“But, we work with that man! He is our neighbor! He is our cousin!”: some may say. There can be all kinds of excuses to not remove a specific man from the church or even discipline him at all.
But, today’s Scripture is clear both in its command and in its explanation of the reason for this strict discipline.
In yesterday’s devotion, we focused on the grace of discipline both the church and to the disciplined individual (“… so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” 1 Corinthians 5:5.). Today, Scripture does not present such grace for some of the disciplined individuals. In such severe cases, the grace is only for the church. Certain wicked men simply need to removed from the church regardless of whether or not they are eventually saved. In such severe cases, the church cannot prioritize its desire to restore the individual over the need to protect the church.
Obviously, such severe cases call for great wisdom in its elders. Obviously, there is no Scripture to make it easy for us which contains the specific name of the wicked man and specifically commands by specific name that the specific man be removed.
But, there is hope!
Even in today’s Scripture, we read: “For Christ our Passover also has been sacrificed.” Christ has provided us with “the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth”. 1 Corinthians 5:7-8.
We also find hope elsewhere in Scripture.
God gives elders to the church who are “holding fast the faithful word which is in accordance with the teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict. For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain.” Titus 1:9-11.
For these elders and for the rest of us believers who need wisdom to make tough decisions as to whether or not remove a specific individual from church, Christ is “our wisdom from God”. 1 Corinthians 1:30. And, the Holy Spirit is our Helper to guide us into all truth including the truth necessary to make these difficult decisions. “But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.” John 16:13
“Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord will spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it did also with you; and that we will be rescued from perverse and evil men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.” 2 Thessalonians 3:1-3.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 