V. Directives for Corrective Church Discipline
Introduction
Nature of “formative” or “ordinary” discipline.
Everett F. Harrison, Baker’s Dictionary of Theology, (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1973), p. 167.
The issue before us is “corrective” or “radical” discipline.
1. The necessity for corrective discipline
1. The clear teaching of our Lord
a. Mt. 18:15-20
1) The setting is most significant.
Rev. D. Douglas Bannerman, Scripture Doctrine of the Church, (Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1887), p. 178.
2) The primary concern is abundantly clear.
Alexander B. Bruce, The Training of the Twelve, (New York: A.C. Armstrong & Son, 1889), pp. 207 – 208.
3) The assumed framework is clear.
Mt. 18:15 ff.
2 Cor. 2:9
4) The urgency is clear.
All the verbs are imperatives.
Mt. 28:19
Jn. 15:14
2 Cor. 2:9
b. Our Lord’s words to the seven churches of Asia Minor
Rev. 2:2; Rev. 2:14-15, Rev. 2:20
1) He commends discipline.
Rev. 2:2
2) He reproves the lack of discipline.
Rev. 2:14-15, Rev. 2:20
Jonathan Edwards, The Works of Jonathan Edwards, vol. 2, (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 1976), p. 121.
2. The manifold apostolic injunctions
Rom. 16:17-18
1 Cor. 5:1-13
2 Cor. 2:5-11
2 Thes. 3:6, 2 Thes. 3:14
Gene L. Green, The Letters to The Thessalonians, (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2002), pp. 354-355.
John Calvin, Calvin’s New Testament Commentaties: The Epistles of Paul to the Romans and Thessalonians, (Grand Rapids, MI: Willam B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1976), p. 421.
Richard C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. Paul’s Epistles to the Colossians, to the Thessalonians, to Timothy, to Titus, and to Philemon, (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House, 1964), pp. 467 & 468.
John R. W. Stott, The Message of 1 & 2 Thessalonians, (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1991), p. 193.
Richard C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. Paul’s Epistles to the Colossians, to the Thessalonians, to Timothy, to Titus, and to Philemon, (Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Publishing House, 1964), pp. 467 & 468.
John R. W. Stott, The Message of 1 & 2 Thessalonians, (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1991), p. 193.
Gal. 6:1
1 Thes. 5:14
1 Tim. 5:20
Titus 1:10-13; Titus 3:10-11
1 Tim. 1:19-20
Andrew A. Bonar, Memoirs and Remains of the Rev. Robert Murray M’Cheyne, (Dundee: William Middleton, 1855), p. 73.
James Bannerman, The Church of Christ, vol. 2, (Edinburgh: T & T Clark, 1868), p. 187.