Notice: In the points below I refer to ADULT believers. I truly believe that Scripture is clear that whom God loves He chastens/disciplines (Proverbs 3:12; Hebrews 12:6), and that throughout scripture He is always THE direct AGENT/DISTRIBUTOR of punishment/consequences for sin, regardless of whether or not the sinner is repentant or unrepentant…His way and timing are always perfect. In order to follow suit, earthly fathers are to do the same towards their own adolescent children (Hebrews 12:6-11). But never in the NT do we find an example of a parent or other adults disciplining other repentant adult believers, especially the disciplining of another person’s adult child (adolescent child as well). Unfortunately, this has become a normal traditional practice within our circles that needs humble reevaluation, reconsideration and the making of appropriate changes. I believe there is an age of accountability towards others for any sin committed, especially accountability for unrepentance (Matthew 18:15-20). Twice in John 9:21-23 we read that the parents of the man born blind told the Jewish leaders to discontinue asking the father and mother questions. Rather, his parents replied, “Ask him. He is of age.” Therefore, all I refer to below will deal with how believers should correctly respond to their fellow repentant brothers and sisters in the Lord. I keep it at believers because we need to set the tone in our communities and be a true representation for Him and for His glory. That doesn’t mean we can’t show grace, love, mercy and forgiveness to those outside the faith…we just need to do a better job of how we treat ONE ANOTHER who are In Christ. Otherwise we’ll never have a voice in the life of an unbeliever, and we’ll develop walls between ourselves and the unbelieving world, because why would they ever want to become a part of a community that treats each other so badly!
Nate Passages supporting that God is to be THE sole distributing Agent.
Supporting Definitions:
As the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, So our eyes look to the Lord our God, Until He has mercy on us.
Point #5: What should be the proper Biblical response of the repentant adult believer?
My faithful Father, enduring Friend Your tender mercy's like a river with no end It overwhelms me, covers my sin Each time I come into Your presence I stand in wonder once again Your grace still amazes me Your love is still a mystery Each day I fall on my knees 'Cause Your grace still amazes me Your grace still amazes me Oh, patient Saviour, You make me whole You are the Author and the Healer of my soul What can I give You, Lord, what can I say I know there's no way to repay You Only to offer You my praise Your grace still amazes me Your love is still a mystery Each day I fall on my knees 'Cause Your grace still amazes me Your grace still amazes me It's deeper, it's wider It's stronger, it's higher It's deeper it's wider It's stronger, it's higher than anything my eyes can see Your grace still amazes me Your love is still a mystery Each day I fall on my knees 'Cause Your grace still amazes me Your grace still amazes me https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/phillipscraigdean/yourgracestillamazesme.html
Hope this study has been helpful. Feel free to comment on anything I’ve written…I’m humble enough to consider others thoughts and opinions. Practicing His Presence, Nate
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AuthorNate Smith is a husband, a father of 6 girls, grandpa to 3 granddaughters and one grandson, a police and fire chaplain, a pastor, and has a passion to see men grow in Christ. #girldad including granddaughter
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