Excomunication

A lesson in Harshness.

We just wrapped up a series entitled "Running on Empty." In the second part, Emotionally, I said this...

"So how do you keep the right mind. One, if you have negative people in your life, that you do not need to deal with, then simply don't. I know this sounds harsh. But if you have someone in your life that is constantly draining you, you need to move on. They will be miserable with or without you. You are not responsible for their Happiness. 

Something else that may seem harsh? The Word tells us that we should remove them from the Body of Christ."

Simply put, Excommunication is not just justified, but is commanded in The Word. Why? Because that person WILL cause drama, strife, and may even lead to division.

 "Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." {Philippians 2:2}

 Also,,,

"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel," {Philippians 1:27} 

This is kinda hard to do, if you have certain people stirring the pot so to speak, every time you get together. This is why it is so very important to rid the Body of Christ of these folks. Why it is so important to remove them. This is also why it is so very important that you have nothing to do with them either.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

Simply put, anyone that goes contrary to this, The Word of God, and is creating strife among the Congregation, they are not of God. We're not talking about ignorance. Nor making mistakes. If one is found ignorant or making mistakes, they should be taught the correct way to do this, or that. Taught what God says about it. The Truth According to God. If they go they own way, let them go. Move on. Rid yourself of their drama. Of their problems. Do not allow them to infect you.

Life is not a merely a series of problems to be solved. We will talk about this more in depth next time. But Jesus said, 

"The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly." {John 10:10}

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, said this..

"I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them." {Romans 16:17}

In,,,

2 Thessalonians 3:

6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

7 For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you;

8 Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labour and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you:

9 Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us.

10 For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

11 For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies.

12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.

14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.

Paul was extremely angry when he wrote to the Church that was at Corinth.

1 Corinthians 5:1-13

1 It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife.

2 And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.

3 For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed,

4 In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,

5 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.

6 Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?

7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators:

10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world.

11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.

12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?

13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

These are not people that have nothing to do with the Church or with Jesus. "It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you" Paul even said, what they were doing was even worse than what the Gentiles were doing. "And such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles" Think about that. He is writing to Church Folks here. People that claim Jesus as Lord, yet, commit such things at the same time.

John warned not to even let these types people into your own Home. 

"I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them." {2 John 1:10}

The reason is simple. They will drain you. They will corrupt you. They will create problems, not only for you, but for the body of Christ itself. Jesus told us this...

Matthew 18:15-17

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.

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.

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.

You see, Excommunication is not only for the Body of Christ, for you, it is also for them. In this same passage, Peter asked Jesus how many times do we forgive our Brothers? Jesus answered

"I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." {Matthew 18:22} 

So Excommunication is not meant to be permanent. But used as a form or correction. However, if they will not hear, accept, and change, to fall inline with the Truth, THEN "let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican." THEN "ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us." THEN "you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat."

It really is simple. Although is sounds Harsh, it is for the good of everyone involved. Excommunication is a form of protection. It is a form of correction. It is commanded by God Himself. If the one that has been Excommunicated Repents and asks to come back into the Fold, then they are to be forgiven and welcomed back. After all, 

" I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance." {Luke 15:7}

 If there is rejoicing in Heaven over one Sinner Repenting, how much more shall we take joy, when we receive a lost Brother or Sister, back into the Family?

Do you know Jesus as your Savior? Have you been adopted into the Family of God? If not, say this Prayer. Right now. Wherever you may be. Say it in your own words, and do not doubt in your heart. God will hear you. He will send the Spirit of Life to you. Let us Pray..

"Oh heavenly Father, Lord God. I am a sinner. I know this. I know there is nothing I can do to change that. But I know you can. I accept Jesus's sacrifice for me. I repent my sins. Please send the Spirit of Adoption into my life. Help me to get to know the real you. Save me. Please. In the name of Jesus, Amen!"

That's it. It really is that simple. Now go tell someone what you have just done. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." {Romans 10:9} You need to find a Church that God leads you to, and be Baptized the way Jesus said to be. You are now a Child of God. A new Creature. You "have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him." {Colossians 3:10}

If you want to tell me, or comment, question, give testimonials, or just say "Hi," the Email is opntalk@gmail.com

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. {2 Corinthians 13}