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(Continued from previous page)
 "That
he may be ashamed" shows the effectiveness of their action
would be contingent upon an earlier fellowship. If he
"didn't give a hoot" this withdrawal of approval and
company would not benefit him. "Count him not as an
enemy" shows no hostile feeling was to accompany the
correction, and "admonish as a brother" describes the
attitude to be maintained. Expositors' comment:
"Disapproval, as a means of moral discipline, loses all its
effect if the offender does not realize its object and reason,
or if it is tainted with personal hostility." If a
church can not demonstrate this attitude it is incapable of
exercising scriptural discipline.
It
is to our shame and discredit that our next example more nearly
describes current situations in churches of our day. In 1 Cor.
5: Paul uses one verse to define a sinner in Corinth; and
devotes the remainder of the chapter to upbraiding those
innocent of the first sin, because they had made no effort to
correct it. "Ye are puffed up" (we are too holy to
discuss such things), "and have not mourned" (business
as usual — funeral spirit kills our “enthusiasm”),
"that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from
among you" (Oh, that would be interfering with his personal
life). Haven't you heard it??
Paul
says, "when ye are gathered together..." This thing
has, through neglect, passed the earlier stages. All members are
involved — not just the elders, though they should lead. 2
Cor. 2:6 states the punishment was "inflicted by the
many." In Matt. 18: it was "tell it to the
church." In 2 Thes. 3: Paul commanded "brethren."
The
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"spiritual" among the Galatian
brethren had obligations (6:1-f). NO PASSAGE puts these matters
into the hands of some episcopacy which represents "the
church." We can not escape responsibility by saying
"Our elders won't do anything about it." Elders have
leadership responsibilities, but their judgment is not divine
mandate.
"Deliver
unto Satan" means publicly recognize and declare the sinner
for what he is. The declaration does not make him a child
of the devil; his actions have done that (Jn. 8:44). Paul
"delivered unto Satan" Hymeneus and Alexander (1 Tim.
1:20), and had no hesitancy in saying so. Even in such radical
treatment the purpose is "that they may learn not to
blaspheme" or, "for the destruction of the flesh that
the spirit may be saved..." In coming to Christ the
"old man" of the flesh should have been put to death
— but such flagrant proof that old ways yet live can not be
tolerated. If the "gospel call" discipline did not
"put to death" such conduct, corrective discipline
must be exercised. If the offender has a "spark" of
concern for fellowship with God, the withdrawal of fellowship by
those who are trying to "walk with God" may cause him
to see his lost and undone condition.
And
finally — if it doesn't, such evil leaven must be removed from
the church. This is not the first consideration, but it is
certainly not an element of discipline to be ignored. THE
SPIRITUAL NATURE AND GOAL OF EACH LOCAL CHURCH, ITS SPIRITUAL
CHARACTER, IS HIGHLY DEPENDENT UPON THE EXERCISE OF DIVINELY
ORDAINED DISCIPLINE.
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