Truth Magazine

By Carol R. Lumpkin

There are problems in many local churches of Christ which have been brought about over church discipline. This is true because brethren over the years have not been taught what the law of Christ is on discipline, or because some brethren just are not ready to accept the necessity of doing what is taught. When we allow the word of God to govern us in church discipline, all such problems can be removed.

God knew that there would be brethren who would not abide by His law; so He has given us rules to be applied in such cases. If all brethren would respect and obey God, the need for church discipline would be seldom needed. We now call to your attention occasions when church discipline was authorized in the New Testament.

Adulterers and Fornicators

The man who was married to his father’s wife (1 Cor. 5:1) was a fornicator. Paul did not instruct the church at Corinth to: (1) leave him alone, (2) continue to fellowship him, (3) set up a study with him, or (4) encourage him in this sin. Paul did say, “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Cor. 5:4-5). These instructions are equally binding today.

False Teachers

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Rom. 12:17). “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness . . . . from such withdraw thyself” (I Tim. 6:3-5). “A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject” (Tit. 3:10).

Brother Who Will Not Forgive Brother

When one brother shall trespass against his brother this should be corrected between the two and God (Matt. 18:15). When the above step fails then take one or two more brethren and try to solve the trespass (Matt. 18:16). Should this fail then the church becomes involved. “And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican” (Matt. 18:17).

Disorderly Brethren

“Now we command you,.brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us” (2 Thess. 3:6). To walk disorderly (out of rank) was to violate any of the teachings they had heard from Paul. Paul adds, “And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man (consider him as disobedient-crl), and have no company with him (lend no encouragement to him in his effor-crl), that he may be ashamed” (2 Thess. 3:14).

Brethren who forsake the assembly (Heb. 10:25) are disorderly, out of rank. Brethren, who leave God and the church to return to a life of sin are disorderly (2 Tim. 4: 10). Brethren, who will not work when able are disorderly (2 Thess. 3: 10). These are only a few examples of disorderly brethren from whom the church must withdraw.

These examples of church discipline are just as explicit as Acts 2:38 on the plan of salvation and Acts 20:7 on the day the Lord’s supper is to be observed. The church which does not practice discipline, where and when needed, is not doing God’s will.

Purpose Church Discipline Serves

1. To obey God (1 Cor. 5; 2 Thess. 3:6).

2. To keep the church pure (1 Cor. 5:7).

3. To save the erring brother (Jas. 5:19-20).

4. To have respect from the world (2 Pet. 2:2).

Since God authorizes that each church is to judge those within (1 Cor. 5:12); since the authority of Christ commands discipline (2 Thess. 3:6); since the law of Christ reveals who must be disciplined (above cited examples); since each local church should desire to be patterned after the word of God; then discipline is practiced by all churches which please God.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 3, p. 85
February 2, 1984

By William C. Sexton

“I have long been convinced that, if a young person will give his job, though a humble one, the best that is in him, he will be trusted and promoted to better jobs. A strong desire to succeed, loyal and faithful service will still be rewarded” (W.W. Otey: The Tree of Life Lost and Regained, p. 60)

The above statement was written by an aged warrior, claiming a faith that is so lacking in many people today. Yet, it is a faith that should be re-established, manifested and acted upon for the good of individuals and society, too.

People are unwilling to shoulder the responsibility for their situation, lack of success, unhappiness, etc. So many have come to look for something for nothing. Various teachers have proclaimed the message that success is ours to demand rather than achieve! Such is unfortunate and harmful, to persons who could succeed and society in which we live.

Brother Otey’s declaration is issued while pointing to the success of Joseph in very adverse circumstances (Gen. 37:150:26). Wherever he was, Joseph conducted himself honorably, trusting in God! “God was with him, and delivered him out of his afflictions, and gave him, favor and wisdom . . . enabling him to achieve for himself, his people and Egypt” (Acts 7:816). God blessed him and those associated with him, even some who tried to corrupt him and destroy his life, they failed while he succeeded. His people and the Egyptian were blessed greatly through him, God directing his life and he submitting.

Jesus said, “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much” (Lk. 16: 10).

Man needs to learn early in life that he is required to be “faithful,” loyal, honest and honorable I He who conducts himself so shall have real success, providing he is trusting in God’s directions. We do not claim, of course, that one will be as rich in material goods as all others! But we do claim, however, that he who will conduct himself honorably and honestly under God’s directions will experience real success, even in this life (Jas. 2:5; 1 Tim. 6:18-19; Matt. 6:19-21; Gal. 6:7-9). One is to earn his way, however (2 Thess. 3:8-10; 1 Thess. 5:11-12; Eph. 4:28).

It is easy in our day for one to develop the philosophy that those who have “riches” have gotten them unrighteously and “I really deserve to have some of what they have without working for and earning it.” Beloved, I know of no passages that so teach. Do you? If you do, bring it out and put it on display and let us all examine it. God’s word tells the child of God to work with his hands in that which is good, that he might have to supply one’s own needs and to assist those who are in real need.

The Bible also tells us to conduct ourselves humbly regardless of the position that we occupy – servant or master (Eph. 6:59; Col. 3:22-4:1).

We challenge each of us to learn from God’s book that we need not be victims of our environment! Let us not try to escape the responsibility for being honestly productive in the midst of a social milieu that is less than conductive to righteousness. Rather, let us have faith to do right, trusting in God’s ability to produce goodness even through imperfect creatures and in an evil society (Rom. 8:28). Let us demonstrate that we have faith in the principle of success, when the directions from God are followed!

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 3, p. 84
February 2, 1984

By Wayne S. Walker

It used to be that if a church announced a gospel meeting, people from congregations, not only near-by but eighty to one hundred miles away, would be there as often as possible. Even today in regions where the church is not strong and the closest group of Christians is at least seventy-five miles off, brethren think nothing of making a two-hour trip to attend, going to someone’s house afterwards to talk for a while, and then making the two-hour drive home again. Yet very few of us can find the time in our busy, workaday schedule to attend the meetings of churches less than an hour’s distance or even those in the same metropolitan area! “But,” someone might ask, “the local congregation of which I am a member did not plan this activity; why should I go?” Good question — why should you go?

1. To worship God. It seems to me that a person who is a genuine Christian, who has truly given his life to Christ, who really loves the Lord with all his heart, would want to praise his Creator and his Savior with other faithful saints every chance he could get. Gospel meetings give us such a chance in addition to our regular assemblies. Why waste them if we can go. “Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God.”

2. To support the preaching of the gospel. It is much easier for a preacher to preach when he has someone to preach to. And the more present the better! Paul indicated that we should pray for preachers. Is it not somewhat hypocritical to make a pretense in prayer – “God, bless thy ministering servants everywhere and give them courage to uphold the blood-stained banner of Christ,” etc. – and then fail to do our part to encourage them when we have the opportunity? One way we can show our support for a faithful gospel preacher and his message is by going to hear him when he preaches. “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things.”

3. To associate with fellow-Christians. We are commanded to “love the brotherhood.” It is a fact that we can love our brethren in other places better the more we get to know them. We should be interested in the work of the Lord in every place, and attending meetings provides an occasion to learn of what the church is doing elsewhere, to become acquainted with those who make it up, and to encourage saints in their efforts. It will show how much love and concern we have for the children of God.

4. To study God’s word and be edified. As Christians who are to “grow in grace and knowledge,” we should seek to engage in periods of Bible study as often as we can. Faith comes by hearing, so it would seemingly follow that the more we hear, the stronger our faith Will be. At least, it ought to be that way. The time spent in listening to the preaching of the gospel in meetings will build us up in the word and exhort our souls to more diligent service in the kingdom. All of us certainly need that!

Spring and fall are generally considered the “meeting seasons.” So the next time they roll around, set aside some time and make plans to attend a night or two of each of the meetings in your area that you can. You will be stronger, the preacher and the brethren will be encouraged, and God will be glorified. And if you are thinking, “I need to spend some time with my family instead,” take them with you. Driving to and from the meeting in the car will give you more actual time to be with your family than sitting in front of a television all evening.

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 3, p. 83
February 2, 1984

By Dudley Ross Spars

The Hebrew writer mentions the second coming of Christ in Hebrews 9:28. We know that He came the first time when He was born to the virgin in Bethlehem (Matt. 2:1). But when I read the millennial books, I get confused as to the number of comings the Lord will make to this planet. For example, they all agree that He came the first time at His birth. But here in the rub. They have a “secret” coming of the Lord “for” His saints, and they label this the “secret rapture.” But, after the seven glorious years of the rapture, they have the Lord coming back again to stop the great global war they imagine will be in progress, and to set up the millennial kingdom. Count them, please – I get three trips for Christ – not just two.

But that is no more confusing than the direction the millennialists think the Lord will be going when He comes. They think the term “come” always means from Heaven to earth. However, Daniel saw a vision one night when the “one like a son of man came to the ancient of Days” and there a kingdom of everlasting duration was given to Him (Dan. 7:13,14). But, alas, the millennialists think that He really did not get that kingdom then, only the privilege of coming back to earth and setting it up. You see how confusing this speculation gets?

Guardian of Truth XXVIII: 3, p. 82
February 2, 1984