“Three Strikes Your Out”
November 3, 2004

This is the tale of the church who applies scripture to discipline a church member who is determental to the church..

Dealing with a sinning brother or sister is found in Matthew 18:15-17.

Your responsibility: v15. a brother sinning against you. Go to him privately in a loving spirit and tell him what has severed your relationship.

His responsibility: V16. If he refuses to hear what he’s done to offend you then you are to gather one or two witnesses so every word you tell him will be witnessed. These witnesses are to testify if the brother is responding in a good spirit and if he is willing to reach a resolution or reconciliation.

Your responsibility: v17. His refusal to hear wise counsel from these witnesses is then to be taken to the church.

Offended and the church: If he still refuses to work it out and not reconcile with the church speaking to him towards reconciliation then this brother is to be disciplined.
He is to be cut off from entire congregation/church. Not one person is to fellowship or have anything to do with this brother.

“A church that doesn’t apply God’s Word in its discipline of unrepentant brother already has violated God’s Word.” This disobedience will lead to satan having victory in the offence and bring great harm to the household of faith. Love should always be the foundation of hope that he would soon be repentant and be restored. But this cannot happen unless the church practices what is in the Word.

Strike 1: Private meeting to discuss offense
Strike 2: Witnesses present and offenders refusal to right wrong
Strike 3: Offended, witnesses, church (and the offender still unrepentant.)

OUT

Not only has the offender brought sin upon the church but the church is violating the Word of God by not applying the discipline outline in the Bible. So God looks down on the offender as sinning and the church as sinning.

Question: Is the church going to be in right standing with God or man?
Is the church a friend of the offender or of God?
Is the church obeying God or man?

Just like in a baseball game when you’re out, you’re out! No questioning the call…. Leave the base or place you are at and go home!

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1

“Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 18:18

Lord help us as your church to keep our temple pure from defilement and obey thy teachings. Help our place of worship with other brother and sisters be holy and pleasing to you. Help us Lord to be loving as your children but strong to stand against sin and those who would mar your wonderful body called the church.
In Jesus Name.
AMEN