Church Discipline (Part 1)

Introduction

I: FORMS OF CHURCH DISCIPLINE

A: The means of Grace are forms of church discipline.

The preaching of the Word (Heb. 4:12; 2 Tim. 4:1-2)
Our own spiritual disciplines (Ps. 119)
The Sabbath Day (Ex. 31:13)

B: Church Membership is a form of Church discipline.

Our public vows (Ps. 116:14)
The authority of a session (Heb. 13:17)
Fellowship with other believers (Prov. 17:17)

C: Negative church discipline

II: THE DEFINITION OF DISCIPLINE (Heb. 12:5-8)
“The whole training & education of children which relates to the cultivation of mind & morals, and employs for this purpose commands & admonitions, reproof & punishment. It also includes the training & care of the body; correcting mistakes & curbing passions; instruction which aims at increasing virtue.”

A: The 2 extremes (Heb. 12:5) -

We can despise the discipline of the Lord

We can become discouraged by the Lord’s discipline

B: The Lord disciplines you because He loves you very much.

III: THE BENEFIT OF DISCIPLINE (Heb. 12:9-11)

A: God’s discipline produces fruit in us; it develops us in our sanctification.

B: Training is not pleasant while you are in the middle of it.

C: Church discipline is for our benefit.

Conclusion