DISCIPLINE
"What [business] of mine is it and what right have I to judge outsiders? Is it not those inside [the church] upon whom you are to pass disciplinary judgment--passing censuring sentence on them [as facts require]? God alone sits in judgment on those who are outside. Drive out that wicked one from among you--expel him from your church" (1 Corinthians 5: 12-13 AMP).
The apostle Paul was dealing with a case of incest by a professing Christian in the Corinthian church. He tells the Corinthian church to expel the "brother," delivering "this man over to Satan for physical discipline--to destroy carnal lusts [which prompted him to incest]--that [his] spirit may [yet] be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus" (1 Corinthians 5:5).
Discipline is meant to teach, correct and reporve, even though it may seem like punishment. Christian discipline does that with the goal of reconciliation and restoration to fellowship with God and fellow believers. Discipline is very much a part of the life of a Christ-follower. One of the fruits of a Spirit-filled life is "self-control" [or self-discipline](Galatians 5:13). Jesus invites His followers to "take My yoke upon you and learn of Me" (Matthew 11:29)--that is discipline.
© S.M. Hudson, Hidden Treasure Ministries, December 2003. All rights reserved.
Categories: forgiveness
