As a noun, Cambridge Dictionary defines discipline as “training that makes people more willing to obey or more able to control themselves, often in the form of rules, and punishments if these are broken, or the behaviour produced by this training: the ability to control yourself or other people, even in difficult situations:”
As a verb, Cambridge Dictionary defines discipline as “to punish someone, to teach someone to behave in a controlled way”.
Although the word “discipline” is only used once in the Bible in Job 36:10, the Bible uses the meaning of it in other words like “instruction”, “correction”, “chastening”, “doctrine” and its related forms.
Discipline is both instructive and corrective. By instructive, it is meant that discipline can be preventive in nature. It aims to build up, to exhort, and to nurture. By corrective, it is meant that discipline will be a form of rebuke, chastisement, admonishing or punishment. It penalises the wrongdoer.
Let us understand from the Bible three things about discipline.
Discipline is a Command
Jesus and the apostles had taught on the necessity of discipline. We read in Matthew 18:15-17 on the need to address one who has trespassed against another and the need to go tell the offender his fault. 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 speaks on the need to withdraw fellowship from one who had sinned and not repented. We are told also to warn those who are unruly (1 Thessalonians 5:14) and reject those who walk disorderly or follow false doctrines repeatedly (2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, Titus 3:10).
In the Old and New Testaments, God’s people were disciplined and consequences followed if they did not obey. For example, there was preventive discipline by God in instructions given to Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:15-17) and subsequently corrective discipline when they disobeyed (Genesis 3:17-19, 23). We are also familiar with Nadab and Abihu who did not worship God in the way they were supposed to and thus were struck dead (Leviticus 10:1-2). Even Moses who was deemed to be a faithful servant of the Lord was not spared the consequences of disobeying God. He was supposed to speak to the rock but he struck the rock twice with his rod. As a result, he would not bring the people into the promised land (Numbers 20:7-12).
In Acts 5:1-11, Ananias and Sapphira lied about the money they had obtained from the sale of their possession and were struck dead. Paul rebuked Peter at Antioch because of the confusion Peter created by eating with the Gentiles and subsequently withdrawing himself from them when certain men from James came (Galatians 2:11-21).
Paul told Timothy “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.” (1 Timothy 5:19-20)
Parents need to discipline their children for the purpose of instruction and teaching them what is the appropriate and correct behaviour. The discipline is not meant to torture them but to save them and help them to have proper values inculcated. The Bible writes: “Withhold not correction from the child: for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt deliver his soul from hell.” (Proverbs 23:13-14)
The Bible is peppered with examples of discipline being carried out and the need for discipline to be enforced. It is a command.
Discipline is Crucial
Not only is discipline a command but it is crucial. Discipline is crucial because it saves souls. There was a man in the Corinthian church who was a fornicator. The Corinthian Christians were tolerating his sinful condition, even being puffed up about it. Paul admonished them: “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 Corinthians 5:4-5) The immediate purpose of delivering unto Satan is for the destruction of the flesh (the works and deeds of the flesh). The purpose of doing this is so that one’s soul will be saved.
Paul reminded the Galatians that “…the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19-21) The scriptures instruct us to not commit what God abhors (preventive discipline). It is crucial that one shuns the works of the flesh to inherit the kingdom of God.
Discipline is crucial because it saves the church. In 1 Corinthians 5:6-7, Paul told the Corinthians that they had to get rid of the sin that was among them because it will spread and defile the church if unchecked. They would be pure again by getting rid of sin. Christians are set apart from the world and the church must be pure and free from sin.
Discipline is crucial because it causes others to learn from example. When people saw that Ananias and Sapphira fell down dead as a result of their lie, “great fear came upon all the church, and upon as many as heard these things.” (Acts 5:11) We learn from examples – both good and bad. The idea is to follow the good examples, shun the bad examples and be clear about the consequences from the bad examples. When immediate consequences follow the sinful action, others will learn and the point is made.
Discipline is crucial because it glorifies God. Jesus instructed His followers to be good examples and the light of the world (Matthew 5:16). Through our Christian behaviour and honest conduct, they will glorify God (1 Peter 2:12).
Discipline is a Collective Responsibility
First, there is the individual responsibility of self-discipline. Paul’s command to Timothy was to be mindful of his faith, conduct and doctrine so that he would be able to save his own soul and that of others (1 Timothy 4:16). There are multiple warnings in the Bible about being led astray (Hebrews 3:12; 2 Peter 3:17) and the reminders for individuals to grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).
Second, there is the individual responsibility toward one another. This comes from a genuine love and grief for brethren who sin. Paul wrote: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1) To ignore, do nothing or even tolerate sin is not love. As much as Jesus came to the world to save souls (Luke 19:10), we too should have the same mind with Christ and save the souls of our brethren as much as we want to save the souls of those who are outside Christ. We, more than anyone else, know the eternal destiny of those who do not obey God. How then can we afford not to correct a brother/sister when needed?
Third, the elders have a responsibility toward the church. Paul reminded the Ephesian elders to take heed not only to themselves but also to their flock (Acts 20:28). The elders are aware of their responsibilities. But members too must recognise that our elders have rule and oversight over us. They watch for our souls and they must give an account to God (Hebrews 13:17). We must not be angry with our elders who chasten or rebuke us because they do it for our spiritual well-being.
Fourth, there is a collective responsibility of the church in discipline. This is the working together in admonishing one who is in sin. There must be cooperation and a message of consistency from members. Paul wrote of the need to have no company with one who is disobedient to the word of God (2 Thessalonians 3:14-15). If some heed this command and others do not, how then is the body of Christ one? The decision of the church with regards to discipline, if not adhered to by all members, will make all efforts to restore an erring brother or sister futile. It will also show that the brethren are not unified.
Brethren, church discipline is a command. We have seen how Jesus and the apostles extensively taught it. We have also seen examples of those who did not follow God’s commandments and were disciplined or punished. Discipline is crucial because it saves one’s soul and the church. Christians are the called-out and set apart from the rest of the world. There is a need for the church to remain pure. Discipline is a collective responsibility as it involves the individual, the elders and all members. Above all, we must not forget that discipline is always done in love and meekness. Let us all work together to keep the Lord’s church pure by starting with ourselves, examining ourselves daily and correcting ourselves where necessary.
Ask Yourself:
Why is church discipline crucial?
Who has the responsibility with regards to church discipline?
What are some resistances to the discipline of brethren. Are the reasons or resistances acceptable to God? Why?
Suggested Answers:
It saves souls, saves the church, causes others to learn from example and glorifies God.
It is the collective responsibility of everyone. It starts with the individual’s responsibility of self-discipline, the required responsibility toward one another, the elders’ responsibility toward the church and the collective responsibility of the church whereby everyone works together.
You may discuss this with the writer or any Bible class teacher.