On October 25, 2010, an earthquake created a tsunami that left hundreds of people missing or dead in Indonesia. The deaths could have been prevented or minimized if the tsunami warning system had been working properly. The tsunami detection network consists of two buoys designed to measure unusual waves and send signals inland—alerting people to imminent danger. But the buoys had become detached and drifted away, failing to warn people of the approaching tsunami.
In Matthew 18 Jesus said that His disciples had a responsibility to alert fellow believers to spiritual danger by confronting sin (Matthew 18:15). He outlined a four-step process to confront sinning believers and restore them to fellowship. When a believer in Jesus became aware of sin in the life of a fellow believer, the first step was humble, private confrontation. Private confrontation indicated deep love for the sinning brother and a desire not to humiliate him. If he repented then he would be restored. If he refused then the second step was private confrontation with witnesses (Matthew 18:16). These unbiased, uninvolved and honest witnesses would confirm attitudes and actions of the sinning brother and the confronter.
If the sinning brother did not repent the matter was brought before the church (Matthew 18:17, probably the assembly of the disciples). If he refused to listen to the church and repent of his sin, then he was to be treated like an outsider, having community fellowship removed from him. Though community fellowship was removed, he was still loved and the door of restoration remained open.
As followers of Jesus we’re called to protect the purity of the church. We do this by lovingly alerting fellow believers to the dangers of unrepentant sin. We must humbly address and resolve the matter with the least amount of publicity as possible.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Mark 1:1-13
More:
Read Joshua 7 to discover the effects of one man’s sin on his entire community.
Next:
What is the best way to confront someone regarding sin? Is there someone you need to alert? What will you do to protect the bride of Jesus from sin?
daisymarygoldr on June 15, 2012 at 7:16 pm
True, in order to protect the purity of the church, unrepentant sin must be addressed. Yes, we must confront the sinning brother in a humble, loving manner and not give up. “Alert” means to awaken the person to a consciousness of guilt that is necessary to win him to repentance and restoration.
It needs to be noted that Matthew 18:15-20, applies to a believer who sins against ‘you’. Jesus is teaching about personal offenses to be resolved in private. In other words, if a believer offends you, don’t be a busybody and spread the matter around by malicious gossip to disgrace your brother in Christ. Those who insult and humiliate fellow Christians in public do not have the right Spirit of our Heavenly Father.
Public sins are handled in a different manner. Sin that is committed blatantly in the open requires a public rebuke in front of the whole church; this will serve as a strong warning to others (1 Tim 5:20). This also is to be done in a spirit of Christ-like love, grace, mercy and humility.
Sometimes we may not be in a position to confront because we may not know the offender personally. In such situations, it is best to let the Holy Spirit confront and convict the believer for their wrong attitudes or actions. Let us not behave like blood-thirsty vampires seeking to be vindicated. Confrontation is not to receive personal justice but to lead the sinner into a right relationship with God and others. When it is not a criminal offense a gracious response is to overlook the fault, endure your hurt feelings for the sake of Christ and move on.
When sin is confronted and the offense is resolved right away, it prevents divisions which often take years to heal. Dissention and strife in the body of Christ is a grave sin and provides a stronghold to the enemy. Bottom line is: when purity of the church is protected, peace prevails; unity in the body is preserved, our prayers get answered, diseases are healed, health is restored love reigns, and above all our Bridegroom is well pleased. Thanks Marvin Williams for this timely teaching!