I. Definition

• Discipline or chastening; action taken to train and correct
• Punishment: penalty given because of transgression

II. Importance

1. Numbers 12 - the sin of evil speaking by one person hindered the progress of the whole camp.
2. I Sam. 2:24, 3:13 - verbal protest of Eli who knew of the sin but didn't discipline and therefore brought the penalty on himself.
3. Job 5:17 - happy is the man whom the Lord corrects.
4. Prov. 13:24, 19:18 - importance of discipline of natural children.
5. Hebrews 12 - God's discipline of His spiritual children - a mark of sonship.
6. I Cor. 5:6; Gal. 5:9 - Sin, like leaven spreads. "Discipline must never be neglected for the sake of reputation or false unity as this will lead to a weakened and sickly church."

III. Purpose of Discipline

1. To teach the offender what he ought to have learned from Scripture.
2. All discipline has restoration in mind. Gal. 6:1; Heb. 12:11
3. The assembly is God's special dwelling place (I Cor. 3:16-17) and therefore must maintain holiness as fitting for His presence.
4. The assembly must have a clear testimony before the world. Mt. 5:16

IV. Procedure

1. To be carried out in the spirit of meekness. Gal. 6:1; I Cor. 5:2
2. There must be no respect of persons. James 2:1
3. Investigation is carried out by the elders. Acts 20:28;* I Thes. 5:15
4. Discipline must be supported by all in fellowship. I Cor. 5
5. The offender is never regarded as an enemy, but as a brother. II Thes. 3:15

Note: The word 'episkopos' translated 'overseer' in Acts 20:28 carries within it the idea of correction as well as caring for.

V. Areas for Discipline

1. Doctrinal Matters:
   • Heretic: lopsided doctrinally, forms a party around himself; after admonishing, reject him if he continues (Titus 3:10).
   • Division maker: Rom. 16:17-18 Avoid him (cf. II Sam. 15 concerning Absalom who stole the hearts of the people. )
   • Bringer of false doctrine: II John 9-1l Do not allow him to enter the house or entertain him.
   • Vain talkers: these must not be allowed to occupy the ears of the assembly. The elders are responsible to know what food the sheep are receiving and silence those whose words are empty and subversive. (Titus 1:7-11) These empty talkers do it for money - i.e. making money of religion.
   
   
2. Personal Matters:
   • The one who is surprised in a fault (Gal. 6:1- 2). The spiritual person initiates the help; "restore " used of mending nets or setting broken bones.
   • Disorderly Walk: I Thes. 5:14 warned by the elders. Those who be- come busybodies (lit. "workers-around") should be withdrawn from, II Thes. 3:6-15.
   • Personal trespass: Matt. 18:15 -18 private-plural-public rebuke (some people get mad and leave the assembly but the problem goes with them).
   • Public rebuke: I Tim. 5:20 for an elder and thus by implication, any person who injures the testimony of the assembly, cf. Gal. 2:11-14.
   • Putting away: I Cor. 5 for serious matters. The elders discuss and investigate. When the sin has been determined, the assembly is called, not to discuss, but to put away. Not a harsh official pro- nouncement, but humbly with sadness.

VI. Results for Discipline

1. Reverence for God in the assembly (Acts 5:11)
2. Restoration of the sinning saint (I Cor. 5 compare with II Cor. 2:6-7)
3. Renewed fruitfulness (Heb. 12: 11)