Poohbear
Fearfully Wonderfully Made
The Bible consistently tells us not to criticize people by gossiping or making rash judgments. At the same time, however, we are to judge and deal with sin that can hurt others. Paul's instructions are not to be used to handle trivial matters or to take revenge; nor are they to be applied to individual problems between believers. 1 Corinthians 5 are instructions for dealing with open sin in the church with a person who claims to be a Christian and yet who sins without remorse. Examples of immorality: fornicators, malice, wickedness, covetous, idolater, railer, drunkard, extortioner. The church is to confront and disciple such a person in love.
Situation 1
Unintentional error and/or private sin
Situation 2
Public sin and/or those done with prior knowledge and flagrantly
Steps to carry out (Matthew 18:15-17):
1. Go to the brother or sister, reprove him or her in private
2. If he/she does not listen, go with one or two witnesses
3. If he/she refuses to listen, take the matter before the church
After these steps have been carried out, the next steps are:
1. Remove the one in error from the fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:2-13)
2. The church gives united disapproval, but forgiveness and comfort are in order if he/she chooses to repent (2 Corinthians 2:5-8)
3. Do not associate with the disobedient person; and if you must, speak to him/her as one who needs a warning (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15)
4. After two warnings, reject the person from fellowship (Titus 3:10)
Do we follow these steps? Does your church follow these steps when dealing with sin?
Situation 1
Unintentional error and/or private sin
Situation 2
Public sin and/or those done with prior knowledge and flagrantly
Steps to carry out (Matthew 18:15-17):
1. Go to the brother or sister, reprove him or her in private
2. If he/she does not listen, go with one or two witnesses
3. If he/she refuses to listen, take the matter before the church
After these steps have been carried out, the next steps are:
1. Remove the one in error from the fellowship (1 Corinthians 5:2-13)
2. The church gives united disapproval, but forgiveness and comfort are in order if he/she chooses to repent (2 Corinthians 2:5-8)
3. Do not associate with the disobedient person; and if you must, speak to him/her as one who needs a warning (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15)
4. After two warnings, reject the person from fellowship (Titus 3:10)
Do we follow these steps? Does your church follow these steps when dealing with sin?