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"Those who are sinning..."

Text: 1 Timothy 5:20

CHURCH DISCIPLINE

Many believers tend to forget that they are not their own but they are bought at a price. Faith in the Lord Jesus means they become part of the Body of Christ, the Church. One of the important truths to bear in mind as we think of what it means to be part of the church, is discipline. It would be wonderful if we exercise self-discipline. But when we do not do that we have to consider an important truth- “church discipline.”

“Those who are sinning rebuke in the presence of all,
that the rest also may fear.”
1 Timothy 5:20

1. “Those who are sinning”

a) In the immediate context it may be a reference to those who levy accusations against elders.

b) These may be conscious of the fact that they are in fact sinning, but still persist in sinful activities.

2. Clear instructions given

a) Timothy must know what he should do.

b) With all authority entrusted he must not be afraid to do the right thing.

i) He must seek to exercise church discipline.

ii) He must seek to preserve the church in purity.

iii) He must seek not to allow sinful people to harm the church.

3. “Rebuke in the presence of all”

a) There must not be fear to rebuke those who persist in sin.

b) There must be courage to face would-be errant people in the church.

c) Sometimes this rebuke must be delivered in front of the whole church.

i) This may not be pleasant.

ii) But this is sometimes necessary.

iii) There is potential fall-out.

iv) But this is a work that cannot be shirked.

4. “That the rest also may fear”

a) “The rest” may refer to the majority of the congregation.

b) They need to learn how to have godly fear

i) For the Lord.

ii) For the Body of Christ.