Matthew 18:15-17
“Now if your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that ON THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY MATTER MAY BE CONFIRMED. And if he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, he is to be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”
Jesus is telling of His method to restore a fallen one. The first step is for the observing brother to approach him alone. It’s very respectful. Gossip isn’t shared. Trumpets aren’t blown. He is told in private. This shows much about God’s heart. He isn’t seeking to embarrass him. Often times the person isn’t aware that others see his sin. This is a private way to inform him. If he turns the brother has been won.
If he ignores the one, then step two is to bring one or two more to seek to convince him. Jesus shares the reason, “ON THE TESTIMONY OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY MATTER MAY BE CONFIRMED.” This practice was an important part of the justice system in the Old Testament. The testimony of witnesses made it a fact. This is upping the ante. While not completely public, it’s going in that direction. This is when people start to get nervous. If there is continued refusal, the matter will be public. His parents will know, his friends will know and so on. This is enough to turn most.
If he ignores the two friends, then the church excommunicates him. He isn’t welcome in church. This has a strong social effect, but possibly an economic one. His church friends might not do business with him any longer. 2 Thessalonians 3:14 speaks of the mindset of the one cast out, “Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.” That shame often causes offenders to repent. God uses the natural process to cleanse the body of Christ and the individuals.
This is a basic of church discipline. One could compare it to the human body. If there is an infection, God designed the body to focus on it. White blood cells go there to fight the infection. Many resources go there to fight it. The purpose is health. So it is with church discipline. Many will fault the church. It certainly isn’t perfect, but it is marvelous.
Lord, thank You, for Your method to restore individuals and to maintain the health of the body of Christ. Help us to respect in and walk accordingly.
