Beth-El Baptist Church

06/15/2008

Greg Tomlinson


How do I deal with a sinning brother?


There are many different ways that people deal with the sins of others. Sometimes they ignore it. Sometimes they tell everybody they can find. Handling the situation properly is extremely important.


  1. Should a sinning brother be confronted?

1 Corinthians 5:1-6 Luke 3:1-8

Matthew 3:1-3; 4:17 Mark 1:14-15

Titus 3:8-11 James 5:19-20

1 Timothy 5:8 Ephesians 4:2-3

Proverbs 24:24-25 1 Timothy 5:19-20


There are many places where brothers confront fellow believers with the reality of the existence of sin. Sin must be confronted for a Christian to ignore sin in the life of other believers is likely to result in the propagation of that sin.


  1. How should a brother be confronted?

Matthew 18:15-17 Galatians 6:1

1 Corinthians 2:3-5; 6:12; 10:13, 23 1 Peter 3:15; 4:11

2 Corinthians 7:15 Hebrews 12:28

Colossians 4:6 Galatians 3:24-25

Romans 7:7; 14:2-6; James 4:17

2 Peter 3:17 Ephesians 4:15-16 cmp John 17:17

Matthew 7:1-5 Romans 2:21-23

2 Timothy 4:2-4


When confronting a brother with sin it is important to be certain that it is in fact a true sin and not just something that you consider to be sin. Some people claim that it is a sin to vote, a sin not to vote, a sin to vote for this party or the other party, a sin to wear certain clothing, drink certain drinks. The first question is whether or not it is in reality a sin and not a personal preference of some sort.


It is also important to evaluate why the sin is being brought up. Is the goal restoration and strengthening of the brother or is there some sort of person power or personal identification associated with approaching. Some feel they become the authority over another if they expose their sins.


Finally there is the approach itself. The approach needs be handled out of an awesome respect and fear of God and His word. The brother should be shown the word of God and in love and genuine desire for the growth of the brother encourage him. This should be done one-on-one. Only the two of you present. If the brother does not acknowledge his genuine sin, then bring a few more with you to confront him. If he does not listen, then it comes before the church. If he still does not listen, he is to be removed from fellowship until he is willing to seek repentance.