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The Reflecting Pool
Read John 5:27-30. To whom has the Father granted authority
to judge? Now read Matthew 18:15-17. To whom has Jesus delegated the authority
to judge in this world? Has the church faithfully administered this charge
that our Lord has given us?
Read 1Corinthians 5:1-2. What action does Paul say the
Corinthian church should have taken regarding this sinful church member?
Now read verses 3-5. By whose authority (in whose name) is the church to
act? What is the ultimate hope of such action? Do you think Paul thought
of church discipline as a heartless and cruel action, or a loving action that
would benefit a person's soul?
Read Romans 14:1-4. What are some ways that church discipline
could be open to abuse? Spend some time thinking about how your church could
faithfully and carefully fulfill our Lord's charge in Matthew 18:15-17 while
guarding against abuses.
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