The Key of Christian Discipline
Minister: | Rev. Ronald Van Overloop |
Date: | 5/24/2009 PM |
Text: | Matthew 18; Lord's Day 31 |
Psalters: | 318, 94, 253, 231 |
- The concept of this key.
- The objects of Christian discipline.
- In general, all the members of the church are the objects because of the presence of sin in everyone.
- Specifically, the objects are those who hold practices or doctrines contrary to the name ?Christian.?
- The institute (elders) take action after preliminary action by the individual members of the organism.
- The consistory treats only public sins, and unconfessed private sins after individuals have admonished.
- The elders act only when the professing believer will not repent and persists in his sin (17).
- Positively, the key power is exercised to save (sanctify) those who are truly citizens of the kingdom.
- The Head of the church institute exercises the key of Christian discipline through its elders.
- Why do elders have the right to discipline?
- First, Jesus commands His church to do so (Ezek. 33:2-6; I Cor. 9:16).
- Second, discipline is for the spiritual well-being of the church ? corporate responsibility.
- The Lord Jesus holds the key of Christian discipline (Matt. 16:18b; Rev. 3:7).
- The Lord Jesus gave this authority to the elders ? those whom He called (John 20:22,23).
- Jesus declares that He is ?in the midst of them? (Matt. 18:20).
- Further Jesus says their work is meaningful and effective in heaven, though it may be flaunted on earth.
- The Reformed way of doing Christian discipline reveals much wisdom.
- Thus, the elders, as Christ?s representatives, are worthy of honor (I Tim. 5:17), to whom we vow submission.
- Discipline?s purpose and fruit.
- The purpose is the glory of God and the edification of the Church.
- The congregation as a whole is strengthened and built up.
- The individual believers experience the wonder of forgiveness by grace alone.
- There is positive fruit for everyone.
- All Israel hears and fears.
- The church is assured that Christ is present, and loves them.
- The elders receive the joy of the Lord.