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The LORD corrects those He loves and we all need correction at times, yet only if we choose to hearken, humble ourselves, be teachable, and repent, will God restore us back to Himself (Proverbs 28:13; Hebrews 12:5-12; Revelation 3:19, etc.).

“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” Revelation 3:19

Pastor Steve Cornell

(Matthew 18:1-35)

When someone becomes a follower of Jesus Christ, he also becomes part of a spiritual family. He belongs, as Jesus said, to “one of these little ones which believe in me” (Matthew 18:6). “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” (Romans 12:5: cf. I Corinthians 12:24-27). Among the followers of Christ, there is a powerful spiritual unity that overcomes social and ethnic distinctions that separate people in the larger culture.

Believers form a spiritual family of brothers and sisters in Christ. Our loyalty to Christ and to those who belong to Him is so significant that we will not allow mere earthly relationships to compromise it. It is not uncommon for those earthly relationships to become strained when a person becomes a follower of Christ. (see Matt. 10:32-37) Our love for Jesus Christ, which is demonstrated in our love for those who belong to Christ, is superior to the love we have for mere earthly relationships.

In Matthew 18:15, Jesus opens with a family reference: v. 15, “if thy brother shall trespass against thee.” “Brother” is not meant as an exclusive reference to male members of the Church. (The same teaching applies to “sisters” in Christ). It could be understood this way, “If a fellow member of the church sins….”

What should our response be when a fellow member sins? (whether “against us” or not) Should we say, “That’s his business, who am I to judge him?” No. Jesus said, “Go and show him his fault just between the two of you.” Jesus’ requirement begins with “private confrontation.” But, before this step, there needs to be “personal preparation.”

The first two steps must be followed. They are:

1. Personal preparation (see: Matthew 7:3-5)

Jesus forbids looking at the faults of others without first dealing with our own sins. Remove the log from your own eye, Jesus insists, before you notice and remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Jesus clearly encouraged involvement in other people’s lives, but only after careful self-examination. This will help facilitate the attitude described in Galatians 6:1-2.

2. Private confrontation (Matthew 18:15; cf. Lev. 9:17).

Through proper preparation, we should prayerfully and patiently desire to resolve matters at the step of private confrontation. This is where the teaching of Matthew 5:23-24 and Matthew 18:15 should merge (See below my “Two Principles for Resolving Conflicts”). Church leaders should repeatedly teach people the principles of confronting and covering in love before applying Matthew 18:15-17.

If private confrontation does not lead to true repentance and restoration, a third step is required by Jesus.

3. Private conference (Matthew 18:16; cf. Deut. 19:15; Num. 35:30; Deut. 17:6)

If the third step, “private conference” is needed, it is not merely based on the sin that originally occasioned the confrontation. Instead, it is activated because of an obstinate attitude of the one confronted (v. 16). When a sinning member of the church refuses to heed the confrontation of a fellow believer, thus refusing to be restored to proper fellowship, the circle of confrontation needs to broaden so that it includes one or two others (This is based on an O.T. principle from Deut. 19:15; Num. 35:30; Deut. 17:6). Assuming that the one who made the initial confrontation kept the matter between himself and the sinning member, whom should he enlist for this third step? “One or two more” right? Yes. But who should these people be?

* People who are spiritually prepared (Matt. 7:3-5)

* People who are spiritually mature (Gal. 6:1)

* (Perhaps, but not necessarily) People entrusted with spiritual oversight (I Pet. 5:1-4; Acts 20:28)

Nothing in the text requires that these people be eye witnesses to the sin being confronted. If they had been, they should have gone to confront. Ideally , it would be good to include people who are known and respected by the erring member (e.g. small group leaders). What is the function of the one or two others? (V. 16), “that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.” Their purpose is not to threaten or intimidate, but to help the erring brother to understand the seriousness of the matter. They do not get involved to evaluate the truthfulness of the charge, but to strengthen the rebuke and the call to restoration. After private conference, if the erring member remains obstinate and unwilling to acknowledge and repent of the sin and be restored to proper fellowship, Jesus teaches a fourth step (3rd in the text itself).

4. Public Announcement (v. 17a)

“Tell it unto the church” (i.e. to the “ekklesia,” the assembly). This step is a sobering reminder that sin is not always a private or personal matter for a Christian. When sin separates and alienates believers, it must be dealt with and resolved. But how do we take the step of public announcement? This might depend on the size of the church. In our church (500+ people), it would be communicated to the covenant members through a special meeting of the membership. These meetings would be precipitated by a letter to the members emphasizing that an urgent matter must be addressed. It is wise to make public discipline announcements at a service that includes communion. This helps the entire body remember that we all need the Savior and His forgiveness. It also helps to protect the body from a sinful pride (Gal. 6:1-2). Further, it affords opportunity for congregational instruction about repentance and restoration.

It is important for churches to specifically outline these steps in their constitutions to avoid law suits. Churches have been sued for following Matt. 18 and have lost in court, because they lacked specific reference to the steps in their official documents. (Note: It is not enough to say, “We follow the bible.”) Churches are wise to limit the public announcement to those who are actual members. Discipline of non-members is sticky territory. This is another reason why most churches need to become more intentional about membership (see: Membership Matters, Chuck Lawless, Zondervan).

5. Public confrontation (v. 17b),

This implies that the church (as an assembly) has made an appeal to the erring member. When the church is informed, it seems to imply that the pastors will be involved. And when this happens, it should be accompanied by warnings about the need to avoid:

* Gossip and slander

* A proud, critical spirit (Mattt. 7:3-5; Gal. 6:1)

* A lenient or punitive attitude

* Playing spiritual detective

People should be encouraged to pray for repentance and restoration. They should also call the brother or sister to make things right by responding in a godly manner. For those uncertain what to say, we recommend that they say, “I don’t know all the details, nor is it my place, but I do want to encourage you to make things right with the church.”

No one should give this brother the feeling that everything is fine (cf. II Thess. 3:12-14). Don’t act in cross purpose with the church. This would be disrespectful to the Church. Remember the goal, “Gain/Win thy brother.” It is redemptive! We should long for and pray for true repentance. True repentance is described in II Corinthians 7:10-12: ““For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 11For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort, what carefulness it wrought in you, yea, what clearing of yourselves, yea, what indignation, yea, what fear, yea, what vehement desire, yea, what zeal, yea, what revenge! In all things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter. 12Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the wrong, nor for his cause that suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear unto you.”

If true repentance becomes clear, the goal is restoration. This is described in: II Corinthians 2:6-8: “Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. 7So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. 8Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him.”

6. Public exclusion (v. 17c)

When the sixth step becomes necessary, the focus shifts from the individual to protection of the Church. The emphasis moves from redemptive to judicial. This decision protects the unity and purity of the Church but it is also best for the individual.

This final step is powerfully illustrated in I Corinthians 5.

Steve Cornell

When a Brother Stumbles

Church discipline serves to bring the transgressor to repentance and restore his faith in God.

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Articles

“Let Brotherly Love Continue” [podcast]


“Let Brotherly Love Continue.” Hebrews 13:1

“And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Ephesians 5:2

1 John 4

God Is Love

“7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.
8  He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.
9  In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
10  Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
11  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.
12  No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.
13  Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
14  And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.
15  Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.
16  And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
17  Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
19  We love him, because he first loved us.
20  If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?
21  And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.”

1 Corinthians 13

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2  And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3  And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4  Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5  Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6  Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7  Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8  Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.”

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | Because You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Prepared to be Used of God Walking with Jesus on His Stated Terms – the Cross | Fasting and PrayerThe Old Man Must be Put Down [podcast]The 5 Sins That Keep God’s People Out of Their Promised Land [podcast]What Did Paul Mean by “I Keep Under My Body”? [podcast]“Jesus the Author and Finisher of our Faith” [podcast]A Living Sacrifice unto God [podcast]Departing from Hell BeneathPrayer

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 5 Aspects of the Mind of Christ [podcast]


5 Components of the Mind of Christ from Philippians 2

Philippians 2:2-10

“Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3  Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4  Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5  Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6  Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
7  But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
8  And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
9  Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
11  And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

At Gethsemane the death before the cross, before His death on the cross occurred.

“Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” Luke 22:42

“He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8

Living in the mind, the disposition of Christ means you are truly following Him.

As Christ’s disciple, your devotion, your love is first to Him, then to your neighbor, not self (Matthew 22:37-39). You are commanded by the Savior to set self aside and to lift others above yourself—to prefer, to put God and others first. Those who do so, experience true freedom, liberty.

Being one with Christ, who gave all to save you, means your life is over—you now live to serve the LORD and others, not self (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 3:3).

Have you poured prayerfully over Philippians 2:3-5 today? If you will begin every day this week pouring prayerfully over this passage, asking the LORD to internalize it in your heart, God will begin to deeply instill the very “mind of Christ” into your innermost disposition.

Part of the dying…. IS GOD calling us to Himself, to forsake this world, including the attempt to save an unrepentant nation long in rebellion against Him – America?

Prayer: LORD, I want to walk in the disposition You walked in on earth. I will esteem You and others above myself. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Let’s Grow Together! Sign up here to begin receiving the Moments with Our Master email devotional that is sure to help you grow in His grace and in the knowledge of our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Pet. 1:2; 3:18).  It’s sent out for the edification of the body of Christ. Sign Up HERE.

Support | STORE | Podcasts | Jail/Prison MinistryMexico Mission here | All Ministry Updates | More on Assurance hereBecause You Care Page | The Greatest of these is CharityBe Ready in the Morning [podcast]The Sure Mercies of David [podcast]That Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached [podcast]At His Feet | Knowing God | The Cross Life | 100’s of Christ-centered Scripture-rich PodcastsChristology = the Study of Christ

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Greedy, Covetous, and Beguiled! [podcast]


One man has wisely stated that “Greed and covetousness will damn more souls than all other sins combined.”

“Spiritual Blessings”

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 4  According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: 5  Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, 6  To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. 7  In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Ephesians 1:3-7

“If we are in Jesus we have the the unsearchable riches of Christ (Ephesians 3:8). Unfathomable (in our small minds), infinite wealth and spiritual blessings! Endless mercy, grace, and forgiveness. That is inexhaustible! Why do we need any worldly riches that will rot and corrupt our hearts!? Lay up in your hearts God’s riches! Which are eternal!” Karen Cochran

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it.” Mark 8:36

The only wealth that will last, forever, is that which is gained by obeying God in this life – thereby laying up treasure in Heaven (Matthew 6:19-21).

Got an “education” but going to hell eternally. Self-serving idolaters.

For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Timothy 6:10

America is full of those who claim to be saved and yet paid big money to get a piece of paper to get more money in this life and yet it’s clear that they’ve been serving money, mammon all along, not Christ.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: 21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. 22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single (full of Christ, not covetousness), thy whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if thine eye be evil (greed filled), thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Matthew 6:19-24 

They’ve never repented and aren’t presently, literally serving God. This means they are hell bound.

“For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. 7 Be not ye therefore partakers with them.” Ephesians 5:5-7

Real repentance or reprobate?

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? 2 Corinthians 13:5

The souls of millions who think they are saved are going to be damned due to not being truly given over to the LORD they claim to know and be saved by. If their lives were truly given over, they would be helping others and the work of Christ to be advanced in this fleeting world.

Their covetousness – “I want this” or “I just bought that” – is telling on their wicked hearts (Luke 12; 1 Timothy 6). They are sinning away their day of grace as they live unto self and are rich toward self and not Jesus. They are “not rich toward God” to use Christ’s own words (Luke 12:21). Jesus promised these would be damned for their turning a dead ear and blind eye to the needs of others – “Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” (Matthew 25:45) The light bills and rent/mortgages of some in-need Christians go unpaid. The pantries of some remain empty. True, New Testament ministries go unfunded …. and Why? – Because of the waste of millions who call themselves by the name of the One who came and gave ALL. They do not resemble Him which clearly shows that they are not following Him and merely rendering lip service to Him in order to deceive their own darkened hearts into the vain imagination that they are going to be with Him eternally.

Their GOAL is your GOLD, not your SOUL! Get a clue! Read 2 Peter 2:1-3; Philippians 3:18-19.

“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 19 And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before him.” 1 John 3:16-19

What you refuse to do (omission) when you see another in need, is indicative of who you are serving – self instead of the Savior. The Son of God says: “Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:19-21)

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16 

The fruit of the Spirit and good works are the clear indication that one is truly saved (Galatians 5:19-24; Titus 3:8; James 1:22-27). If you are not literally a giver, the LORD is calling you to repent and obey God’s Word by giving up first your whole life and will to Him. Then, all you have in your possession will go to His glory in loving your neighbor. If all you have isn’t Christ’s, it’s time to repent and get saved friend (Luke 14:33).

Prayerfully read Luke 12 and 1 Timothy 6 every day for the next week.

Toni S. writes:

Not just helping in ministry, but also the widows, poor, prisoners and fatherless. In addition, so many just hand their tithes over to a church pastor expecting Him to do this with their money. But what they end up supporting is not a ministry but a lavish lifestyle that many pastors live. People also donate money to ‘charitable” organizations without even researching where that money really goes too.” Toni S.

Wolves patty cake with you because they want your money and could care less about your eternal soul (Isaiah 30:9-10; 2 Timothy:2-4; 2 Peter 2:1-3).

“But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.” 2 Peter 2:1-3

“And who are we to support? 3 John 8 “We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.” Those who are devoted to the truth of God’s word! And are speaking the original gospel once delivered unto the saints Jude 3. Then we become fellowhelpers to them who are spreading truth. And actually participate in their ministry by giving to them. As opposed to bidding God speed to the deceivers and false teachers (2 John 9-11). We aren’t to support financially or participate at all in their ministry. Or we become partakers in their evil deeds and will suffer the same punishment as them. So we have a choice, participate in those preaching the whole truth and receive rewards (treasures in heaven) or participate in the deception of false teachers and suffer eternal consequences!” Karen Cochran

PRAYER: I here and now confess to You Father that I have been a self-idolater, I have committed spiritual adultery against You. I have not had You but rather myself first. Please forgive my sin, wash me clean, and fill me with Your Holy Ghost afresh. Circumcise this heart and replace the stony places with a heart of flesh. Bless this vessel to abide crucified with Thee and bear fruit, more fruit, and much fruit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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Support | STORE | PodcastsThe Return of ChristStewardshipWhere to Give and Where Not to Give | Fruit Abounding to Your Account! | Consider Your Ways [podcast] | Consider and Build [podcast] | Holes in Your Money Bags? [podcast] | Dollar DialogueJesus Sat Over Against The Treasury [podcast] | Escaping Sodom!Waste | Stewardship | Giving

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