In this day of grace, much is left up to the conscience, as exercised by the depth of spirituality of the believer, and his measure of love for the Saviour, so that time limits for the most part are not given in dealing with evil, especially with those perpetrating, it or those associated with the perpetrators.
It might be well to start with the premise that each one of us is individually responsible for our reaction to and reception of that which is evil, being first of all able to distinguish between good and evil. “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12).
With our senses and heart alerted to the presence of evil and participation in that which brings dishonor to the Lord’s name, or the manifestation of His body on earth, an assembly, by practice or association with those who allow such things to exist amongst themselves, grief should be felt and a desire to see things righted overwhelm us. What should my concern be? “Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth“, and if the problem is submitted to and our consciences condemn us, it becomes sin unto us. (Romans 14:22 &23).
Introduction of evil into an otherwise undefiled assembly is usually by one person, and when uncertainty exists as how to deal with the situation, the first recourse is through mourning that the perpetrator might be taken away. “And ye… have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you.” (1 Cor. 5:2).
Though not recommending the drastic action of 1Cor. 5, we read, “A man that is an heretic after the first and second admonition reject.” (Titus 3:10). I believe this verse and those immediately before and after picture a person whose mind is made up and that a repeated appeal to such a one is out of order, after a reasonable effort has been made towards recovery.
The glaring “commonly reported‘ sin of 1 Cor. 5 did not prompt the apostle Paul to suggest that the local assembly plead with the erring brother to repent and change his ways, but demanded his excommunication, lest the whole assembly be led astray.
But what if an assembly or several assemblies have strayed away from the truth, or deliberately done so and are satisfied to be so? Scripture does not give any order or authority to discipline an assembly, which is in reality a fragment of the body of Christ, representing the whole. As Rev. 2&3 show us, the Lord Jesus Christ is the One who assumes the responsibility to deal with the expressions of His body.
With unchecked evil amongst certain assemblies, a condition exists akin to the “great house” of 2 Tim. 2. Even before the “great house” aspect is mentioned, in view of the departure creeping into the “house of God”, the faithful ones were exhorted in an individual category, “Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” (vs 19).
Following the comparison, we again have individual responsibility made a point of by the further condition, “If a man purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.“(vs. 21).
Stepping out from past associations, though intimidating at the onset, should not be done with the expectation of going on alone, for the Lord will be with such a one, and the words, “Follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Tim. 2:22) intimate that others will be found who share similar exercises.
While the foregoing thoughts haven’t been very conclusive as to the length of time to deal with evil, or to allow for recovery before subsequent action, perhaps they wil stimulate some personal thoughts. Of course one must not neglect seeking the Lord’s mind, both for patience and/or boldness to act.
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