Building up believers and the New Testament church
Discipline in the Body of Christ
A Matter Against a Brother
"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear you, take with you one or two more that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector" (Matthew 18:15-17).
This is a familiar teaching of our Lord, and it is important because it points out the progression that should take place in dealing with a wrong relationship. At the same time, we must not use this as a pattern for all matters brought before the church. This deals with a specific case of an unresolved offense between two members. Unresolved offenses can affect the whole expression of the body. When I come to the Lord's table, by partaking of one loaf and one cup, I am saying that I am one with my brothers and sisters, and all things in my heart toward every member are right before God. If this is not true, I should judge myself and deal with the matter before I partake. "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?" (I Corinthians 10:16)
What is important in our discussion here is that all steps possible have been taken prior to making this a matter to bring before the whole church. If we are submitted to one another in the fear of the Lord, we will have no difficulty in inviting other brothers to judge our spirit, and to gain their help in resolving the problem. Often the problem is "me" and I do not see it. Others can help me in this. I may be "right" in my actions but wrong in spirit; thus, I am wrong. There may be miscommunication. Others can help me understand. I may not understand the needs in another. Others can help me with that as well. In all of this, my humility before God and my submission in the body of Christ is tested. This forms the basis of being able to work through problems to the glory of God, all the while keeping ourselves in the love of God and giving forth a pure testimony.
