(notes from the message)

Acts 5:11-14

(Acts 5:11 KJV) And great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.

(Acts 5:12 KJV) And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.

(Acts 5:13 KJV) And of the rest durst no man join himself to them: but the people magnified them.

(Acts 5:14 KJV) And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women.)

Discipline in the way of encouragement is necessary in the family. We DO NOT discipline OUTSIDE the family.

Recall the judgment on Ananias and his wife Sapphira when they lied not "to men but to God" (Read Acts 5:1-10) and the results of the hand of God.

• v.11: reverence (fear of God)
• v.12: power (signs & wonders)
• v.12b: fellowship
• v.13: separation - others dare not join
• v.14: believers added - multitudes!!

We can't have the result of verse 14 alone without the first few results. Bear this in mind!

"Discipline" / "Chastening" is defined as "action taken to CORRECT". The goal is to correct and restore, NOT hurt.

Contrast with "punishment" which is PENALTY / JUDGMENT given because of a transgression.

Note the difference between discipline and punishment : Christ has borne our punishment!

1. NUMBERS 12

   Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses. God disciplined them. Miriam became leprous and "was shut up outside the camp seven days; and the people did not set out on the march till Miriam was brought in again." Note that there was no progress in the ENTIRE camp! This means that we cannot sin as an isolated entity. Our sins affect everyone else.

   
   
2. I SAMUEL 2 & 3

   (1 Sam 3:13 KJV) For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.

   Eli was held accountable by God for not restraining his sons even though Eli knew of their sins.

3. JOB 5:17

   (Job 5:17 KJV) "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth; therefore, despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty.

   There is joy when discipline is FROM GOD.

4. PROVERBS 13:1

   (Prov 13:1 KJV) A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.

   ... discipline of the earthly family.

5. HEBREWS 12

   (Heb 12:6 KJV) For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

   NOTE: God's discipline of His children is a mark of sonship. Discipline hurts; it's not enjoyable.

6. I CORINTHIANS 5, GALATIANS 5

   (1 Cor 5:6b KJV) ... Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

   (Gal 5:9 KJV) A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.

   Sin is spoken as "leaven" and leaven spreads.

   Therefore discipline cannot be ignored in the assembly. Avoidance of discipline will lead to a sickly church and a false sense of unity ... problems! Elders may have a tendency of not wanting to discipline ... pray for them!

1. PURPOSE 1

   Teach the offender what he ought to have learned from scriptures.

   Therefore, let's first search the scriptures that we need not be disciplined.

2. PURPOSE 2

   Restoration is the end goal in discipline.

   Illustration: When you hurt a finger, you bandage it so that it may heal. This is discipline.

   (Gal 6:1 KJV) Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

   Discipline takes many forms e.g. warning ("admonishing" Rom. 15), excommunication etc.

   Discipline includes things which are "minor", not just "major" problems.

3. PURPOSE 3

   (1 Cor 3:16 - 17 KJV) Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

   The assembly is a holy place. Holiness befits God! There is a link between power and holiness. Where there is holiness, there is power. Where there is no holiness, there is no power. Therefore holiness implies power.

   God may not use the same methods as in scripture, but power of God was used to back up Christ's statements : Christ was raised by God. One, fellowship, and two, divine interventions, were used to back up Christ's statements. Multitudes don't get saved, because that's not how God works now.

   It is not correct for us to excuse the way we live and lay the blame on God.

   Consider ... punctuality at worship is a sign of respect for God.

4. PURPOSE 4

   The assembly must have a clear testimony before the world. Some churches have the Holy Spirit no more with them. Read Rev. 2 & 3.

1. PROCEDURE 1

   (Gal 6:1 KJV) Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

   "in the spirit of meekness" = with sorrow in our hearts.

2. PROCEDURE 2

   (James 2:1 KJV) My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

   no respect of persons ... whether he is wealthy or popular or whatever

3. PROCEDURE 3

   (1 Th 5:12 - 15 KJV) And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

   (1 Th 5:21 - 23 KJV) Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. Abstain from all appearance of evil. And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

   Investigations must be done by elders on serious sins. "Episkopos" means to oversee with authority to make a change. SEE TO IT that you do not render evil for evil.

4. PROCEDURE 4

   Read I Cor 5 ...

   Discipline is to be supported by all in fellowship ... thereby showing our oneness and unity.

   (2 Th 3:15 KJV) Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

   The offender is never regarded as an enemy, but always as a brother.

Two areas : (a) doctrinal, and (b) personal matters

DOCTRINAL MATTERS

Doctrinal is defined as that which we believe and teach. There's more than just doctrines but we must have a correct foundation before we can live our Christian life. All that we teach must be based on scriptures. Doctrine is the foundation of our faith.

The FOUNDATION is Jesus Christ RIGHTLY known and believed. Pay attention to doctrine!!!

1. THE HERETIC

   (Titus 3:10 KJV) A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject;

   Note how we should approach the heretic. The heretic is one who is in error e.g. only like New Testament and not the Old Testament. The heretic only centers on one narrow thought. Warn him twice and reject!

2. THE DIVISION MAKER

   (Rom 16:17 KJV) Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
   (Rom 16:18 KJV) For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

   Note that DOCTRINE is the basis.

   The division maker deceives the "hearts of the simple". Young believers often believe anything and everything. We need to be responsible to them. The "simple" refers to the "young ones", the immature Christians.

   We read in II Samuel 15 of how Absalom spoke evil of David, and in Acts 20:30 these deceivers are eloquent and draw people to themselves. The innocent are deceived. But the Spirit of God never causes division.

3. BRINGERS OF FALSE DOCTRINES

   e.g. Jehovah's Witnesses. You don't invite these into your house!

   (2 John 9 KJV) Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
   (2 John 10 KJV) If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
   (2 John 11 KJV) For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

   II John 9-11 refers to members of cults, not someone you disagree with. Cults like Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, Christian Scientists etc. - i.e. someone in error on doctrine. If you bid him God-speed, you share in his evil. Be careful!!

4. VAIN / EMPTY TALKER

   (Titus 1:9 KJV) Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
   (Titus 1:10 KJV) For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision:
   (Titus 1:11 KJV) Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

   This is specifically to the work of elders. "Filthy lucre" = "making money out of religion"

PERSONAL MATTERS

1. 1 CORINTHIANS 11 (see vv. 28, 31)

   (1 Cor 11:28 KJV) But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup.

   (1 Cor 11:31 KJV) For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged.

   The laver (in Leviticus) was used for the removal of daily defilement. 1 Corinthians 11 (see vv. 28, 31) speaks of self-judgment and personal examination - a very mild form of discipline. Confession brings restoration. Look at your life in the light of God's word.

2. GALATIANS 6:1 KJV

   Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

   "Overtaken" means "surprised" in Greek. Someone involved in something sinful which he is unaware of. Restore such a one meekly. This is a one-to-one matter : one goes up to the offender and straighten out the matter there and then.

   Note that "being easily offended" is one mark of immaturity. You should be mature enough that you can admonish one another without being offended. Read also Romans 15.

3. 2 THESSALONIANS 3:6-15 KJV

   Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

   Christianity is very strong about everyone working for his own family. Note the "disorderly walk".

   Verse 11 mentions a "busybody" - it refers to someone who looks around / is mooching around i.e. someone who lives off one family to another. This person is one who is unwilling to work for his own living. This is NOT about being unemployed or being poor, it is about those who WILL NOT work.

4. MATTHEW 18

   Personal Trespass. Note the way to deal with sins between two Christians.

   Go to the person privately (personal rebuke);

   take someone else along (plural rebuke);

   then tell the church (public rebuke) which must excommunicate the person if the person is still unwilling to correct! (This is the church's responsibility.)

   
   

   Note v. 20:

   (Mat 18:20 KJV) For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

   This verse is in a passage dealing with discipline!

5. 1 TIMOTHY 5:20

   (1 Tim 5:20 KJV) Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.

   This is a public rebuke.

   Peter was also rebuked by Paul. Read this is Galatians 2.

6. 1 CORINTHIANS 5

   Serious matters e.g. immorality discussed.

   (1 Cor 5:13 KJV) But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

   "Put away" means "put out of fellowship".

   An excommunicated person is one who is not allowed to take of the Lord's Supper. This is separate from the remembrance of the Lord. The person is already out of fellowship with God, and the church should disallow him to take of the Lord's Supper.

   Read about forgiveness in 2 Corinthians 2.

1. There is reverence for God in the assembly. We all need to be respectful of God.

2. There is restoration of sinning saints - faithful are the wounds of a friend who says what ought to be said!

3. (Heb 12:11 KJV) Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.

   There is renewed fruitfulness - need to approach someone who is not being fruitful.