
3) Read 1 Corinthians 5:11-13. Verse 13 is a quotation of a principle that is found in Dt 13:5. For further study, see Dt 17:7, 12; 21:21; 22:21. (Note: the quotation is from the Septuagint, the Greek Jewish translation of the Old Testament, hence the slightly different wording from our Old Testament passages, which come directly from the Hebrew original). What do we learn from knowing what Paul quoted as in instructed Christian churches in the area of excommunication?
B. SEPARATION
Definition: Abstention from fellowship with group of or individual professed believers as a disciplinary measure.
1) Read Exodus 23:31-33. What are the two from which God told His people to remain separate? What is the reason God said He commanded both? Should the reason given still be a concern for God’s people today?
2) Look up Ex 34:12-16; Num 16:26; 25:1-8;33:55-56; Dt 7:1-6; 12:29-30; 13:6-8; Josh 23:6-7, 12-13 How important was this command in God’s eyes? Write down other observations you made as you read through these passages.
3) Look up Judg 3:5-7; 1 Kings 11:4-11; 2 Kings 17:7-20 [for further study: Judg 2:1-3; Ezra 9:12-14; Neh 13:23-27]. How were the fortunes of God’s people tied to God’s command to separate? How much of Old Testament history has to do with what happened in regard to this command? What lessons can we take from knowing what happened so as to apply them today?
4) Read 1 Cor 5:6; 7:39; 2 Cor 6:14-18; Heb 12:15-16. How do these New Testament instructions to Christian churches compare to what you have learned from the Old Testament passages above? Think back about how the Israelites responded to God’s command: how do you respond to what you have just read? Do you share God’s concerns?
C. SHARED GUILT
Definition: Guilt that could result from associating with those we are in a state of averted rebellion or disobedience to the Lord.
1) Read Joshua 7:1-12. Who sinned? Who was punished? What do we learn about how God regarded the congregation of His people when it came to sin in their midst? Does this apply at all to the people of God today?
2) Read 2 Chr 17:1-19:3; 20:35-37. How was Jehoshaphat’s personal walk with the Lord? How would you describe his relationship to house of Ahab? What was God’s assessment of that alliance? Why is that? Was not Jehoshaphat a witness to Ahab? What do we learn about God from this? What lessons do you see as applicable today?
3) The book of Revelation is about the great battle in which the Church of Jesus-Christ finds itself. It offers both encouragement through the revelation of God’s plan and ultimate victory, as well as a message, “what the Spirit says to the churches” about how Christians should live in the interim in the midst of this battle. Read Rev 2:6, 14, 20; 18:4-5. How does it relate to what you have learned from the Old Testament passages above? Revelation repeats many times “he who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says…” (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22, see also Rev 22:7). What are you hearing?
OLD TESTAMENT WRAP-UP
A very important component of New Testament instruction concerning the process of discipline, excommunication and separation is that every fact is to be confirmed with the evidence from two or three witnesses (Mat 18:16; 2 Cor 13:1; 1 Tim 5:19). This is the enduring word which God commanded concerning the procedures which would lead to cutting off or taking action against the unrepentant sinner in the congregation of Israel (Num 35:30; Dt 17:6; 19:15). We see then that there is actually quite a close relationship – though there are also differences – between the principles that we have seen above as they were to be practiced in Israel and the instructions find in the New Testament.
Summarize the values and principles you have learned from this study of Old Testament passages.
PART II: NEW TESTAMENT DIRECTIVES FOR CONGREGATIONS AND DISCIPLES
A. TO JUDGE OR NOT TO JUDGE?
1) Read Matthew 7:1-6 and John 8:7. What are the wrong practices that these passages address? In what situations do these directives apply? Are these passages teaching us that we should never take corrective action toward others?
2) Read Matthew 7:15-20; Matthew 18:15; 1 Corinthians 5:3, 12; 6:2-3. What are the problems these passages address? To what situations are these directives addressed? What differences are there between these directives and the ones in the first question? Think of examples of situations you might encounter as a Christian in which it would be one or the other set of directives that apply.
To judge or not to judge: How would you answer that question now?
B. TO INCLUDE OR TO EXCLUDE?
1) Read Luke 7:39; 15:2; 19:7. Who was the Lord associating with? Were these people believers or unbelievers? In what ways did He associate with them? Where did this interaction take place?
2) Read Matthew 9:12-13. In the Lord’s eyes, were the Pharisees right to separate from unbelieving sinners? What do we learn about His will for us in this passage and those in question 1? Compare these passages with 1 Cor 5:9-13. Are these passages in agreement or do they contradict each other? Summarize how we are to relate with “sinners” depending on what they profess. What can we do together? What should we not do?
3) Read John 6:64; 13:10-11, 18, 21-27. What did the Lord do for Judas? In what context did it take place? Was the Lord doing this to reach out to Judas (see Matthew 26:24 compare with John 13:18; John 17:12)? Should we use what went on between the Lord and Judas as a universal model of how we should relate to sinners in the Church?
4) Read 1 Cor 5:5. How do we reach out to professed believers who persist into serious doctrinal or moral lapse?
So, how would you answer the question: should we exclude or include?
C. THE THREE MANDATES OF DISCIPLINE
Guarding one another
Read Matthew 18:15; Luke 17:3; Gal 6:1; 1 Thess 5:14; Heb 3:12-14; 4:1; 12:25; Jas 5:19-20; Jude 22-23. Whose role and responsibilities are described in these verses? Toward whom do these responsibilities apply? What is at stake? Do you believe that such are the stakes indeed? What details are given as to how and when it is to be done? Do you accept and practice these directives from the Lord?
Guarding the flock
1) Read Acts 20:25-35. To whom are these directives addressed (v. 17)? Why were they to be on the alert? Where would trouble come from?
2) Read Mat 7:15-20; Col 2:4-8, 1 Tim 4:1, 2 Pet 2:1, 3:17; 1 Jn 2:18; Jude 4. What are all these passages warning about? Where would the trouble come from? Consider the sources of danger mentioned in the passages above: philosophy, traditions of men, rudiments of the world, heresies, licentiousness. Are our congregations immune from these dangers? Reflect back on the dangers that God warned about in the Old Testament: what are your observations?
3) Read Heb 13:17. What is the responsibility of the leaders? How far does this responsibility go?
Guarding the faith
1) Read Jude 3; 1 Tim 4:16; 2 Tim 1:13-14; 2:1-13; Tit 1:13-2:1, 11-15; Gal 1:6-10; 2 Pet 1:19-21. To whom are these directives addressed? What characteristics of “the faith” come out of these verses? Consider the current common attitudes toward sound doctrine and the Bible: how does it compare with what you have read? How do your own attitudes toward sound doctrine and the Bible compare with what you have read?
2) Read Rom 14:1-15:7. Is this passage speaking about what is referred to above as “the faith”? How would you compare what is spoken of in question 1 to what you have read in the passage here? What does “accepting” and “not judging” refer to here? What does it not refer to?
The liabilities of laxity
Read Mat 1 Cor 5:1-8; 15:33 and review Rev 2:6, 14, 20. Considering these in light of the responsibilities of the three mandates, what are the consequences if we set these directives aside?
D. THE WHATS, WHENS AND HOWS OF DISCIPLINE, EXCOMMUNICATION & SEPARATION
When not to discipline
1) Review Rom 14:1; 15:1-7. Read 1 Cor 13:4-7; Col 3:12-14; Eph 4:1-3; Php 3:15-16. Which situations call for patience and bearing one another as opposed to disciplinary measures?
2) Compare what Col 3:13 and Eph 4:32 have to say about forgiveness with Mt 18:15; Luke 17:3 and 1 Cor 5:3-5. How should we practice forgiveness in a way that applies all of these passages?
When to discipline
Review Mat 18:17; 1 Cor 5:11; Rom 16:17; 2 Thess 3:6, 14; 1 Tim 5:19-20; 2 Tim 3:5; Tit 3:10-11 ; 2 Jn 9-11 and Rev 2:14, 20. Make a list of the kind of sins that warrant disciplinary measures. Review the list: what is your personal response to what God teaches us about when He wants us to take disciplinary measures? Since these things are His commands, what does it mean if we decide not to put them into practice?
The process of discipline
Review Mat 18:15-20; 1 Cor 5:3-4; 2 Cor 13:1; Gal 6:1-2; 1 Tim 5:19-21; Tit 3:10-11; 1 Jn 5:16. What should always be the first step? What is the second step? What is the purpose of that step (see also Dt 19:15)? At what point does excommunication or separation apply? How much time do you think is needed to progress from one step to the next?
How to discipline
1) Review Mat 18:17 and compare it with Mat 5:46-47. What did tax-collectors and Gentiles represent to Jewish believers? Consider 2 Thess 3:15 also. How do you understand “let him be to you as a Gentile or tax-collector” in the light of both passages? To which specific situations does this measure apply?
2) Review Rom 16:17-18; 1 Cor 5:11; 2 Thess 3:6, 14; 2 Tim 3:5; Tit 3:10; 2 Jn 10. Make a list of the specific disciplinary measures that are mentioned in each passage.
3) There are reasons that are given for these practices. Review 1 Cor 5:5, 8; 2 Thess 3:14; 1 Tim 5:20; 2 Tim 2:25-26; Tit 1:11, 13; 2 Jn 11; Jude 23 and make a list of the reasons which are mentioned for each of the measures.
4) Consider the manner in which these measures are to be carried out: Gal 6:1-2; 2 Thess 3:15; 1 Tim 5:1-2; 2 Tim 2:24-25; 4:2; 1 Jn 5:16; Jude 22. How would you contrast what is to be done from how it is to be done? Is it possible to be firm and gentle at the same time? How do these instructions from the Lord as to how to show love to one another and guard one another relate to how you normally think of a loving or wise course of action?
5) Compare 1 Tim 5:1-2 with Tit 1:13. Then compare Mat 18:15 with 1 Tim 5:20. What factors are to be taken into consideration in determining what is appropriate in a disciplinary situation?
6) Review 2 Jn 10 and compare it with 2 Cor 11:3-4. Do principles of discipline, excommunication and separation apply only to professing Christians inside one’s own congregation or denomination? How would you define on the basis of these passages whom these apply to?
The hope of discipline
1) Review Mat 18:21-35; Lk 17:3; 1 Cor 5:5; 2 Cor 2:6-8; 7:8-11; 2 Thess 3:15; Gal 6:1 and Jas 5:20 again. Based on all you have seen, how would you describe the ideal scenario, the hope and ultimate goal of the practices of discipline, excommunication and separation? What conditions do you see in these passages for this hope to be realized?
2) Consider Mat 7:6; 18:17; 2 Cor 12:21; Rev 2:21; 16:11. What other course may a disciplined party choose rather than repent? If they do not repent, what will their reactions be toward those who applied disciplinary measures to them? Considering all that you have seen and studied, what prospect does God consider best: lack of discipline for fear of alienation or discipline with the risk of alienation?
Discipline abuses
We conclude by looking at Mk 9:38-40; Lk 9:54-56; Jn 16:2; 3 Jn 9-11. What were the reasons that made these disciplinary measures abusive? Would these situations have occurred if the principles we have seen in this study had been used to determine whether discipline was appropriate? How can we ensure we are not abusive when we consider disciplinary measures?
CONCLUSION
I pray that this study has been enlightening and a blessing to you. No doubt, we are all challenged by this picture of living in covenant with one another and with Christ as His people, of standing firm yet be kind. But studying the topic is not the end goal. How have we been challenged in our beliefs and practices? How do we intend on responding to what we have learned from the Lord? It takes diligence and courage. Are we willing? We need to wrestle with these questions and pray for strength, faith, love and obedience to be made ours daily by the Spirit of the Lord.
The Lord has instructed and commanded His Church and His disciples to practice discipline, excommunication and separation in situations that call for it. Unless we familiarize ourselves with what He teaches us on this topic through a number of different passages, we will struggle to appreciate the need and value and the appropriateness of such measures. This will result in doubt and lack of confidence as to when and how to apply the Lord’s directives. May this study help you understand better God’s will and your role in His Church.
PART I: OLD TESTAMENT FOUNDATIONS
It can be tempting to want to take a shortcut to the New Testament passages that give instructions about church discipline, excommunication and separation. However, these instructions are not stand-alone recipes. They are given within a context that communicates to us why they are the way they are and what they teach us about God and about what it means to be His people. Unless we take the time to ponder these questions, we will miss the big picture that helps us make sense of the whole.
A. EXCOMMUNICATION
Definition: The expulsion of a professed believer from the congregation as a disciplinary measure.
1) Read Genesis 17:14. This takes place before the law was given to Israel. What was the Lord’s command? Whom does it apply to? What is the reason given for it?
2) Read Lev 18:1-30 and Num 15:30-31. For further study, see Ex 12:15; 30:33; 31:14; Lev 7:19-27; 17:8-9; 19:8; 20:18; 23:29; Num 9:13]. (Note: depending on the case, to cut off can mean to execute or to excommunicate). What do we learn about the practice of cutting off as God had commanded it in the Old Testament? What do we learn about God Himself from these passages?
3) Read 1 Corinthians 5:11-13. Verse 13 is a quotation of a principle that is found in Dt 13:5. For further study, see Dt 17:7, 12; 21:21; 22:21. (Note: the quotation is from the Septuagint, the Greek Jewish translation of the Old Testament, hence the slightly different wording from our Old Testament passages, which come directly from the Hebrew original). What do we learn from knowing what Paul quoted as in instructed Christian churches in the area of excommunication?
B. SEPARATION
Definition: Abstention from fellowship with group of or individual professed believers as a disciplinary measure.
1) Read Exodus 23:31-33. What are the two from which God told His people to remain separate? What is the reason God said He commanded both? Should the reason given still be a concern for God’s people today?
2) Look up Ex 34:12-16; Num 16:26; 25:1-8;33:55-56; Dt 7:1-6; 12:29-30; 13:6-8; Josh 23:6-7, 12-13 How important was this command in God’s eyes? Write down other observations you made as you read through these passages.
3) Look up Judg 3:5-7; 1 Kings 11:4-11; 2 Kings 17:7-20 [for further study: Judg 2:1-3; Ezra 9:12-14; Neh 13:23-27]. How were the fortunes of God’s people tied to God’s command to separate? How much of Old Testament history has to do with what happened in regard to this command? What lessons can we take from knowing what happened so as to apply them today?
4) Read 1 Cor 5:6; 7:39; 2 Cor 6:14-18; Heb 12:15-16. How do these New Testament instructions to Christian churches compare to what you have learned from the Old Testament passages above? Think back about how the Israelites responded to God’s command: how do you respond to what you have just read? Do you share God’s concerns?
C. SHARED GUILT
Definition: Guilt that could result from associating with those we are in a state of averted rebellion or disobedience to the Lord.
1) Read Joshua 7:1-12. Who sinned? Who was punished? What do we learn about how God regarded the congregation of His people when it came to sin in their midst? Does this apply at all to the people of God today?
2) Read 2 Chr 17:1-19:3; 20:35-37. How was Jehoshaphat’s personal walk with the Lord? How would you describe his relationship to house of Ahab? What was God’s assessment of that alliance? Why is that? Was not Jehoshaphat a witness to Ahab? What do we learn about God from this? What lessons do you see as applicable today?
3) The book of Revelation is about the great battle in which the Church of Jesus-Christ finds itself. It offers both encouragement through the revelation of God’s plan and ultimate victory, as well as a message, “what the Spirit says to the churches” about how Christians should live in the interim in the midst of this battle. Read Rev 2:6, 14, 20; 18:4-5. How does it relate to what you have learned from the Old Testament passages above? Revelation repeats many times “he who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says…” (Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22, see also Rev 22:7). What are you hearing?
OLD TESTAMENT WRAP-UP
A very important component of New Testament instruction concerning the process of discipline, excommunication and separation is that every fact is to be confirmed with the evidence from two or three witnesses (Mat 18:16; 2 Cor 13:1; 1 Tim 5:19). This is the enduring word which God commanded concerning the procedures which would lead to cutting off or taking action against the unrepentant sinner in the congregation of Israel (Num 35:30; Dt 17:6; 19:15). We see then that there is actually quite a close relationship – though there are also differences – between the principles that we have seen above as they were to be practiced in Israel and the instructions find in the New Testament.
Summarize the values and principles you have learned from this study of Old Testament passages.
PART II: NEW TESTAMENT DIRECTIVES FOR CONGREGATIONS AND DISCIPLES
A. TO JUDGE OR NOT TO JUDGE?
1) Read Matthew 7:1-6 and John 8:7. What are the wrong practices that these passages address? In what situations do these directives apply? Are these passages teaching us that we should never take corrective action toward others?
2) Read Matthew 7:15-20; Matthew 18:15; 1 Corinthians 5:3, 12; 6:2-3. What are the problems these passages address? To what situations are these directives addressed? What differences are there between these directives and the ones in the first question? Think of examples of situations you might encounter as a Christian in which it would be one or the other set of directives that apply.
To judge or not to judge: How would you answer that question now?
B. TO INCLUDE OR TO EXCLUDE?
1) Read Luke 7:39; 15:2; 19:7. Who was the Lord associating with? Were these people believers or unbelievers? In what ways did He associate with them? Where did this interaction take place?
2) Read Matthew 9:12-13. In the Lord’s eyes, were the Pharisees right to separate from unbelieving sinners? What do we learn about His will for us in this passage and those in question 1? Compare these passages with 1 Cor 5:9-13. Are these passages in agreement or do they contradict each other? Summarize how we are to relate with “sinners” depending on what they profess. What can we do together? What should we not do?
3) Read John 6:64; 13:10-11, 18, 21-27. What did the Lord do for Judas? In what context did it take place? Was the Lord doing this to reach out to Judas (see Matthew 26:24 compare with John 13:18; John 17:12)? Should we use what went on between the Lord and Judas as a universal model of how we should relate to sinners in the Church?
4) Read 1 Cor 5:5. How do we reach out to professed believers who persist into serious doctrinal or moral lapse?
So, how would you answer the question: should we exclude or include?
C. THE THREE MANDATES OF DISCIPLINE
Guarding one another
Read Matthew 18:15; Luke 17:3; Gal 6:1; 1 Thess 5:14; Heb 3:12-14; 4:1; 12:25; Jas 5:19-20; Jude 22-23. Whose role and responsibilities are described in these verses? Toward whom do these responsibilities apply? What is at stake? Do you believe that such are the stakes indeed? What details are given as to how and when it is to be done? Do you accept and practice these directives from the Lord?
Guarding the flock
1) Read Acts 20:25-35. To whom are these directives addressed (v. 17)? Why were they to be on the alert? Where would trouble come from?
2) Read Mat 7:15-20; Col 2:4-8, 1 Tim 4:1, 2 Pet 2:1, 3:17; 1 Jn 2:18; Jude 4. What are all these passages warning about? Where would the trouble come from? Consider the sources of danger mentioned in the passages above: philosophy, traditions of men, rudiments of the world, heresies, licentiousness. Are our congregations immune from these dangers? Reflect back on the dangers that God warned about in the Old Testament: what are your observations?
3) Read Heb 13:17. What is the responsibility of the leaders? How far does this responsibility go?
Guarding the faith
1) Read Jude 3; 1 Tim 4:16; 2 Tim 1:13-14; 2:1-13; Tit 1:13-2:1, 11-15; Gal 1:6-10; 2 Pet 1:19-21. To whom are these directives addressed? What characteristics of “the faith” come out of these verses? Consider the current common attitudes toward sound doctrine and the Bible: how does it compare with what you have read? How do your own attitudes toward sound doctrine and the Bible compare with what you have read?
2) Read Rom 14:1-15:7. Is this passage speaking about what is referred to above as “the faith”? How would you compare what is spoken of in question 1 to what you have read in the passage here? What does “accepting” and “not judging” refer to here? What does it not refer to?
The liabilities of laxity
Read Mat 1 Cor 5:1-8; 15:33 and review Rev 2:6, 14, 20. Considering these in light of the responsibilities of the three mandates, what are the consequences if we set these directives aside?
D. THE WHATS, WHENS AND HOWS OF DISCIPLINE, EXCOMMUNICATION & SEPARATION
When not to discipline
1) Review Rom 14:1; 15:1-7. Read 1 Cor 13:4-7; Col 3:12-14; Eph 4:1-3; Php 3:15-16. Which situations call for patience and bearing one another as opposed to disciplinary measures?
2) Compare what Col 3:13 and Eph 4:32 have to say about forgiveness with Mt 18:15; Luke 17:3 and 1 Cor 5:3-5. How should we practice forgiveness in a way that applies all of these passages?
When to discipline
Review Mat 18:17; 1 Cor 5:11; Rom 16:17; 2 Thess 3:6, 14; 1 Tim 5:19-20; 2 Tim 3:5; Tit 3:10-11 ; 2 Jn 9-11 and Rev 2:14, 20. Make a list of the kind of sins that warrant disciplinary measures. Review the list: what is your personal response to what God teaches us about when He wants us to take disciplinary measures? Since these things are His commands, what does it mean if we decide not to put them into practice?
The process of discipline
Review Mat 18:15-20; 1 Cor 5:3-4; 2 Cor 13:1; Gal 6:1-2; 1 Tim 5:19-21; Tit 3:10-11; 1 Jn 5:16. What should always be the first step? What is the second step? What is the purpose of that step (see also Dt 19:15)? At what point does excommunication or separation apply? How much time do you think is needed to progress from one step to the next?
How to discipline
1) Review Mat 18:17 and compare it with Mat 5:46-47. What did tax-collectors and Gentiles represent to Jewish believers? Consider 2 Thess 3:15 also. How do you understand “let him be to you as a Gentile or tax-collector” in the light of both passages? To which specific situations does this measure apply?
2) Review Rom 16:17-18; 1 Cor 5:11; 2 Thess 3:6, 14; 2 Tim 3:5; Tit 3:10; 2 Jn 10. Make a list of the specific disciplinary measures that are mentioned in each passage.
3) There are reasons that are given for these practices. Review 1 Cor 5:5, 8; 2 Thess 3:14; 1 Tim 5:20; 2 Tim 2:25-26; Tit 1:11, 13; 2 Jn 11; Jude 23 and make a list of the reasons which are mentioned for each of the measures.
4) Consider the manner in which these measures are to be carried out: Gal 6:1-2; 2 Thess 3:15; 1 Tim 5:1-2; 2 Tim 2:24-25; 4:2; 1 Jn 5:16; Jude 22. How would you contrast what is to be done from how it is to be done? Is it possible to be firm and gentle at the same time? How do these instructions from the Lord as to how to show love to one another and guard one another relate to how you normally think of a loving or wise course of action?
5) Compare 1 Tim 5:1-2 with Tit 1:13. Then compare Mat 18:15 with 1 Tim 5:20. What factors are to be taken into consideration in determining what is appropriate in a disciplinary situation?
6) Review 2 Jn 10 and compare it with 2 Cor 11:3-4. Do principles of discipline, excommunication and separation apply only to professing Christians inside one’s own congregation or denomination? How would you define on the basis of these passages whom these apply to?
The hope of discipline
1) Review Mat 18:21-35; Lk 17:3; 1 Cor 5:5; 2 Cor 2:6-8; 7:8-11; 2 Thess 3:15; Gal 6:1 and Jas 5:20 again. Based on all you have seen, how would you describe the ideal scenario, the hope and ultimate goal of the practices of discipline, excommunication and separation? What conditions do you see in these passages for this hope to be realized?
2) Consider Mat 7:6; 18:17; 2 Cor 12:21; Rev 2:21; 16:11. What other course may a disciplined party choose rather than repent? If they do not repent, what will their reactions be toward those who applied disciplinary measures to them? Considering all that you have seen and studied, what prospect does God consider best: lack of discipline for fear of alienation or discipline with the risk of alienation?
Discipline abuses
We conclude by looking at Mk 9:38-40; Lk 9:54-56; Jn 16:2; 3 Jn 9-11. What were the reasons that made these disciplinary measures abusive? Would these situations have occurred if the principles we have seen in this study had been used to determine whether discipline was appropriate? How can we ensure we are not abusive when we consider disciplinary measures?
CONCLUSION
I pray that this study has been enlightening and a blessing to you. No doubt, we are all challenged by this picture of living in covenant with one another and with Christ as His people, of standing firm yet be kind. But studying the topic is not the end goal. How have we been challenged in our beliefs and practices? How do we intend on responding to what we have learned from the Lord? It takes diligence and courage. Are we willing? We need to wrestle with these questions and pray for strength, faith, love and obedience to be made ours daily by the Spirit of the Lord.
