The following sins are
specifically identified in the NT as offences requiring disciplinary action: a
private trespass against another with an unwillingness to repent (Matt.
18:15-17); causing divisions and offences contrary to biblical teaching (Rom.
16:17-18); sexual immorality, covetousness, idolatry, reviling, drunkenness,
extortion (1 Cor. 5:11); strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish
ambitions, backbiting, gossip, arrogance, disturbances, impurity, fornication
and lewdness (2 Cor. 12:20-13:2); all uncleanness, filthiness, foolish talking,
coarse jesting (Eph. 5:1-7); disorderly conduct, refusing to work, meddling, freeloading
(2 Thess. 3:6-15); rejecting the faith [straying from the truth, causing others
to stumble] (1 Tim. 1:18-20; cf. 2 Tim. 2:14-18); not consenting to sound
doctrine (teaching otherwise), pride, being obsessed with disputes and
instigating senseless controversies, seeking gain from godliness (1 Tim. 6:3-5,
KJV); vanity, greed, boasting, blasphemy, disobedience to parents, being
unthankful, unholy, unloving and unforgiving, slander, without self-control,
brutality, despising good, betrayal, stubbornness, haughtiness, loving pleasure
rather than loving God, having a form of godliness but denying its power (2
Tim. 3:1-5); being factious (Titus 3:10-11); and not abiding in the doctrine of
Christ (2 John 9-11). To this list could be added offences which have provoked
direct discipline from God, such as: lying (Acts 5:1-11); profaning the Lord’s
Supper (1 Cor. 11:27-34); opposing the Lord’s work (2 Tim. 4:14-15); forsaking
biblical love (Rev. 2:4-5); tolerating false teaching (Rev. 2:14-16, 20);
spiritual lifelessness (Rev. 3:1-3); apathy and self-satisfaction (Rev.
3:15-19).
These lists of sins,
however, are more representative than they are comprehensive. The Bible
contains other examples of soul-condemning offences, which would obviously
require disciplinary action (e.g. 1 Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:5-9; 1
Tim. 1:9-11; Rev. 21:8; et al.). But the broad statement in 2 Thessalonians 3:6 serves
as a good general framework. The all-embracing “every brother” leaves no room
for favoritism. The phrase “walks disorderly” (or “leads an unruly life”)
indicates that the offence is ongoing rather than occasional or accidental. While
the particular disorderly conduct addressed in this context is idleness and
meddling (v. 11), the word ataktôs itself
refers to “a disorderly or an irresponsible manner.” It was originally a
military term used of a soldier who was out of step, not keeping rank, or
insubordinate (cf. H. K. Moulton Greek
Lexicon 58), and in 1 Thess. 5:14 the noun form (ataktos) is translated “unruly.” The
misconduct is further identified by Paul as behavior “not according to the
tradition” received. The word “tradition” (paradosis) refers to the teaching which Paul had
received from the Lord and passed on to others, and includes the entire body of
Christian doctrine (1 Thess. 2:13-17; cf. 1 Cor. 11:2; 15:3).
That an exhaustive list of sins was not intended (or even
necessary) is demonstrated by general expressions such as the following: “and
if there is any other thing that
is contrary to sound doctrine” (1 Tim. 1:10), “and the like” (Gal. 5:21), “any trespass” (Gal. 6:1), etc. So with a
good knowledge of scripture along with basic common sense and mature reasoning
(Heb. 5:14), any offence requiring church discipline ought to be “clearly
evident” (cf. 1 Tim. 5:24; Gal. 5:19).
--Kevin L. Moore
Related
Posts: Church Discipline, When a Family Member is Disciplined, Not Keep Company With/Admonish as a Brother
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