138 Church Discipline

Church Discipline THIRD YEAR—SUBJECT 31 Church Discipline (READ MATTHEW 18) In the teachings of Christ and the Holy Spirit not only are we told what we must do to be saved, or become members of the church, but we are also told how we must act in case two members get into trouble, in case some members do not bear fruit, in case some members will not work, or with¬hold part of their income from the Lord, or sin, or teach false doctrine, etc. No church can claim to be a scriptural church that will not maintain dis¬cipline in its membership. If the church remains spiritual they should through their officers, examine the moral, financial and spiritual condition of all the members. When they find any living immoral, or unscriptural, or covetous they should try to restore them, and when they refuse to be discip¬lined then Paul says to withdraw from every brother that walks disorderly.

QUESTIONS 1. If a brother offends me what must I do? Matthew 18:15.

2. If he will not hear me, what must I do? Matthew 18:16.

3. If he will not hear them, what next? Matthew 18:17.

4. If a tree, or member, will not bear fruit what does Christ threaten? John 15:4-5.

5. If a brother is overtaken in a fault, what must the good members do? Galatians 6:1.

6. If a brother commits fornication what must we do with him? 1 Corinthians 5:1-6.

7. If a man is a fornicator, an extortioner, is covetous, a drunkard, or a railer, what must the church do with him? 1 Corinthians 5:11.

8. If a man sins must he be rebuked publicly or privately? 1 Timothy 5:20.

9. If a brother will not work must he be supported? 2 Thessalonians 3:10.

10. What must a church do with all members who walk disorderly? 2 Thessalonians 3:6.

11. Is it orderly to meet for worship on the first day of the week and to contribute as God has prospered us? Acts 20:7 : 1 Corinthians 16:2.

12. If a brother refuses to do these things what must be done?