Discipleship Through Discipline

Adapted from: Discipleship through Discipline by Dr. Sam Holm

You might wonder why discipline is such a big deal in the church. Why should we care about it? How does it affect our lives? If you’ve ever asked these questions, you’re not alone. Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s often misunderstood but incredibly important for our spiritual growth: discipline within the church.

In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses a serious issue in the Corinthian church—sexual immorality. But his message goes beyond just pointing out the problem. He offers a solution that’s rooted in love and aimed at bringing people back to God. Let’s explore how discipline, when done right, can help us grow to live and love like Jesus.

The Problem: Tolerance of Sin

Paul starts by highlighting a troubling situation: a man in the church is living in sin with his stepmother, and the church is not only tolerating it but also boasting about it. This tolerance of sin, especially when accompanied by arrogance, is dangerous. It’s like letting kids play in the street, where they can get hurt. If we truly care about each other, we need to address these issues, not ignore them.

The Solution: Loving Discipline

So, what’s the solution? Paul suggests removing the person from the fellowship—not to punish them, but to prompt repentance and reconciliation. This might sound harsh, but it’s actually an act of love. Just like a parent disciplines a child to keep them safe, the church must sometimes take tough steps to help its members grow spiritually.

Jesus also talks about this in Matthew 18, outlining a four-step process for dealing with sin in the church:
1. One-on-One Conversation: Talk to the person privately.
2. Bring Others Along: If they don’t listen, bring one or two others.
3. Tell the Church: If they still don’t listen, bring it before the church.
4. Remove Them: If they refuse to repent, treat them as an outsider.

The goal is always to bring the person back to God, not to cast them out forever.

The Illustration: A Little Yeast

Paul uses the illustration of yeast to explain how sin can spread. Just a little yeast can affect the whole batch of dough. Similarly, unchecked sin can spread through the church, affecting everyone. That’s why it’s crucial to address it. But here’s the good news: through Jesus, our Passover Lamb, we are made new. His sacrifice removes our sin, making us like unleavened bread—pure and sincere.

The Tension: Grace and Truth

Balancing grace and truth is challenging but essential. Paul makes it clear that we should not judge those outside the church. Our focus should be on helping our fellow believers grow in their faith. If someone doesn’t know Jesus, our role is to show them His love, not to judge them. But within the church, we must lovingly address sin to help each other flourish.

Conclusion: Taking the Next Step

So, what does this mean for you? If you’re part of our church family, consider how you can lovingly address sin in your own life and in the lives of others. If you see a fellow believer struggling, don’t ignore it. Approach them with love and grace, aiming to help them grow closer to Jesus.

If you’re not part of our church family or don’t know Jesus yet, know that He loves you and wants the best for you. We’re here to help you discover what it means to follow Him.

By addressing discipline in the church, we can create a community that truly reflects the love and holiness of Jesus. What steps will you take this week to embrace God’s guidelines for flourishing?