Certainly withdrawal of fellowship, the final phase of church discipline, is rarely convenient, but it is the Lord’s directive (2 Thessalonians 3:6). It certainly was easier for the church at Corinth to remain proud in their religion rather than dealing with the fornicator in their midst, but it was not what God wanted (1 Corinthians 5:2). Paul, appealing to the authority of the Lord, commands, “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus” (1 Corinthians 5:4-5). The purpose of this discipline is to try to save the soul of the individual who presently is not repenting of sin.

However, even if the impenitent brother/sister is not swayed by withdrawal, at least the sinful influence is removed.  First Corinthians 5:6 asks, “Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” If one in the midst of the body of Christ persistently engages in a public sin without facing discipline, then others in the congregation will feel free to engage in open sin as well. If this attitude permeates a congregation long enough, returning to the Lord’s way may take the withdrawal of so many that a split in the congregation may occur as a result. It is best then to follow this command and nip each problem in the bud before the sinful influence spreads. The purity of the church is an oft-forgotten aim of withdrawal; regardless of whether the disciplined person repents the purity of the church will be maintained.

Some wonder about the legal ramifications of such an action; others are concerned about the reputation of the church in the community when this practice is administered.  But the bottom line is, when it comes to carrying out this command, (or any of our Lord’s commands for that matter), we should look up to God, rather than looking around to see which way the wind is blowing. We must learn to trust God’s wisdom in this matter. This is an oft-neglected command not because it is difficult to understand but because it is difficult to administer. It has never been easy to follow this, but it is so essential to the health of the church.

–Mark Day

All Christians should be studying their Bible. Bible study is a lifelong pursuit, an enjoyable endeavor that does not end until we close our eyes in the sleep of death. Growing in our knowledge of God’s Word will increase our faith, Romans 10:17. Bible study is to be a major part of our lives and as such, I offer some thoughts on Bible study.

1. I Recommend Getting a Good Bible. Not only should it be a reliable translation (the King James Version and the American Standard Version are the two most accurate in my view), but I also mean a good quality Bible. I developed a preference for wide margin Bibles early in my Christian life. However, the one I purchased initially was bonded leather. After 5 years I had to have it rebound. I have replaced it now with a good quality leather bound Bible. If you want your Bible to last for years of longer use, a good quality Bible is important.
2. Decide A Specific Time for Bible Study and Develop a Habit. The time you choose to study daily will vary from person to person. One may prefer to study shortly after arising before beginning their day in earnest. Some study at lunch time at work. Some prefer the quiet time of the evening to wind down from the day in Bible study. Whatever time you choose, make it a habit. We develop good habits and we develop bad habits. Bad habits are hard to break, but so are good ones. The world will try to crowd into your life and crowd out your Bible study time. Be firm in your resolve to study your Bible and resist anything that would take you away from that time in your day.
3. Be Systematic in Bible Study. A person decided to study their Bible and not knowing how to begin decided to let their Bible just fall open and pick a verse at random and see what they would learn. Letting their Bible fall open and picking a verse at random, they pointed at 1 Samuel 31:6, “And Saul died…” Well they said to themselves, I learned that Saul died. The next day they decided to try their “method” again and let the Bible fall open, pointed at a verse, and read Acts 9:26, “And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples…” Shutting their Bible the person exclaimed “I can’t understand the Bible. At one point it has Saul dead, then later has him going into Jerusalem”. This humorous illustration (I thought it was humorous anyway) points to the fact that if we just jump from one chapter to another, this method will not increase our understanding of the Bible. Choose a book of the Bible to study, or a topic, or a character (could it be the Saul’s in our illustration was not the same person?). Read the Bible through or the New Testament through. Bible study is much more effective if an orderly method is used.
4. Take Notes. Keep a notepad next to your Bible when you study. Write down any questions that may arise so you can go back to them at some point. Do this as you study as you may forget what your question was. Your spouse, Bible class teacher, elder, preacher, or a good commentary can help you with the answers.
5. Make Bible Study a Priority. In our daily life of “to do lists”, don’t put Bible study at the bottom. If we really want to know the will of the Lord, if we want to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18), and increase in the knowledge of God (Colossians 1:10) we will put daily Bible study at the top of our daily to do list.

-Jerry D. Sturgill

The following is an excerpt from the letters written to the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia, “For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things” (Acts 15:28).  Acts 15 records a conference that took place in Jerusalem.  God’s requirements of the Gentiles was the topic addressed regarding which, “there rose up certain of the sect of the Pharisees which believed, saying, That it was needful to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses” (Acts 15:5).

Though these Pharisees believed and were part of Christ’s church, they were still up to their old ways.  Jesus said of the Pharisees, “…they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders” (Matthew 23:4).  The apostles and elders went to the Jerusalem conference to consider this matter (Acts 15:6), but it was not that they were going to determine by majority vote what position they were to take.  Rather, it would be established again to those at Jerusalem what God had declared about the Gentiles through miracles and wonders (Acts 15:12).  It was God’s choice that was acknowledged, not man’s choice that was decided (Acts 15:7).  Those Pharisees who were intent on binding the law of Moses and circumcision, were questioned as to why they were trying to put an unbearable yoke upon the necks of the Gentiles (Acts 15:10) and ordered to not trouble the Gentiles with laws God did not require of them (Acts 15:19).

There were requirements God had for the Gentiles.  They were to abstain from idols, fornication, from eating things strangled and eating blood (Acts 15:20, 29), but the extra laws the Pharisees desired to bind were not to trouble them.  God wants to bind on us no additional burden than the commands necessary to keep us from harm and in godliness that leads to eternal life (2 Peter 1:3).

Jesus said, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).  There are requirements we must keep to follow Christ.  We must not seek to be loosed from what Christ binds upon us.  But His yoke is easy and His burden is light.  His commandments are for our good and are not grievous, nor burdensome (1 John 5:3).

But we must beware of those who would add laws which are not a part of the Gospel.  Christ has given us true freedom in His laws, so we should not be ensnared as slaves to man-made religious requirements (Galatians 5:1-2).  While it is often shown that man flouts the Lord’s commands, certain people have a tendency to go the other way and forbid things which God allows (1 Timothy 4:3).  Spiritual death is lurking in either direction.  Spiritual life is found in doing Christ’s commandments (Revelation 22:14).  When I continue in Christ’s word, then am I truly His disciple and truly free (John 8:31-32).

-Mark Day