Without discipline, the whole Church would suffer. Sin is like cancer affecting the whole body. Sin is like leaven which affects the whole lump. “A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. I have confidence in you in the Lord that you will adopt no other view; but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is.” Galatians 5:9-10.
Therefore, Paul repeats the command of God through the ages. “… REMOVE THE WICKED MAN FROM AMONG YOURSELVES.” 1 Corinthians 5:13.
As one example, let us not forget the lesson of Achan. Achan was just one man, but his sin affected all of Israel. “But the sons of Israel acted unfaithfully in regard to the things under the ban, for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, from the tribe of Judah, took some of the things under the ban, therefore the anger of the LORD burned against the sons of Israel.” Joshua 7:1.
God punished Israel causing Israel to be defeated at the battle at Ai. When Joshua, Israel’s leader questioned God as to why He allowed this to occur. The LORD said to Joshua: “Therefore the sons of Israel cannot stand before their enemies; they turn their backs before their enemies, for they have become accursed. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy the things under the ban from your midst.” Joshua 7:12.
Joshua found out what Achan had done and confronted Achan. “Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? The LORD will trouble you this day.” And all Israel stoned them with stones; and they burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones. They raised over him a great heap of stones that stands to this day, and the LORD turned from the fierceness of His anger. Therefore the name of that place has been called the valley of Achor to this day.” Joshua 7:25-27.
Now, this Scripture (and other Scripture as well) certainly does not teach us that we should stone or kill the guilty party as part of church discipline. But, it teaches us two things. First, it teaches us that sin affects the whole Church. Second, it teaches that the Church needs to appropriately discipline.
Examples of church discipline include, but are not limited to: private reprimand, public reprimand in front of the church, not allowing the guilty party to participate in communion, and excommunication or removal from the church. The elders of the church have the authority to discipline and must do so carefully and prayerfully according to Scripture and the rules of the particular church.
Discipline is one of the marks of the true church. Here is what The Belgic Confession states in part.
Article 29: Of the marks of the true Church, and wherein she differs from the false Church.
“… The marks, by which the true Church is known, are these: if the pure doctrine of the gospel is preached therein; if she maintains the pure administration of the sacraments as instituted by Christ; if church discipline is exercised in punishing of sin: in short, if all things are managed according to the pure Word of God, all things contrary thereto rejected, and Jesus Christ acknowledged as the only Head of the Church. Hereby the true Church may certainly be known, from which no man has a right to separate himself. …”
In conclusion, let us not only view discipline as a duty. Let us view discipline as a grace of God. First, it is a grace to the whole church to wash the church and keep it pure. But, second, it is also a grace to the individual guilty party. We read in today’s Scripture of the discipline that was a grace to the individual guilty party “… so that his spirit may be saved inthe day of the Lord Jesus.” 1 Corinthians 5:5.
“… MY SON, DO NOT REGARD LIGHTLY THE DISCIPLINE OF THE LORD,
NOR FAINT WHEN YOU ARE REPROVED BY HIM;
FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES,
AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES.” Hebrews 12:5-6.
“All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” Hebrews 12:11.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 