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Dripping Springs Weekly Bulletins
The Forgotten Commandment
The Bible will supply us with every bit of information we need for “doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” 2 Timothy 3:16-17. This includes ethics, salvation, worship, influence, example, fellowship, doctrine —“all things that pertain to life and godliness,” 2 Peter 1:3. All of those whose attendance is regular and faithful in our Bible classes and worship periods, and who personally study their Bible, should have a fair knowledge of what the Bible teaches on these subjects. However, one subject is too often forgotten – or ignored – and seldom discussed, even among those of us who claim to preach “all the counsel of God,” Acts 20:27. In fact, many are likely to break out in a rash at the mere mention of the words, “church discipline.” Bible instruction on this subject is especially clear, however, and it is not only addressed to elders and preachers, but to all who are members of a local congregation of Christians.
Note the following passages of scripture:
“We exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly,” 1 Thessalonians 5:14.
“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us,” 2 Thessalonians 3:6.
“I have written you not to keep company, if any man who is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner, with such an one no not to eat…Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person,” 1 Corinthians 5:11-13.
These are familiar to us, but many – if not most of us – have never seen these principles put into action. I am aware that the term “discipline” is not a popular one today, never has been. Some picture it as a kind of revenge or retaliation, but in the biblical sense of chastening the term includes all the processes by which a person is trained to “walk in the light,” 1 John 1:6-7. When the Holy Spirit addressed this subject in Hebrews 12:5f, the word used was paideia, or “training, instructive discipline. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we find the same word translated “instruction in righteousness.” The word discipline has the principle of instruction and correction within its very definition.
What is the purpose of this “Discipline”?
- First, we must recognize that God commanded it, as seen in the passages quoted above. He evidently knew that this is needed and that it can be effective if done for the right reason and in the right spirit. Even if we don’t understand everything about it we should want to obey Him even if that were the only reason.
- Second, we instruct and correct because we love the souls of those who need our help. We seek to “pull them out of the fire,” Jude 1:23. See also James 5:19-20. No, discipline is not retaliation. It should be our diligent and loving effort to spare them from an eternity in hell with Satan and his associates. Without discipline none of us will reach our full spiritual potential.
- Third, we do what God says because the church, Christ’s bride, must be pure, protected against Satan’s efforts to destroy. When the world sees sin in the church neither rebuked or corrected they can hardly be faulted for thinking we approve such behavior by our failure to correct it. “Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven” was Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians 5:6-7. As Christ’s bride, we must be “a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle…but that it should be holy and without blemish,” Ephesians 5:27.
- Fourth, we must understand that “church discipline”, properly understood and practiced, is not a form of spiteful judging, not an act of revenge. It is, in fact, the highest expression of love of which man is capable. Jesus compared it to the shepherd who, leaving “the ninety and nine,” seeks after the lost sheep. Upon finding that wandering one, “he layeth it upon his shoulder, rejoicing,” Luke 15:3-7. When Peter was rebuked by Paul (Galatians 2:11) he was wise enough to know that Paul was his “beloved brother,” 2 Peter 3:15.
The question that must be answered is: Does this congregation have enough love to bring back those who are drifting away? And – do we care enough to be truly faithful to Christ, our bridegroom? In order to show that kind and degree of love, we must be willing to practice those very things that express our love to those who are in such desperate need of it. It is my prayer that we do have that love, strength, courage – and the willingness to do so before it is too late for our brothers and sisters in Christ, and for the sake of our own souls.
Carl B Garner
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The Guy in the Glass
When you get what you want in your struggle for pelf,
And the world makes you King for a day,
Then go to the mirror and look at yourself,
And see what that guy has to say.
For it isn't your Father, or Mother, or Wife,
Who judgment upon you must pass.
The feller whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the guy staring back from the glass.
He's the feller to please, never mind all the rest,
For he's with you clear up to the end,
And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.
You may be like Jack Horner and "chisel" a plum,
And think you're a wonderful guy,
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.
You can fool the whole world down the pathway of years,
And get pats on the back as you pass,
But your final reward will be heartaches and tears
If you've cheated the guy in the glass.
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