Practicing Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG11

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P R A C T I C I N G C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

5. Restoration is possible if the offender repents and turns from their transgression of the Lord’s will.

a. Gal. 6.1-2

b. James 5.19-20

C. Example of biblical discipline: the Corinthian sexual problem

1. The offense: sexual immorality 1 Cor. 5.1-5

2. The restoration: Paul’s plea for restoration of the repentant offender , 2 Cor. 2.6-11

The Church cannot be the Church without exercising its responsibility to lovingly yet firmly discipline its members, including the prospect of even excluding from its fellowship those who are unrepentant because of immorality (1 Cor. 5.1–13) or embracing false doctrine (2 Thess. 3.14; 2 John 10). All discipline at all levels must be done in a spirit of meekness and fear, and always for the purpose of restoring the offender to full fellowship, (Gal. 6.1-2).

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3. The purpose of the discipline: godly sorrow leading to restoration , 2 Cor. 7.10

IV. Cautions and Precautions in Discipline in the Church

A. Beware of pride and judgmentalism, Gal. 6.1-4.

1. This is a process for those who are spiritual and prepared.

2. No hint of cruelty, mean-spiritedness, or pride should enter into the process.