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Anointed Profit for June 2017
Withdrawing fellowship from a Brother or Sister in the Lord
Let me begin by quoting Matthew 18:15-17.
"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone; if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church; but if he neglects to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican."
The purpose of this section of scripture is to inform the church and congregation as to the method God has divinely ordained, and set in the church how to deal with offending members of Christ’s body. Law and order was given for the church to maintain sound doctrine, rebuke offenders, maintain decency, order, purity, and exercise discipline (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Rules and guidelines are essential in any organization in order to maintain respect, honesty, and a genuine love for everyone’s well being.
Just as there are laws governing our city, state, and federal government; there are also laws governing the realm of the Spirit. Laws need enforcing when there is no relationship and for people to respect one another’s rights. God’s law and order does not depend on human government. And Satan the thief; comes to kill, to steal, and to destroy the unity and fellowship within the body of Christ (John 10:10).
Man’s methods available for disciplining seek justice, revenge, and permanent remembrance of a fault while God’s intention of disciplining seeks restoring members to the body of Christ. God’s love and forgiveness must dictate all actions when seeking to correct other member in the body of Christ.
In reference to our text on Matthew 18:15-18, having been given 3 chances to repent, and if the brother still refuses to repent, then that body must withdraw fellowship until the offending member comes to himself. When the offending member seeks to restore himself, the body of Christ is to receive him with open arms and in the spirit of love, acceptance, and forgiveness.
Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all (I Timothy 4:15).
Marinating in His Love - George Dillon
Cornerstone Ministries
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