Cut Off the Trouble Makers? (Gal 5:10-12)
The term “cut off” (Gal 5:12) has the same meaning as to amputate. Amputation is a very serious matter that is carried out as the last resort after doctors have tried all means to save the limbs of the patient. It was very serious for Paul to ask the Galatian Church to “cut off” the trouble makers who were disturbing the peace and unity of the church with their false teachings. In a church, the leaders use the five-stage, biblical process (with increasing severity) to discipline erring church members. First, the leaders gently admonish the erring member. If the member does not repent, it would be followed by strong rebuke, suspension from ministry and partaking of Lord’s Supper, deposition and, finally, excommunication (i.e. to cut off). What is the basis of cutting off?
Church leaders must not be respecters of faces/men when exercising church discipline. The trouble makers may be family members, close friends, people who have helped us in times of needs, people of great social status, etc. There is to be no exceptions as long as that person has acted wrongly and is disturbing the peace and unity of the church. He must be dealt with and he must bear the judgment. This is also a hallmark of a good leader. God Himself is no respecter of persons.
When any accusations are made, the church leaders are not to make their judgment based solely on hearsay. Investigations must be conducted, resulting in clear, correct evidence being collected and presented. Paul used a rhetorical question here to argue that the gospel brought in by the false teachers is a different gospel. This was why Paul had continually faced persecutions from them. This was clear evidence that all the members could see. Do not be made used of by others to do their biddings (when we listen to them). Instead, we must conduct proper investigations.
Any cutting off is to be done with a heavy heart. It must not be done for personal gains or desires. The church leaders’ godly desire must be for the sinner to be convinced of his errors, and must be to point him to the right doctrine that he may be saved. The hope is always for the sinner to repent during the five-stage, biblical process without needing to come to excommunication (i.e. to cut off). But eventually, cutting off is necessary for the wellbeing and unity of the church. |