When it comes to our responsibilities within the local church, exercising church discipline is often one of the more difficult commands to obey. This could be because we do not want to break ties with our erring brethren. It might be because we do not want to be accused of being judgmental or unloving. Perhaps we are not sure when or how to exercise discipline. All of these factors contribute to the fact that discipline is often neglected when it is needed.
However, what often happens (at least in my limited experience) is that those brethren who are unfaithful and need to repent have already stopped assembling with the congregation. They have, in essence, withdrawn themselves from the local church. What is our responsibility in that situation? Is it true, as some have said, that you cannot withdraw from those who have already withdrawn themselves?
Before answering that question, let us be reminded of a few passages that discuss church discipline.Continue Reading
