What role does "the power of our Lord Jesus" play in church discipline? Gathered in His Name, Acting in His Power “When you are assembled in the name of our Lord Jesus and I am with you in spirit, along with the power of our Lord Jesus, hand this man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 5:4-5) What “the Power of our Lord Jesus” Means Here • Not a vague influence but Christ’s own authority delegated to His people (Matthew 28:18) • The active presence of the risen Lord when believers gather under His lordship (Matthew 18:20) • Spiritual jurisdiction enabling the church to make binding decisions on earth that echo in heaven (Matthew 18:18) How That Power Operates in Discipline 1. Legitimizes the action – Church leaders do not act on personal preference; they carry out a command backed by Christ’s rule (2 Corinthians 13:10). 2. Protects the congregation – Sin unchecked is like leaven (1 Corinthians 5:6-7). Christ’s power cuts it off before it spreads. 3. Targets ultimate restoration – “Hand this man over to Satan” sounds severe, yet the end goal is “that his spirit may be saved” (v. 5). Jesus’ power carries both the discipline and the hope of repentance (see 2 Corinthians 2:6-8). 4. Demonstrates Christ’s holiness – His church is His body; He jealously guards its purity (Ephesians 5:25-27). 5. Unifies the assembly – The whole church, “assembled,” acts together, preventing factionalism. Christ’s power knits hearts around obedience rather than opinion (Philippians 2:2). Linked Passages That Reinforce the Principle • Matthew 18:15-20 — Steps of discipline climactically sealed by Jesus’ presence “where two or three gather in My name.” • 1 Timothy 1:20 — Paul “handed over” Hymenaeus and Alexander so they “may be taught not to blaspheme,” echoing the same authoritative pattern. • Galatians 6:1 — Restorative spirit urged: “restore him gently,” possible only in Christ’s enabling power. • Ephesians 1:20-22 — Jesus seated “far above all rule and authority” ensures His power over both church and spiritual adversaries. Why This Matters for Us Today • Christ’s power keeps discipline from becoming either harsh legalism or permissive neglect. • Relying on that power draws attention away from personalities and back to the Lord Himself. • It assures offenders—and the whole body—that even hard steps are taken under the Shepherd’s care, aiming at salvation, not shame. Living Under the Same Power • Before discipline, seek Christ’s mind through Scripture and united prayer. • During discipline, speak truth seasoned with grace, conscious of His presence. • After discipline, remain ready to reaffirm love when repentance appears, showcasing the same power that wounds to heal. |
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