When the apostle Paul wrote about wickedness in Corinth, he was grieved to see the utter
indifference as to the matter. It may be true they did not know what to do, but would not every
right-minded saint have been overwhelmed by the shame that had come upon the Church of God?
And would He not have removed providentially a wrong-doer if there was no other way to be rid
of him? Their indifference showed an entire lack of conscience. The most uninstructed spiritual
person would mourn (1 Cor. 5:2). How differently the apostle felt:"Out of much affliction and
anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears" (2 Cor. 2:4).

A case of wickedness in an assembly assuredly ought to lead to deep exercise on the part of all.
Instead of saving, "Lord, I thank Thee," true humility will rather say, "Search me, O Lord."
Frequently, too, there will be occasion for self-reproach. Had the erring one been looked after?
Had he been prayed for? Had a godly example been set him? Surely such questions as these will
arise in one truly realizing the shame of such things. An undressed wound may become
gangrenous, and amputation be necessary; but would not the physician who had neglected to take
the proper care of his patient be ashamed of his work? And how many cases of extreme discipline
are made necessary by these neglected cases! "He that ruleth … with diligence."

But this sorrow and humility, this self-judgment, will only make the truly exercised the more firm
in vindicating the honor of the Lord. Joshua arose from lying on his face and executed the Lord’s
penalty upon Achan (Josh. 7). After all, His glory is the only thing to be sought. The case of the
woman in John 8 is not in point here. There it was the infliction of the law by men themselves
guilty; here it is the act of broken-hearted saints resorting to a last act to keep unsullied the
precious name of Christ. But in what spirit are we to act? How shocking would be the thought of
a judicial trial as if we were the judges! How loathsome the gloating over the wretched details of
the evil! It is not necessary that the whole assembly be dragged into the particulars of a case of
wickedness. A few careful, godly brothers who have the confidence of the saints should go
thoroughly into the matter, and when all is clear report the results to the assembly, which will then
act by putting away the wicked person. Occupation with evil, even when necessary, is defiling;
and as few as may be should be engaged in it, and these should wash their garments (Num.
19:21). Let such matters be kept out of conversation. "Let it not ne named among you; as
becometh saints" (Eph. 5:3,4).

We-must likewise remember that love_love to the offended and to each other_will fill the hearts
of those truly exercised; not love at the expense of truth, but love which mourns while it smites,
like God’s love when He chastens.

The detection of evil is a priestly function (see Lev. 14 in connection with the leper). Why is it
that so many cases of discipline fail to commend themselves to the consciences of God’s people,
and are the occasion of dividing them asunder instead of uniting them? Is it not because the saints
have forgotten their priestly position, their place in the sanctuary, and that in communion alone
they can have guidance and power? Instead of this, how often the subject is food for conversation
and strife, until there is no power. Saints need to be much with God, much occupied with Christ,
when evil has to be dealt with.

In concluding this subject, let us note the spirit produced in the Corinthians by the apostle’s
faithful dealing:"For behold this selfsame thing, that ye sorrowed after a godly sort…. In all
things ye have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter" (2 Cor. 7:11).

(From The Church and Its Order According to Scripture.)