What steps can we take to confront sin in our own church today? Judges 20:12—Calling Out Wickedness Among God’s People “Then the tribes of Israel sent men throughout the tribe of Benjamin, saying, ‘What is this wickedness that has occurred among you?’” (Judges 20:12) • Israel did not ignore sin; they initiated contact. • They named the problem “wickedness,” not a mistake. • Confrontation was direct and communal. Step 1: Own the Responsibility for Holiness • Ephesians 5:11—“Have no fellowship with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them.” • Purity is a family obligation, not a job for leaders alone. Step 2: Verify the Facts • Proverbs 18:13 warns against speaking before hearing. • Deuteronomy 17:6 sets the “two or three witnesses” standard, echoed in Matthew 18:16. Practical moves: listen carefully, examine evidence, resist gossip. Step 3: Start with Private, Gentle Confrontation • Matthew 18:15—“Go and confront him privately.” • Galatians 6:1—restore “in a spirit of gentleness.” Practical moves: meet face-to-face, use Scripture as the authority, emphasize forgiveness. Step 4: Add Witnesses if Needed • Matthew 18:16—take “one or two others.” • 1 Timothy 5:19–20 applies this to leaders. Practical moves: choose mature believers, keep focus on the issue, maintain confidentiality. Step 5: Tell It to the Church When Sin Persists • Matthew 18:17—“Tell it to the church.” • 1 Corinthians 5 shows corporate action against open immorality. Practical moves: communicate facts clearly, appeal for unified prayer and exhortation. Step 6: Remove Fellowship if Rebellion Continues • 1 Corinthians 5:11–13—“Expel the wicked man from among you.” • 2 Thessalonians 3:14—“Have no company with him, so that he may be ashamed.” Practical moves: suspend membership, outline restoration steps, keep lines open for repentance. Step 7: Restore the Repentant • 2 Corinthians 2:6–8—welcome back the disciplined believer. • James 5:19–20—turning a sinner saves a soul and covers sin. Practical moves: affirm forgiveness, assign accountability partners, celebrate grace. Step 8: Depend on Scripture and the Spirit • Psalm 119:105—God’s word is a lamp. • John 16:8—the Spirit convicts of sin. Practical moves: saturate meetings with Scripture, pray for wisdom, submit to Christ’s authority. Step 9: Guard Your Own Heart • Galatians 6:1—“Watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” • Romans 12:3—think with sober judgment. Practical moves: invite personal accountability, reject self-righteousness, keep the cross central. Following these scriptural steps mirrors Israel’s decisive yet redemptive approach in Judges 20:12, enabling today’s church to confront sin faithfully and showcase the transforming power of the gospel. |
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