Church Discipline Part 2: Discipline the Unruly

Church Discipline is not a popular practice in our day. Many churches do not practice this, because it might affect the giving, or attendance, self esteem of the people.

The Lord Jesus Christ Purchased the church of God with His own Precious Blood. The Word of God sets forth how we as churches are to maintain the purity of the New Testament church. In Fact, one of the marks of a True Church is one that practices Church Discipline. Never join a church that does not practice biblical church discipline.
The goal of this is not humiliation, but rather restoration for the straying sheep, protection for the other sheep, but also to protect the reputation of the church.

Paul has been addressing the issue of idleness and sloth of some in Thessonalica. Some had become busybodies, rather than being busy at work! Paul renews his exhortation in vv. 11-12, and then moves on in vv. 13-15 to the steps marking out the wayward one, cutting of social interaction, but still regarding him as a brother. This is NOT excommunication, but very close to it. (Matt. 18:17, 1Cor 5:6-12).
Furthermore, according to verse 15, we have a responsibility to admonish one another. (Rom 15:14)