Part 27: Discipline The Greedy
In
the name of Jehovah God, Master of the universe, Ruler of the earth.
May the light of
Peace be unto the saints and may those in darkness see the radiance of sunshine
in rain. Again we note that there are many lost who cannot see the forest for
the trees. However some clearly know that giving Preachers large sums of money
and on-going fund-raising without a just cause (for example the needy and
uplifting ministries) are ungodly. But they do nothing.
How can you be a true
Christian and be afraid to speak up for God? The Apostle Paul gives all
believers clear instructions on the discipline that should be given to sinners
in the church body. Since Preachers are by far the primary sinners in most
churches, they should be confronted first. Paul renders his final advice to the
Corinthians in
II Corinthians 13:1-14.
II Corinthians 13:1.
"This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth of two are three
witnesses shall every word be established."
Paul had already
noted that the conditions at Corinth would be undesirable. Thus he warns the
people that he would rebuke them for their sins. However he assures them that
his treatment of them would be fair and according to what had been established
in the scriptures. Thus, his charge must be sustained by two or three
witnesses.
Related Scripture:
Numbers 35:30,
Deuteronomy 19:15, Acts 18:1, II Corinthians 1:23, 10:2.
In the second verse
Paul says that, “I will not spare." Thus, the unrepentant sinners will not
be spared. The rebuke of sinners can also mean the following action: (1)
Sinners are confronted and their behavior is publicly denounced. (2) Sinners
should be reported to church leaders. (3) A final action could also result in
their removal from the church.
II Corinthians 13:3.
"Since ye seek a proof Christ speaking in me, which to your hand is not
weak, but is mighty in you."
This passage of
scripture is a classic example of the fact that true Christians are not weak.
Thus true Christians do not sit idly by and allow Preachers to rob the church
and God's people. Do we serve a weak Christ, No.? So to be Christ like is a
sign of strength in the faith. Paul noted that he was a true spokesman for
Christ. However he could not make that claim if he refused his duty to rebuke
sin. (See Acts 20:26-27)
Also the people of
Corinth knew that Christ was not a weakling and was forthright about condemning
wrongdoing. Therefore they had enough sense to know that a true teacher of
Christ would not hesitate to deal with corruption and sinful conduct among the
disciples.
Related Scripture:
Matthew 10:20, I Corinthians 7:40, 9:2.
II Corinthians 13:5.
"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves.
Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be
reprobates?"
Paul asks for an
examination to see if the Corinthians were still in the faith. A reprobate is
the opposite of being in Christ. Thus it means not standing the test and not
approved.
Related Scripture:
John 14:20, 17:23,
Romans 8:10, I Corinthians 9:2, 11:28, Galatians 4:19, Colossians 1:27.
II Corinthians 13:8.
"For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth."
A true disciple of
God will never go against the Truth. Thus, if the brethren conduct themselves
properly Paul could not have exercised his power of discipline without going
against the truth.
II Corinthians 13:11.
"Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one
mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."
Be perfect means to
complete what is necessary by removing the wrongs in their lives. The removal
of these things would then allow them to feel comfortable in their consciences.
To be of one mind would be to pay heed to the instruction delivered to them by
the inspired Apostle. Peace can be found only with God. Thus when you live in
peace with your brethren according to the instructions of inspiration you have
the peace of God.
We must apply the
principle of God's word. The needs of the church can be answered when the
people know God. The lack of faith and the rejection of truth and the
acceptance of the world pose a great dilemma for the church today. The reason
why many people don't speak up is because they agree with false Christianity
and reject God.
Will Almighty God
hear those that have allowed themselves to become blinded by Satan? Will God
hear the prayers of the Lost and the wayward Shepherds who claim to speak for
God? THE INSPIRED WORD OF GOD IS NOT COMPLICATED ARE EVASIVE. HOWEVER THE
PHARISEES OF THE CONTEMPORARY CHURCH REJECT GOD, THE WORD AND TRUTH.
carl@freedomjournalpress.comcastbiz.net