Removal From the Congregation
Why must Christian elders remain vigilant about keeping the congregation clean?
How might the conduct of an individual Christian affect the entire congregation?
Relevant Bible account(s):
Jos 7:1, 4-14, 20-26—Achan’s sin, in which his family was no doubt complicit, brings disaster on the whole nation
Jon 1:1-16—The prophet Jonah’s rebellion endangers the lives of all the mariners on the boat with him
What kind of conduct cannot be tolerated in the Christian congregation?
What must be done regarding baptized Christians who make a practice of serious sin?
When handling cases of serious wrongdoing, what Bible principles must elders keep in mind?
Why is it necessary for some to be removed from the congregation or to be reproved, and how may the congregation benefit?
What does the Bible say about how we should treat those who have been removed from the congregation?
If a person who has been removed from the congregation later repents, what may happen?
See also “Repentance”
How can all of us help to keep the congregation clean?
See also De 13:6-11
Why would it be a mistake for a Christian who commits a serious sin to cover the matter up, perhaps out of fear of being removed from the congregation?
Ps 32:1-5; Pr 28:13; Jas 5:14, 15
See also “Sin—Confession of Sins”