Matthew 18:15-20, Discipline that Restores

The presence of this paragraph in Matt. 18 can apply to the way we deal with the little ones or the way we deal with those who offend the little ones.  A few illustrations from Paul show there are many matters that might be dealt with in a local fellowship.

1 Cor. 5:1        Incest, fornication

1 Cor 5:11       Covetousness, extortion, idolatry, railing, drunkenness, fornication.

Rom. 16:17     Divisive, esp. in doctrine.

1 Tim. 6:3-5    Unruly

1 Th. 5:14       Unruly

2 Th. 3:6-10    Lazy

Titus 1:10-16  Lazy, course, "pigs"

Titus 3:10-11  Heresy

Discipline has to do with one who is a “brother”.  As Paul put it, not those of the world or you would have to leave the world, but those who call themselves brother (1 Cor. 5:9-11).  The various steps in discipline are not complicated.  Here they are along with additional passages for study and some practical thoughts for implementation.

The setting...		The activity...
(Pr. 10:12; 17:9) ü  ALONE Emphasizes NO gossip, cover the sin by keeping it private.	v15	(2 Tim. 4:2) ü  TALK! a.     Use the Word b.     Be willing to walk w/him
ü  INVOLVE OTHERS a.     First a few witnesses b.     Then the whole Church	v16-17a	ü  CONFIRM c.     Friends, people who have had the same struggle but been victorious d.     For prayer, encouragement
(2 Th 3:6-14; 1 Cor. 5:5; 1 Ti. 1:20) ü  WITHDRAW/REMOVE (This is the ultimate)	v17b	ü  ACT Also known as "delivering over to Satan" 1 Cor. 5:5

Throughout this process there is a need for respect (1 Tim. 5:1-2) and for confidence (Titus 2:15).  And furthermore, Jesus has provided in this process the best opportunity for gaining the brother.  The purpose is restoration (Gal. 6:1), destruction of the flesh (1 Cor. 5:5), edification (not destruction, 2 Cor. 13:10) and the peaceable fruit of righteousness (Heb. 12:11). 

As we serve the Lord in this difficult aspect of discipleship, we can rest in the fact that God is with us, agreeing with us (I believe that is the point of v18).  And we can be assured of His help.  This assumes that in the entire process we are constantly before God in prayer.  Trust Him.  Doing this in love and humility pleases our Lord.