You will need
the following viewers
to view many of the
files on this site.

Click here to
download
Adobe Acrobat Reader

Click here to
download
Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer

University church of Christ

Assembly Times

 Sunday

   Bible Classes (9:30)

   AM Worship (10:20)

   PM Worship (6:00 pm)

 Wednesday

   Bible Classes
(7:00 PM)

Location

449 North Gay Street

Auburn, AL 36830
Click Here for Specific Directions

Delivered Unto Satan

by Stephen Russell

Paul wrote to the Corinthians that they should deliver the erring brother to Satan that, “his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” This is strong language and it demands attention. We dare not take lightly the business of delivering an individual to Satan lest we find ourselves in danger of judgment.

So what should we do when a brother or sister strays from the faith? Let us note firstly that it is the faith that he has strayed from. It is not his loyalty to a group of people or any individual that is in question but his service to God almighty. There is no place for personal ego to enter when we are in a discussion of fellowship in God’s kingdom.  So if it is the faith that is forsaken then it is the source of that faith that we should turn to.  “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). It is not man’s wisdom that we should use to appeal but the perfect word of God that is the “power of God unto salvation” (Rom. 1:16). If we admonish a brother without making it very clear to him what part of God’s will he has violated then our admonition is pointless.  Or perhaps it is our own will and not God’s that has been violated.

So how does the process work? Admittedly there is no specific way that we are to withdraw. We do find, however, principles that should guide us depending on the specifics of any situation. To begin with, attempts should be made to handle the matter one-on-one if possible (Matt. 18:15). It may be that this will not work so then we ought to take reliable witnesses with us so that every word may be established (Matt. 18:16). The writer here feels the responsibility to point out that the witnesses are to establish every word so that if a man is not reliable to remember what has been said then he is no good as a witness. If the brother still refuses to repent then the matter ought to go before the church (Matt. 18:17). This procedure, specified by the Lord, assumes that the sin was not public to begin with.

It should be a matter of common sense that at this point a reasonable amount of time should be given for the church, who has just been made aware of this brother’s actions, to make appeals of their own to the brother.  If there still is no resolution the church must cut ties (Matt. 18:17). It should also be a matter of common sense that the individual being withdrawn from should be notified of the action so that it may have its effect.  We  would not want to find out through the grapevine that we are to be withdrawn from and this is our brother we are taking this action against (Matt. 7:12; 2 Thess. 3:15).

What is the purpose of such serious action? There are two main reasons given for withdrawal in the New Testament. One is concern for the soul of the one withdrawn from (I Cor. 5:5). The other is for the purity of the church (I Cor. 5:6). If we are withdrawing for any other reason, then it is sin. Withdrawal should not be political nor should it be used as a bullying tool.  It is something done with concern for souls.

A final word. If we refuse to fulfill our responsibility in this area we are not somehow going to help the erring brother by continuing in fellowship with him.  He will be lost whether or not he is in our church directory.  The truth is, we put ourselves in danger of the severity of God when we refuse to act as He has commanded us to. Then there are those occasions when a brother is withdrawn from by those who love the preeminence as did Diotrephes (3 Jn. 9). These men should know that when they withdraw fellowship from godly men, they have not done one thing to change this man’s standing before God. They have, however, considerably endangered their own souls as well as all of the souls of those they persuade to follow them in their sinful behavior.

“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good. And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.” (2 Thess. 3:13-15).

 

 

Other Articles
Thoughts About the Difference Between Character and Reputation
The right to Grow in the Faith
It Is What It Is

 

 Would you like others to read this article?

                    Please share!