More On Excommunication (Church Discipline)

Separating someone from fellowship can be an act of lovingkindness (mercy). In some cases, it would be far less loving to not do it. Love will always to seek the best course of action. One way we know God is our Father, and loves us is the fact He does discipline us. It’s important to note that He does so in a manner that’s best for us (see Hebrews 12:1-12). Love does the hard things. Let’s look at why, how and what should be the result of separating someone from fellowship.

Separating Someone From Fellowship

As a suggestion, read 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, 2 Corinthians 2:1-11, and 2 Corinthians 7:1-12, which are the primary texts for this study. In these passages of Scripture, we have an actual example of someone being cut from fellowship in a local congregation. We’ll look at the incident Paul addressed, the course of action, and why, along with the results.

1 Corinthians 5:1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife (KJV).

Here we find that someone was having an adulterous affair with his father’s wife. What made matters worse was the way the congregation was handling it.

1 Corinthians 5:2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you (KJV).

Instead of being sorrowful over the situation, the congregation was arrogant. They not only tolerated it, they bragged about it (see verse 6). They celebrated tolerance of something that should not be tolerated. It’s one thing to be patient with those who are struggling, and we all have had our struggles; however, it’s quite another to accept blatant sin in your midst. Too many churches are too concerned about losing, or gaining members to speak the truth. Don’t say you love people if you won’t tell them the truth!

1 Corinthians 5:11-13 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. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Do you not judge those who are within the church? But those who are outside, God judges. REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES. (NASB).

It’s not judgment to discern someone’s condition and address it; but it would be to condemn him. As we will shortly see, we are supposed to address the issue in order to keep someone from eternal condemnation. Similar to parents disciplining their children in order to keep them on the right path.

Notice, this does not address those outside the Church; it addresses those within, who are so called brothers and sisters. God deals with those outside the Church, which we’ll talk about in greater detail in a later lesson. Look at words used here: “Remove the wicked man.” The man was called wicked, even though they considered him a brother. Sounds intolerant, doesn’t it? That’s because it is. They could not afford to tolerate such a thing for his sake, and for theirs.

1 Corinthians 5:6-7 Your glorying (boasting) is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us (KJV).

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners. Awake to righteousness, and sin not . . . (1 Corinthians 15:33-34). If the Church at Corinth continued to allow this to continue, the church itself would become corrupt. It would encourage people to abuse grace in order to fulfill the lust of the flesh. This leads to condemnation.

Jude 1:4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Why Separate Someone From Fellowship

Not only does separating someone from fellowship in such cases protect the congregation (and individuals), but it can lead to rescuing the wicked person.

1 Corinthians 5:4-5 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (KJV).

Turning someone over to Satan is designed to bring destruction to the flesh and its works. Galatians does warn us that those who do the things listed will not inherit the Kingdom of God (see Galatians 5:12-21). The purpose is the saving of a person’s soul and spirt, by leading them to repentance.

This is an important point: this separation is not supposed to permanent. It would be abuse if the intent was to permanently expel someone without allowing him or her to repent, and return. To be clear, he or she must first repent before returning.

It is vital to seek the Lord’s will in everything, and allow Holy Spirit to lead in the carrying out Church Discipline. We cannot allow the flesh to have any say in the matter, or the consequences could be dire.

Embrace the One Who Repents

2 Corinthians 2:6-11 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. For to this end also I wrote, so that I might put you to the test, whether you are obedient in all things. But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ, so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes. (NASB).

Once a person does repent, the next step is to reaffirm our love to him or her. Yes, welcome him or her with open arms. Again, allow Holy Spirit lead, and do not allow the flesh to guide you, which includes looking at the individual with suspicion.

perfectfaith.org