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).

Judging Self Before Disciplining Another

 A case of wickedness in an assembly assuredly ought to lead to deep exercise on the part of all. Instead of saying, “God, I thank Thee” (Luke 19:11), true humility will rather say, “Search me, O God” (Psa. 139:23). 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 for 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 who rules … with diligence” (Rom. 12:8).

Limiting Occupation with Evil

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 be once namedamong you, as becomes saints” (Eph. 5:3,4).

Loving the Sinner

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 that 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.

Having Godly Sorrow

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 you sorrowed after a godly sort…. In all things you have approved yourselves to be clear in this matter” (2 Cor. 7:11).

Samuel Ridout

(From the book “The Church and Its Order According to Scripture”)