Discipline

TEXT:  Heb. 12:5-11

INTRODUCTION:

A.      FROM TIME TO TIME, ALL NEED DISCIPLINE.

          1.       "To train to obedience or subjection.  a.  To drill or educacte.  3.  To punish."

                   (Webster)

          2.       There is a purpose (Heb. 12:10-11b), and a desired outcome (vs. 11a).

C.      WHAT DO THE SCRIPTURES TEACH ON CORRECTIVE DISCIPLINE?

I.      WHO NEEDS CORRECTIVE DISCIPLINE?

A.      2 Thes. 3:6.  THE DISORDERLY. “like soldiers not keeping rank.”

B.      2 Thes. 3:14.  THE DISOBEDIENT.

C.      Rom. 16:17-18.  THOSE WHO TEACH ERROR.

D.      Titus 3:10-11.  THE FACTIOUS.

II.     WHAT DOES THIS INVOLVE?

A.      INVOLVES OFFICIAL ACTION OF CHURCH( 1 Cor. 5:4;  Matt. 18:17 ).

B.      2 Thes. 3:6.  "WITHDRAW YOURSELVES."

C.      ANY UNGODLINESS IN ANY BROTHER MUST BE WARNED AGAINST

          ( Gal. 6:1;  1 Thes. 5:14 ).

D.      BUT THE ACTION WAS ALWAYS COMMANDED WHEN THE SIN WAS

          ENTERED INTO IN SPITE OF INSTRUCTION( 1 Cor. 5:6-8 ).

E.      WHAT IS THE INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITY WHEN ACTION IS TAKEN?

          1.       Rom. 16:17.  "Mark than man," "Avoid."

          2.       1 Cor. 5.  Seven expressions.

          3.       2 Thes.  "Withdraw yourselves."  "Have no company with him."

F.      OUR ATTITUDE IS IMPORTANT.

          1.       Gird yourselves with humility (Matt. 7:1-5;  1 Pet. 5:5;  2 Tim. 2:24-26).

          2.       Urgency! (Gal. 6:1).

III.    WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF DISCIPLINE?

A.      IT IS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE SINNER.

          1.       It makes him aware of his sin and of our concern for him.

          2.       It motivates him to repent( 1 Cor. 5:5 ).

          4.       Though not taken to humiliate, the result is always shame ( 2 Thes. 3:14 ).

          5.       If it is successful, the sinner will feel sorrow( 2 Cor. 2:5-7;  7:10 ).

B.      IT IS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CHURCH.

          1.       It should end the sinner's influence( 1 Cor. 5:6-8 ).

          2.       It should cause fear of God in the church( Acts 5:11;  1 Tim. 5:20 )

C.      THOSE ON THE OUTSIDE KNOW WE'RE SERIOUS.

IV.   WHAT ATTITUDE ARE WE TO HAVE (2 Tim. 3:15)?

A.      IF DISCIPLINE IS SUCCESSFUL, THE SINNER WILL FEEL SORROW AND

          REPENT (2 Cor. 7:10).

B.      AND IF THEY REPENT?( 2 Cor. 2:5-11 ).

CONCLUSION:

A.      WHAT WAS THE PRODIGAL’S FATHER DOING? (Luke 15:20).

B.      WHAT MUST WE DO?