What is Church Discipline?

Church Discipline and the Warning Against Unrepentant Sin

As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, here's the thing. Never, ever coddle a person who is being biblically disciplined by their church. Do not sue the person who has left the church because they don't want to be told they're wrong.

Don't put your arm around them and say, oh it's okay. No, it's not okay. That person is in unrepentant sin. If you continue to treat them as if nothing is wrong, they won't think they've done anything wrong.

They'll think the real problem is the pastor, the elders, or the church leadership who are just holier-than-thou jerks, and they will feel justified in their actions. You might think you're being compassionate, but you're not.

You're probably the reason they won't repent, coddling them into condemnation. Any relationship you continue to have with that person should be to remind them of their sin and call them to repentance.

The Body of Christ, Repentance, and Restoration

Otherwise, you too are guilty of dividing the body. Every Christian needs to understand that sin separates us not only from Christ, but also his body. To be put out of the church is like a small taste of hell.

Then a person will realize the seriousness of their sin and come to repentance, lest they face eternal judgment. Once they've sought forgiveness, the body of Christ will welcome them back, and the grace of God is displayed.

Admonition, Discipline, and the Lord's Loving Correction

Respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you. To admonish means to reprove or scold in a good-willed manner, for even the Lord disciplines those he loves when we understand the text.