Brother Robert made a statement elsewhere that sparked the idea of this thread.
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I personally know of a sound congregation that when it takes note of a non-Christian in their midst will arrange a study with the individual and talk to them about why their worship is not acceptable before the Lord. How he doesn't hear or answer their prayers. How he doesn't accept their worship because they are not his children nor obeying his will. Of course, there is more tact in place than these sentences (I am using them for brevity but you get the point of the subject matter).
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There is no doubt that many lost souls are walking in and out of the building doors where members of the Lord's church worship and study. It behooves us as members to do all we can to try to setup personal Bible study with these lost souls. Unfortunately, I fear that "many" congregations are ignoring the opportunities presented. However, this is not what I would like to discuss in this thread.
While it is important that we attempt to study with the lost, it is as equally important that we prevent our brothers and sisters in Christ from going back to that lost state that they were once in. Several families and members of the church recently left a congregation because of the extreme liberalism and public sin that is condoned in that congregation. It is not hard to see how apparent public sins are widely ignored in many congregations of the Lord's church. This is what I would like to address in this thread.
What are public sins? These are sins that are carried out in public where anyone can see or clearly know about the sin through various communication avenues. I am not referring to gossip as one of those communication avenues, but rather things such as the newspaper, school programs and other advertising means. We may not be able to physically see and witness the public sin, but we can read about it and/or see evidence via pictures that are publicly available.
What are some of those public sins? Nearly any sin can be public, although there are several that are done secretly and privately. Public sins may include any of the following:
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:19-21).
Obviously, this is not an all inclusive list, but it covers the vast majority, especially in light of the inspired Paul writing "and the like"... ("things like these" NASB/ESV) after listing many sins of the flesh.
Some of the more common public sins, also known as "social evils" that have become acceptable or tolerable by many congregations of the Lord's church... and certainly by most all denominations... are such things as smoking, using tobacco, social drinking, gambling, dancing, cheerleading, beauty pageants, mixed swimming, immodest dress, supporting denominational activities and events, fellowshipping with denominations... and probably not so surprisingly, the hatred toward brothers who through love and obedience to God's Word, attempt to address these public sins with those who are guilty. Again, this list is in no way exhaustive.
When congregations of the Lord's church ignore these public sins that are prevalent among their members, they basically give approval to those who practice them (Romans 1:32).
This can cause others to believe those sins are not really sins. It can cause those who are innocent to sin. It misrepresents what the church stands for, the truth. It can cause the congregation to appear to be nothing more than a denomination. It fits the pattern that Paul warned Timothy about (2Timothy 4:3-4). There are numerous consequences when public sin is ignored.
As "children of God", what are our obligations to those brothers and sisters who are publicly erring?
If we love God and if we love His children, we will obey God and what He has commanded of us to do in these situations.
By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God and keep His commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome (1John 5:2-3).
Immediately after Paul was inspired by God to explain that those who practice works of the flesh "and the like" would cause them to not be able to enter the kingdom of heaven (Galatians 5:19-21 above), He also inspired Paul to explain what the responsibility of those "who are spiritual" is to those who practice such things.
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted (Galatians 6:1).
Paul is obviously speaking to all "brethren", as he is addressing the Christians in Galatia, but he also emphasizes those "who are spiritual", implying that those who are more learned in the Scriptures should be the ones to address those in error. In the case of a private sin, brother against brother, that situation would be handled differently (Matthew 18:15-17). In the case with the Galatians, it is evident that Paul is referring to those who are overtaken by sin in which other brethren can identify. This is not to say that in some cases we may identify or learn of a brother or sisters private sin, although at that time it would seem to be publicized. The point being with those who are publicly sinning, the sin is "public" and it would be good judgment for those brethren who are more seasoned in the Scriptures to address those who err. A new convert may not be as effective as a more spiritual brother. If the congregation has elders, whose duty is to shepherd the flock and who should be respected by the sheep which they shepherd, it would again be sound judgment to allow the elders to address those in error (1Peter 5:1-5, Hebrews 13:17, Titus 1:9).
James was also inspired by God to explain how we can carry out our love for His children in error.
Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins (James 5:19-20).
Where are our brothers and sisters who claim they love God and claim they love our brothers and sisters in Christ?
He who says, "I know Him," and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him (1John 2:4-5).
It seems as though it is not often just anyone is willing to adhere to the Scriptures when it comes to going to a brother or sister in sin. It is a very difficult thing to do and there is no doubt anyone doing so is very likely to be received with resistance and possibly even persecution. However, God is so very clear about the fact that if we truly love our brothers and sisters in Christ, we will obey His Word and take the necessary steps to do what is right by going to that brother or sister.
I have asked on many occasions if it is loving and right to allow a brother or sister to continue to wallow in their public sin. If we know a brother or sister is in sin and we do nothing… and that brother or sister die in their sin, this will be viewed by God as neglecting to love our brother or sister. No doubt, it may be difficult to go and see that brother or sister in sin, but it is absolutely necessary if we truly love them.
It is evident in many congregations today that when we identify public sin, call sin by name, condemn its practice, and oppose it, that tragically, some claim such actions are unloving, despite God telling us that through our obedience to Him is how we know we love our brothers and sisters.
I welcome your thoughts and additional comments!
All quoted Scripture is from the NKJV unless otherwise noted.