2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 Church Discipline

If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. [2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 NASB]

This is the continuation of Paul's earlier statement;

Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. [2 Thessalonians 3:6 NASB]

 Church discipline is a controversial subject. There is confusion regarding when a person needs to discipline, as well as the severity of the discipline. Add in our cultural biases and it becomes a jumble.

There are those who would say that the concept of church discipline is outdated. But, if the church is to exist in a manner consistent with scriptural truth, then we must be ready to judge our brothers and sisters in Christ, and act according to that judgment. You might say, "But, we are not supposed to judge others." It's true that we are not supposed to judge the sins of the world, but, we are commanded to judge disputes, and the the behavior of undisciplined Christians. Paul said,

For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? [1 Corinthians 5:12 NASB]

Also;

Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more matters of this life? [1 Corinthians 6:3 NASB]

Of course, we are not supposed to go off half-cocked and start kicking people out of the church. Jesus described this process;

“If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. “But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. “If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. [Matthew 18:15-17 NASB]

The word that is translated "church" literally means "a gathering of people." It doesn't mention the elders of the church, nor the size of the gathering. It doesn't mean we have to bring them before a council, or stand them before the elders of the church. It also doesn't mean we have to host a public humiliation before the entire body of the church.

I'm convinced that it is ideal size of the gathering in this case should be composed of the people with whom the immoral believer has fellowship. It wouldn't matter to me if Joe Blow, who sits in the front of the church has nothing to do with me. He has nothing to do with me now. But if my good friend and companion tells me that he can't associate with me as long as I maintain a sinful lifestyle, then that will have an impact on my life.

Be mindful that I am not talking about breaking church rules or traditions. If that were the case, I would be anathema in dozens of churches because I don't follow their traditions. What we need to be concerned about is grievous behavior. Paul said;

I wrote you in my letter not to associate with immoral people; I did not at all mean with the immoral people of this world, or with the covetous and swindlers, or with idolaters, for then you would have to go out of the world. But actually, I wrote to you not to associate with any so-called brother if he is an immoral person, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or a swindler—not even to eat with such a one. [1 Corinthians 5:9-11 NASB]

Church discipline should be reserved for strictly scriptural reasons relating to the indulgence of the flesh.

There are some churches that have a formal excommunication for transgressors. They are permanently removed from the church. But discipline is not meant to be forever. It is for a time and for a purpose - to bring the wayward believer to repentance. We should be ready to receive him back into our fellowship. In fact, we should be eager. Paul said;

Sufficient for such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority, so that on the contrary you should rather forgive and comfort him, otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. Wherefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. [2 Corinthians 2:6-8 NASB]

Discipline should not be done out of anger, or self-righteousness. It should be an act of love. We should be humble, knowing that we, ourselves, are capable of falling. Everything should be done prayerfully, honoring the Lord.

Father, I pray that You will keep me from sin. I pray Your Spirit will strengthen me to live a life that is disciplined and worthy of You. If I should fail, please give me the humility to accept correction. And if I see a brother who is acting in sin, please give me the wisdom and compassion to lead him back to righteousness.