Certainly, nobody is perfect. We all struggle with sin to one degree or another. But today’s text (1Cor 5) addresses a situation where a believer is no longer struggling but has completely given in to a particular sin.

What the bible says about a Christian who “struggles” against sin.

“If we say we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and refusing to accept the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.” 1 John 1:8, 9, NLT.

“My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if you do sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who pleases God completely. He is the sacrifice for our sins. He takes away not only our sins but the sins of all the world. And how can we be sure that we belong to him? By obeying his commandments. If someone says, “I belong to God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and does not live in the truth. But those who obey God’s word really do love him. That is the way to know whether or not we live in him.” 1 John 2:1-5, NLT.

But what happens when a follower of Christ is no longer following Christ but instead whole heartedly following sin or false doctrine? Again the scriptures give clear instruction…

 “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the fault. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If that person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. If the church decides you are right, but the other person won’t accept it, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.” Matthew 18:15-17, NLT

Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-3, NLT

The heart behind Paul’s instructions on church discipline is 2-fold. First, it is God’s desire to have a pure and holy church. Second, it is God’s desire to bring the sinning saint to repentance and back into the fold.

Think about it,

Pastor Mike