Matthew 18:15–20
If you have a Bible, turn to Matthew 18. The topic before us is not one most people would call their favorite: church discipline. Yet, while it may feel uncomfortable, it is essential to the health, purity, and witness of the church.
Church discipline is often misunderstood. Some hear the phrase and immediately think of harsh judgment or exclusion. But biblically, church discipline is not about punishment—it is about restoration, protection, and love.
A helpful definition puts it this way:
Church discipline is the process of correcting sinful behavior among members of a local church for the purpose of protecting the church, restoring the sinner to a right walk with God, and renewing fellowship among believers.
Why Church Discipline Matters
We live in a time where many churches emphasize comfort over correction. As Mark Dever has pointed out, it is possible for a church to grow numerically, have great music, welcoming people, and exciting programs—and yet be spiritually unhealthy. Why? Because sin is tolerated rather than confronted.
J. Carl Laney describes it as an infection left untreated. Just as disease weakens the body, unchecked sin weakens the church. When discipline is neglected, the church loses its power, its witness, and its effectiveness.
God’s intention for His church is not just unity—but unity in holiness.
The Biblical Process of Church Discipline
In Matthew 18:15–20, Jesus gives a clear and loving process for addressing sin within the church. These steps are not optional—they are given by Christ Himself for the good of His people.
Step 1: Private Correction
Jesus begins:
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone…”
Notice the context—this is about fellow believers, not outsiders. This is family. When sin occurs, the first step is not gossip, avoidance, or retaliation. It is a private, personal conversation.
This means:
- Not waiting for them to come to you
- Not giving them the cold shoulder
- Not talking about them behind their back
- Not masking gossip as a “prayer request”
Instead, you go directly to them—with humility and love.
Sometimes this correction is gentle. Other times it requires firm clarity. Scripture shows both. In Galatians 6:1, we are told to restore others in a spirit of gentleness. Yet in other places, like Paul confronting Peter, there is a necessary boldness.
Why? Because sin is serious—but so is restoration.
The goal is always the same:
“If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer captured this beautifully when he wrote that sin thrives in isolation but loses its power when brought into the light. Confession and loving confrontation break sin’s grip and restore fellowship.
Step 2: Group Correction
Jesus continues:
“But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you…”
Sometimes people don’t respond to private correction. At that point, others are brought in—not to gang up, but to:
- Confirm the truth
- Ensure fairness
- Provide additional perspective
This principle comes from Deuteronomy 19:15—matters are established by two or three witnesses.
This step protects everyone involved. It guards against false accusations and helps the person see the seriousness of their sin.
Again, the goal remains unchanged:
restoration.
Step 3: Tell It to the Church
“If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church…”
At this stage, the issue becomes a matter for the whole body. Why? Because sin that remains unrepented affects more than just the individual—it impacts the entire church.
This step is not about public shaming. It is about corporate care. The church lovingly calls the individual to repentance, saying in effect:
“We love you too much to let you continue in this.”
We are not meant to ignore one another’s spiritual condition. True love cares deeply about a brother or sister’s walk with Christ.
Step 4: Removal from Fellowship
Jesus concludes:
“If he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.”
This is the most difficult step. It involves removing the unrepentant person from church membership and fellowship.
This is not done lightly. It only happens after repeated opportunities for repentance. And even then, the purpose is not rejection—it is wake-up mercy.
In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul instructs the church to remove a man living in blatant sin—not to destroy him, but so that he might ultimately be saved.
Church discipline protects:
- The individual (by confronting sin)
- The church (by preventing sin from spreading)
- The witness of the gospel
Christ’s Authority in Discipline
Jesus gives a powerful assurance in this passage:
“Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven…”
This reminds us that when the church faithfully follows Christ’s instructions, it acts under His authority. Discipline is not man-made—it is Christ-ordained.
And in verses 19–20, we are reminded that when believers gather in unity under His name, He is present among them—even in difficult moments like discipline.
Five Reasons to Practice Church Discipline
Drawing from biblical teaching, here are five key reasons the church must practice discipline:
1. For the Good of the Individual
Sin deceives. Discipline lovingly calls people back to truth and life.
2. For the Good of Other Believers
When sin is addressed, it serves as a warning and reminder of its seriousness.
3. For the Health of the Church
Scripture compares sin to yeast—it spreads. Discipline protects the church’s purity.
4. For the Church’s Witness
A holy church stands out in a broken world. When we look no different from the world, our message loses credibility.
5. For the Glory of God
Above all, we pursue holiness because God is holy. Our lives are meant to reflect His character.
The Heart Behind Discipline
It is important to remember:
Church discipline is not the main focus of the church—just like medicine is not the focus of life. But when needed, it is essential.
At its core, church discipline is about love:
- Love for the individual
- Love for the church
- Love for the lost
- Love for God
The Gospel Foundation
The greatest truth behind church discipline is this:
Jesus Himself confronted sin—our sin—at the cross.
Our greatest problem is not the sins we commit against one another, but the sins we have committed against God. And what did Christ do?
He took our punishment.
He bore the wrath we deserved.
He died in our place.
And He rose again.
Through His sacrifice, we are forgiven, restored, and made new.
Because of that love, we pursue holiness—not to earn salvation, but because we have been saved.
A Call to the Church
Church discipline is not easy—but it is necessary. It is a mark of a healthy church and a reflection of Christ’s love for His people.
So let us:
- Love one another enough to speak truth
- Walk in humility and accountability
- Pursue holiness together
- Reflect Christ to the world
And if you do not yet know Jesus, see His love for you. Turn from your sin, trust in Him, and be saved.
Let us be a church that is pure, loving, and faithful—
for the glory of God and the good of His people.