Forgotten Lessons part 1: Examining Patterns of Disobedience and Restoration in the Church
Throughout the history of the church, starting from its origins as described in Acts 2, we witness a recurring story unfold. It's a narrative where individuals, deviating from the path, display disobedience and betray grace (2 Tim 4.14). Some stumble along the way and learn to love the sinful life with no repentance. As someone wisely noted, "When a person sins, they set off a chain reaction of consequences that seem never-ending." The truth is undeniable; sin always leaves its lasting impact.
On the one hand, there are individuals who stumbled but went through moments and found their way back through divine intervention. These people need forgiveness from the church above all else and substantial support in their journey to recovery. It's crucial for us to strike a balance between our emotions and following God's guidance as revealed in His Word. One significant danger lies in assuming superiority over them and forgetting that our own situation is solely due to grace. There is another danger in succumbing to our nature and trying to pass judgment on those who have repented—a role that is not meant for us. If someone is being deceitful, they will ultimately be held accountable by God.
When it comes to disciplining individuals within the church, their discipline arises due to the absence of repentance, suggesting they probably never truly belonged within our community (1 John 3.6). The difference between God's children and those who follow evil is clear (1 John 3.10). Scripture advises us to regard them as outsiders, no longer under the protection granted to God's people. In a passage in 1 Corinthians 5, Paul declares that such an individual should be handed over to Satan.
In essence, the church’s responsibility and ultimate goal are to effectively participate in the restoration of those who have repented. However, for those who have been excommunicated and persist in sin while rebelling against the church, there is value in refraining from seeking them out or praying for them. Through their discipline, the church acknowledges that it is now up to God to take care of things! This concept can be illustrated by the proverb: "A dog returns to its vomit. A sow that has been washed returns to wallow in the mud" (2 Peter 2.22).
Antonio Mendes
Church and Ministry Leadership Consultant
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