Dealing With Sin In The Church Part 4 (Process, instructional realm)

INTRO: Since a number of weeks have gone by since our last message in this topic of dealing with sin in the church permit me to give a brief review. We began this series by considering a number of things that need to be in place before church discipline can be most effectively administered. These were: recognize that the Scriptures are our authority; beware of extremes; if we will deal with wrong doing are we ready to commend for well doing?; understand the purpose; united leadership; be prepared to be labeled a legalist; discipline in love; and understand the matter of judgement.

The first matter of discipline we looked at was when one Christian sins against another. This is wrongdoing in the interpersonal realm. The Scriptures give a three step process to resolve such matters, the final being excommunication if there is no repentance. This morning we are going to consider wrongdoing in the instructional realm, the area of teaching or passing on spiritual instruction. Let me explain the gravity of this matter.