June 19, 2013

“Brother in Sin”

Blessings folk!

Today’s reading:

Matthew 18:15-18
Luke 17:3
John 20:23


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These passages, especially the Matthew portion, speak to what is often referred to as “church discipline.” A useful, though somewhat incomplete phrase.

The obvious truth behind what Jesus says is the restoration of a sinning brother.
This is very important.
A brother - a fellow True Believer.

I’m reminded of an occasion many years ago when some men came to me and spoke of “church discipline” in relation to a particular gentlemen. They wanted to approach him, but were concerned he might sue them. I told them I shared their concern. They had missed one pivotable point.

The man in question was not saved.
He was not a True Believer.
Yes, he was religious.
Yes, he was in leadership position.
But, his fruit revealed the nature of his relationship with God.

We see that the Lord has provided a precise approach in helping someone in sin.

1. Approach the brother when the two of you are alone. Show him his fault. If he listens you have regained your brother. You have helped him repent, confess. You have helped him to “save face.”

But, what if he does not listen to you?

1. Take one or two others with you and show him his fault again. This time there will be witnesses…”at the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established.” Again we see minimal involvement of individuals and minimal exposure of the sin. The Lord seeks to restore the brother, not embarrass.

What if he still refuses to listen?

1. At this point the entire Body is told. Other portions of the Word tell us to “remain aloof”...not rude, but not walking in closeness with the “brother” as before. We are told to treat him like a Gentile or a tax collector. Again, we are not to be hateful and rude. What does it mean “Gentile/Tax collector”? Could it be that we are to treat them as someone who is unsaved? Someone who is not a brother? I think so.

What happens when he repents?

We are to forgive.
We are to restore.

What does it mean “whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven and whatever you release on earth will have been released in heaven”?

When we move in the Truth and obedience of the Lord and do as He instructs, He will honor it. We can declare that someone is in sin or forgiven.

Many do not like to hear that. They think it is “judging”. But, the Lord tells us that we can declare “this is sin” and this is “forgiven”.

We are told to be on our guard.
Sin not.
Forgive much.