In addition to strengthening and encouraging one another, we also see in the New Testament that Christians joined together in their struggle against sin (Gal. 6:1-10). They encouraged each other to hold the other accountable to repent of sin. In dealing with offenses, if a Christian chose not to repent of his/her sin, the every brother and sister was informed to deal with those offenses “when they came together.” 1 Corinthians 5:4-5 reads, “In the name of our Lord Jesus, ye being gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus, to deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” Notice this was done when they were gathered together. The context of this passage, however, concerned the correction of brethren’s treatment or lack of treatment toward one in sin. Their silence or lack of action was making known toward all that they winked at sin. Living with your father’s wife was frowned upon by the city of Corinth, even among those not in the body of Christ. Taking this drastic and public action was as much for the benefit of the negligent brethren who tolerated his sin than it was for the brother living in the sin. Because of the public nature of the sin, the withdrawal must be equally public. A second observation from the text is that this case was unquestionable sin. There was little occasion to excuse, question, or convict anyone about the matter. Since there was no denying it, it would be similar to telling the world that we have no allegiance to God, that we can sleep with the enemy without any repercusions.
By contrast, Matt. 18:15-17 records Jesus teaching on how to deal with offenses between two brethren. In this case, it starts off not public, but private. If a man wrongs his brother and does not repent when his fault is brought to him by the man or by two or three witnesses, then the matter was to be taken before the brethren. Ideally, when brethren confess their sins one to another, as James teaches us, we can share our sins to others who will hold accountable, remind us, and pray with us. This pattern is broken, however, when a brother or sister refuses to correct his sin and repent. The next step is for the informed brother to bring the case to a few others; not everyone else, but just two or three. The connection of bringing two or three is to provide testimony in the case. By bringing a few more into the picture, the hope of repentance is increased. If nothing changes, then all are informed and come to him with the effort to bring him to repentance. I that doesn’t work, and he continues to be unyielding, he is to be considered a “heathen and publican.” In other words, the bond of fellowship is broken from him.
Today, in light of the fact that so many would consider their membership as mere acquaintances or in some cases complete strangers, it is often a comfort for them to leave without any remorse if “their church” withdraws from them. In such a case, the claim to withdraw fellowship is only an invitation to leave from where one is not wanted. This would be avoided if we were as involved in each other’s lives as a physical family is involved in the life of the family. It is heart-wrenching break of fellowship by each individual Christian who are very much a part of their lives.