The following "Question" was asked by a member of the congregation at Grace Community Church in Panorama City, California, and "Answered" by their pastor, John MacArthur Jr. It was transcribed from the tape, GC 1359, titled "How to Function in the Body"  A copy of the tape can be obtained by writing, Word of Grace, P.O. Box 4000, Panorama City, CA 91412 or by dialing toll free 1-800-55-GRACE. Copyright 2001 by John MacArthur Jr., All Rights Reserved.

Question

I have a question and that is in rebuking a brother and going to him in love if he is in sin or having problems, and trying to help him out of his problems, and he is stubborn or just doesn't...he's not seeking help nor wants any, what is the responsibility of myself for someone else at that point?

Answer

If you rebuke him and he does not confess the sin and turn from the sin, then you follow the pattern of Matthew 18. You take two or three witnesses. If they don't hear it, then you tell it to the church, which means you may tell it to a group of Christians, to the elders of the church and they should go deal with it. If they don't deal with it, then it says you treat him like a heathen and a tax collector, Matthew 18, put him out.

The other passage indicating what would be if he does respond somewhere along the line, then you would love him and restore him as a brother, Galatians, chapter 6. But if he does not respond, then you turn him away. Second Thessalonians 3 has the same issue. If your brother will not do what is right, then you admonish him as a brother but you sever your fellowship with him.

Added to Bible Bulletin Board's "MacArthur’s Questions and Answers" by:

Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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