Seeking the Wanderer

Matthew 18:15-20 gives the church information about how to correct a fellow Christian who is practicing sin. One of the major concepts is to keep the correction as private as possible for as long as possible. This helps maintain the good reputation of both the individual and the church, while still addressing the sin problem at hand.

Although this process is designed to solve sin privately, there is a point at which the whole congregation is to become involved. If a brother or sister refuses to repent and return to the Lord on multiple occasions (Matt. 18:15-16), then help is to be requested from the whole congregation (v.17). This final outreach is difficult to carry out correctly, and is easily presented in such a vague manner that the congregation fails to understand what is expected of them, causing confusion and an ultimate failure to reach the soul we care for so deeply.

Philippians 4:1-9 presents an excellent form to follow when “telling it to the church” in the soul-seeking process. What should be done to help both the congregation and the troubled brother see the path back to God’s side?

1. Present clear teaching concerning the correction required (Phil. 1-4:1). Paul spends most of the letter to the Philippians presenting them with examples of selfless people (Paul, Christ, Timothy, Epaphroditus), and clearly states the God-pleasing way of life: selfless and humble service to God, the gospel, and your brethren in Christ.
2. Identify by name those who need to change their behavior (Phil. 4:2). Paul didn’t beat around the bush, and neither should we. Souls are too important to be lost on political correctness. When a Christian has refused to repent after Matt. 18:15-16 have been obeyed, then clarity and urgency are required to reach their soul.
3. Call for every Christian in the congregation to reach out and help (Phil. 4:3). The entire congregation is called to help these ladies return to the Lord’s selfless and humble way of life. It is every Christian’s responsibility to reach out to their brethren who are departing the Lord. The key is everyone together caring for and seeking souls.
4. Give the church clear direction concerning how to solve the problem (Phil. 4:4-7). Paul spent time teaching the right way to live life, but he also gave commands concerning how to avoid self-centered thinking and behavior. If the congregation has not been taught what they should advise the wandering brother to do, they may advise the wrong path and cause more harm than good.
5. Remind the church not to dwell on the sin, but to reach out to the sinner (Phil. 4:8-9). No matter what sin is troubling your fellow Christian, one fact remains: Jesus Christ died for their soul as well as yours, and it is our duty to remember the good about them and seek to restore them and forgive them just as God does. We cannot do that if our minds continue to dwell only on their struggle and to label them with their “sin name”. We must instead dwell on the good. 

While not directly connected to Matthew 18:15-20, Philippians 4:1-9 seems like good advice about how to carry out Jesus’ command to “tell it to the church”. Church leaders and members alike should consider their role in bringing back a wandering brother, and be sure to follow the attitude and actions commanded by Christ.