Friday, 24^th March 2023

Andrews Ampomah 

TOPIC: CHURCH DISCIPLINE

THEME SCRIPTURE: “As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.” - 1 Timothy 5:20

 

 

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. What do you think - should the community of believers discipline members who go wrong?

 

Throughout the Bible, we note how God at various times, through various means, disciplined his children for their rebellion. God has never shied away from ensuring that his children are disciplined when they are in the wrong. Indeed he affirms that his discipline is part of his love and acceptance “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives – Heb 12:6.”

God disciplines his children intending to help them to share in his holiness.

The subject of Church discipline is too sensitive a subject to bring up in our days. As unpopular as the subject is, we must not shy away to ensure the community of believers enforces discipline among members. Seeing that etymologically, the words disciple and discipline are of the same origin it is a misnomer for a disciple to frown on or refuses discipline as prescribed in the Bible.

The Church as the beacon of hope for society cannot afford not to discipline her members in ensuring there is absolute conformity to the Bible.

In our focus verse for today and as part of instructions to believers, Paul encourages the Church to ensure that there is a discipline for “…those who persist in sin…” Here the Apostle recommends addressing sin publicly, and not privately. This probably suggests that there is the possibility that Paul had in mind those who have not responded well to private rebuke and correction. We can safely say so due to his use of the word ‘persist’.

Beloved in Christ, no one has made it to the top without adhering to strict discipline. If we will grow and progress in our holy walk, it will require strict discipline and this includes subjecting ourselves to community discipline. Not only should church leaders discipline members but also in the home, parents should discipline children, but in love. When we see other believers going wrong we should point it out to them, letting them know that we want their best interest. It may be that your pointing out a friend’s persistent sin may save him. The church cannot sit unconcerned when it comes to disciplining members.

Similarly, you and I cannot sit unconcerned when it comes to the persistent sin of a colleague believer or a friend.

Beloved in Christ, Church Discipline or open rebuke should continually be sustained by the community of believers today if we want to see each other grow into Christian maturity. It is the only means by which the body of Christ can cut off excesses and help members to align with the Holy Scriptures.

FURTHER READING – Mathew 18:15-17

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Will you accept to be disciplined openly for persisting with a sin?
2. How would you ensure a friend or colleague who is persistent in sin is rebuked?

 

CONFESSION

Heavenly Father, I receive your help today, not to mischaracterize Christ Jesus in any way. I affirm that I am submitting to the standard of the body of Christ, which is the church discipline, refusing to be rebellious. Amen.

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Number 5; Proverbs 2; Luke 16