Church Discipline Because of Church Purpose

Our church purpose dictates why we discipline, how we discipline, and the ultimate objective of disciplining. Think about it: If our greatest purpose is to love God and others (Matt. 22:37-40), then we discipline in order to show love for God and people.

The guiding questions in disciplining church members therefore become: . . . Continue reading Church Discipline Because of Church Purpose

Holiness the Objective for Church Discipline

Church discipline is not a “feel good” sort of thing. Neither the one being disciplined nor the one doing the discipline feels good about it … at least they shouldn’t. But, the purpose of disciplining is not to make people feel good but rather to help them become good … specifically, to become holy as God is holy. . . . Continue reading Holiness the Objective for Church Discipline

Lack of Holiness Affects the Whole Body

As we noted in the previous post, holiness is God’s objective for the Church which He made possible through the death of Jesus to pay the penalty our sin deserved. Consequently when a member of the Body willfully lives in sin, we must help that person become who God called His people to be — holy.

Why is that so important? . . . Continue reading Lack of Holiness Affects the Whole Body

Holiness Dictates HOW We Exercise Church Discipline

In Christ we stand righteous and holy. But the state of our lives doesn’t always match our standing in Him. As church leaders, we need to help people understand the effects of living contrary to who God called them to be, on themselves and on the church as a whole. If they refuse to listen and learn, sometimes it might require bringing them under church discipline.

As church leaders, we likewise need to approach church discipline from our standing in Christ as His holy people. . . . Continue reading Holiness Dictates HOW We Exercise Church Discipline