Bible verses about church discipline
Here are twelve powerful Bible verses about church discipline:
1. Matthew 18:15-17 – “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.”
2. 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 – “But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.”
3. Galatians 6:1 – “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.”
4. 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 – “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.”
5. Titus 3:10-11 – “A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject; Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.”
6. Hebrews 12:5-11 – “And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.”
7. 1 Timothy 5:20 – “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.”
8. James 5:19-20 – “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”
9. Revelation 3:19 – “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.”
10. 1 Corinthians 5:5 – “To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”
11. 2 Corinthians 2:6-8 – “Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.”
12. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 – “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.”
What does the bible say about church discipline?
The Bible teaches that church discipline is necessary for maintaining the purity and unity of the church.
It emphasizes the importance of confronting and correcting sin within the body of believers in a spirit of love and restoration.
Church discipline is seen as a means of protecting the church from the influence of sin, promoting accountability among members, and ultimately leading to the repentance and restoration of those who have strayed.
The process of church discipline involves confronting the individual in private, bringing the matter before the church leadership, and if necessary, removing the unrepentant member from fellowship.
The goal of church discipline is always reconciliation and restoration, with the hope of ultimately bringing the individual back into a right relationship with God and the church community.
What Bible chapters should you read if you want to learn more about church discipline?
1 Corinthians 5 and Matthew 18 are two key chapters in the Bible that discuss church discipline.
1 Corinthians 5 addresses the issue of immorality within the church and the importance of addressing and disciplining those who are living in sin. This chapter emphasizes the need for the church to hold its members accountable and to maintain a standard of holiness within the community of believers.
Matthew 18 outlines the process of confronting a fellow believer who has sinned against you, emphasizing the importance of seeking reconciliation and restoration within the body of Christ. This chapter also discusses the concept of church discipline and the steps that should be taken to address sin within the church.
Both of these chapters are relevant to church discipline as they provide guidance on how to handle sin and conflict within the church community in a loving and biblical manner. They emphasize the importance of accountability, restoration, and maintaining a standard of holiness within the body of Christ.
Ideas and concepts related to church discipline that are also taught or mentioned in the Bible.’
1. Repentance: The concept of repentance is central to the idea of church discipline. In the Bible, repentance is often linked to discipline, as it involves recognizing and turning away from sin. Church discipline aims to lead individuals to repentance and restoration within the community of believers.
2. Forgiveness: Forgiveness is another important concept related to church discipline. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus instructs believers to confront a sinning brother or sister and, if they repent, to forgive them. Forgiveness is an essential part of the discipline process, as it allows for reconciliation and healing within the church body.
3. Restoration: The ultimate goal of church discipline is restoration. In Galatians 6:1, Paul instructs believers to restore those who have fallen into sin with a spirit of gentleness. The purpose of discipline is not to punish or exclude, but to bring about repentance and restoration to the individual and the church community.
4. Accountability: Accountability is a key aspect of church discipline. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul addresses the need for believers to hold one another accountable for their actions and to address sin within the church body. Accountability helps to maintain the integrity and purity of the church and encourages individuals to live in accordance with biblical standards.
5. Love: Love is at the heart of church discipline. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus emphasizes the importance of addressing sin within the church in a spirit of love and humility. Church discipline should be carried out with the goal of restoring individuals to a right relationship with God and with one another, demonstrating the love and grace of Christ.
