Galatians 6:1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.  There are two categories that are both horribly wrong when it comes to church discipline.  First, there are churches where anything goes.  It matters not if a professing believer indulges in sin.  The pastor and the people look the other way.  There may be many excuses given for this behavior but I promise you they are all wrong!  Secondly, there are those who are rigid in practicing church discipline where the prevailing motive is to get rid of someone, to put them out of the church.   Our text tells us the true motive for discipline, namely restoration.  Restore such a one!  Think of how Jesus restored Peter.  He cursed, he denied,  yet Jesus restored him and used him in a mighty way.  Now, if a brother or sister is approached by a spiritual person, the motive being love and restoration,  and they still won’t repent, then another should go with them to try to restore the fallen.  If that does not work, then, and only then, should it be brought before the church.  And yes, they should be put out of the church.  If they are true believers they will long for the fellowship of God’s people and the Lord Himself.   Repentance is not only for the unsaved, it is for the believer as well.  Consider please… 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat.
For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within?  But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.
I didn’t say it, God did.  The key phrase is “called a brother.”  When we are brothers, we should act like it!  Amen.  Pastor