Controversy erupted a couple of months ago when a Baptist church in Waynesville, North Carolina allegedly expelled some forty members because they voted for John Kerry as opposed to George Bush in the last presidential election. In the aftermath, the pastor resigned saying, "For me to remain now would only cause more hurt for me and my family." No doubt the entire story is yet to be told. Whether or not church discipline is an appropriate measure in this instance regarding a vote for Kerry or Bush is an issue that would require much analysis and critical thinking. Some would argue that a principled vote for Bush could not have been cast. Again, the issue is complex in light of Scripture and beyond the scope of this piece. But, the incident in Waynesville does raise the question of church discipline. Should the church practice discipline at all? An affirmative argument was set forth in part one of this article. Further support for the biblical practice follows.

Third, church discipline must be practiced in order to feel the weight of the sin. We should grieve over sin, not laugh at it, ignore it, justify it, exalt it, or condone it. Paul goes on to say (v. 2) that their grief should have led them to remove the offender from their midst.

A question must be raised at this point. Is Paul telling the church to remove this offender from the church without a fair trial, that is, without the due process of church discipline? Is Paul advocating removal without allowing an opportunity for restoration? The answer to these questions is an emphatic "no" for two reasons. First, in light of Scripture as a whole (we must let Scripture interpret Scripture), and in light of a proper doctrine of inspiration, Paul, writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, could not have advocated that the church violate the clear process and purpose of church discipline as outlined in Scripture (Matthew 18). Second, in v. 5, Paul holds out hope for restoration of this sinning individual. In holding out such hope, Paul would not circumvent the biblical process of restoration, nor would he remove an individual from the church that he might be given over to Satan if he did not have to endure such hardship for the sake of his soul.

The question remains, "what is Paul doing?" It could be that he is advocating that they go through the process. However, in light of vv. 3-5, it seems as if the process of church discipline has already gone through two stages. That is, the sinning brother has been confronted by one or more individuals and has refused to repent. Moreover, he has been confronted with two or three witnesses and has refused to repent. The third stage of church discipline, that is, being brought before the church and being removed from the church if necessary, has not been brought to bear upon his sin that he might be restored.