Moe Bergeron

The Misunderstanding of Discipline

• Many view excommunication as legalistic or harsh.
• In truth, it is a biblical and loving act rooted in covenantal grace.
• Key question: What distinguishes a saint who sins from an unrepentant sinner?

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Saints Sin—but They Also Repent

1 John 1:8–9; Psalm 51; Luke 22:61–62

Main Point:
A saint is one who belongs to Christ. Though they may fall into sin, they respond with confession, sorrow, and a return to Christ.

• Conviction: They feel godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:10).
• Confession: They do not hide sin (Psalm 32:5).
• Perseverance: They rise again in faith (Proverbs 24:16).

Illustration: Peter denied Jesus but wept bitterly and was restored.

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The Unrepentant Sinner Remains in Darkness

Matthew 7:16–20; Hebrews 3:12–13; 1 Corinthians 5:1–5

Main Point:
An unrepentant sinner may appear religious but lives in ongoing, willful rebellion. Their life denies the power of the gospel.

• Hardened heart: No sorrow or change.
• Persistent sin: Lives contrary to Christ’s commands.
• Church’s response: If correction fails, removal may be necessary (Matthew 18:17).

Illustration: Judas Iscariot—close to Christ, but never transformed.

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Excommunication: A Gospel-Driven Act of Love

1 Corinthians 5:6–7; Matthew 18:15–18; Hebrews 12:6

Main Point:
Excommunication is not punishment to condemn, but discipline to redeem and protect.

• Protects the church: “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”
• Pursues the sinner: A wake-up call, not rejection.
• Exercises Christ’s authority: The church acts on behalf of her King.

Illustration: Like a shepherd removing disease to protect the flock.

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Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Isaiah 53:8; Revelation 2–3; Colossians 1:18

Main Point:
Jesus was “cut off” in our place. Now, as Head of the Church, He disciplines His people—not for condemnation, but purification.

• Christ bore the judgment: Making discipline restorative, not legalistic.
• Christ leads the church: Through loving correction, He calls sinners home.

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Applications for the Church Today

1. Call to Self-Examination
   • 2 Corinthians 13:5: Are we repentant or hard-hearted?
2. Commitment to Church Holiness
   • Discipline maintains the integrity of our gospel witness.
3. Restoration is the Goal
   • Never write anyone off—God is mighty to save.
4. Gospel Culture of Grace and Truth
   • Build churches where it’s safe to confess, and essential to change.

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Finally: Love That Confronts and Restores

• Excommunication in the New Covenant is not legalism—it is covenantal love in action.
• Saints sin and return to Christ. Unrepentant sinners remain in darkness unless called back.
• The church must lovingly discern, faithfully discipline, and always hope for restoration through the power of Christ.

Final Call: Hebrews 12:11 — “For the moment all discipline seems painful… but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness…”

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