As a community of believers and a fellowship of the church, we may not ignore someone sinning against God. It may cause others to stumble (18:6) and become a bad testimony against the name of the Lord (Ro 2:24). The one who sees a problem should personally point out the matter to the offender to win their heart (15). There is no reason to gossip or cause public humiliation.
If the first attempt does not work out, two more witnesses may be called to persuade the offender to listen to the truth. If they still refuse to listen, it will be turned into a matter of church discipline, meaning the church leaders would have discussed and prayed about the matter and confronted the person with principles based on the word of God. If they still refuse to listen, consider them as one who does not belong to the community of believers (17). What we do as a church community or as a member of a church community will be accountable before the Lord in heaven (18). Church discipline should represent the will of the Lord, and we need to handle it with trembling hearts and respect (19,20).
Jul 21, 2026
DISCIPLINE AMONG BELIEVERS
Passage: Matthew 18:15-20
Key verse: 20
NIV
chapter 18
15. "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.
16. But if they will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ’every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
17. If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.
18. "Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.
19. "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
20. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Prayer: Father, thank you for the community of believers who help us to be accountable before you as we live in this world. Please help us pray for those who fall into temptation and give us wisdom to approach them and help them turn to follow you so that your name would be glorified.
One Word: When we gather, Jesus is with us