Matthew 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
This is the second mention of the word ‘church’ in the New Testament. Here Jesus is instructing his disciples on how to handle it when another believer sins against you. Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever had a fellow Christian sin against you and hurt you? What should you do? The answer is given in scripture and it can involve the church. Jesus says to start by going and talking to that brother who sinned against you.
Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
This is the first and most neglected step. Most people just let it smolder and if they tell anyone, they just gossip about the situation to someone else. Jesus says don’t let the circle get any bigger. Go talk to the person and he will probably hear you. If he does, you have gained your brother. In other words, you can be reconciled and the thing is ended. If this step is taken and the person refuses to hear then you have a decision to make. Is the wrong big enough to involve others? This question is important because some things are just not worth pursuing. But, if the sin is one in which you think it might escalate and hurt someone else, you need to try and reach the person.
Matthew 18:16 But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
Next, Jesus says to enlist some help. Get one or two other brothers in Christ and go talk with the person. Try and reconcile with a little help from some trusted brothers in Christ. This should get his attention and help him to realize that this sin must be stopped and he needs to deal with it by confessing it to the Lord and forsaking it. If he still will not hear you and your other brothers, then Jesus says to take it to the church.
According to Jesus, the church is a part of the reconciliation process. In a sense, the church is an arbitrator between offended parties. The church is a body of believers who regularly gather together to worship and serve King Jesus. As a family, we must work together toward reconciliation. However, sometimes a person will not confess their sin. In this case, the church is to treat that person as a heathen man and a publican. In other words, we must assume the person is not saved. We cannot know for sure, but sin is serious and when Christians are confronted with their sin, they are to confess it and forsake it. Jesus takes the church seriously. Will you?
In Christ,
Rody
