Lesson 57 Explore 3: Help for Those Who Are Removed From the Congregation | Watchtower Study
STUDY ARTICLE 35
Help for Those Who Are Removed From the Congregation
“There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous ones who have no need of repentance.”-
(Luke 15.7: I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous ones who have no need of repentance.)
FOCUS
Why some individuals need to be removed from the congregation and how elders can help such ones to repent and be restored to Jehovah’s favor.
1-2. (a) How does Jehovah view willful sin? (b) What is Jehovah’s hope toward wrongdoers?
JEHOVAH is not a permissive God; he does not condone sin.
(Psalm 5.4-6: For you are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No one bad may remain with you. No arrogant person may stand in your presence. You hate all those who behave wickedly; You will destroy those who speak lies. Jehovah detests violent and deceptive people.)
He requires that we respect his righteous standards, which he has set forth for us in his Word. Of course, Jehovah does not expect perfection from imperfect people.
(Psalm 130.3, 4: If errors were what you watch, O Jah, Then who, O Jehovah, could stand? For with you there is true forgiveness, So that you may be held in awe.)
At the same time, he does not tolerate ‘ungodly men who turn his undeserved kindness into an excuse for brazen conduct.’
(Jude 4: My reason is that certain men have slipped in among you who were long ago appointed to this judgment by the Scriptures; they are ungodly men who turn the undeserved kindness of our God into an excuse for brazen conduct and who prove false to our only owner and Lord, Jesus Christ.)
Indeed, the Bible speaks of the “destruction of the ungodly” at God’s war of Armageddon.-
(2 Peter 3.7: But by the same word the heavens and the earth that now exist are reserved for fire and are being kept until the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly people.)
(Revelation 16.16: And they gathered them together to the place that is called in Hebrew Armageddon.)
2. However, Jehovah does not want anyone to suffer destruction. As we discussed earlier in this series of articles, the Bible clearly states that he “desires all to attain to repentance.”
(2 Peter 3.9: Jehovah is not slow concerning his promise, as some people consider slowness, but he is patient with you because he does not desire anyone to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.)
Christian elders imitate Jehovah as they patiently try to help wrongdoers to change their ways and be restored to Jehovah’s favor. However, not all wrongdoers respond favorably.
(Isaiah 6.9: And he replied, “Go, and say to this people: ‘You will hear again and again, But you will not understand; You will see again and again, But you will not get any knowledge.’)
Some continue in a wrong course despite the elders’ repeated efforts to lead them to repentance. What is to be done in such a situation?
“REMOVE THE WICKED PERSON”
3. (a) What does the Bible say should be done with unrepentant sinners? (b) Why can we say that, in a sense, the wrongdoer has chosen to be removed from the congregation?
3. When a wrongdoer is unrepentant, the elders have no choice but to follow the direction found at “Remove the wicked person from among yourselves.” In a sense, the wrongdoer has chosen that consequence; he is reaping what he has sown.
(1 Corinthians 5.13: while God judges those outside? “Remove the wicked person from among yourselves.”)
(Galatians 6.7: Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a person is sowing, this he will also reap;)
Why can we say that? Because he has refused to respond to repeated attempts by the elders to lead him to repentance.
(2 Kings 17.12-15: They continued to serve disgusting idols, about which Jehovah had told them: “You must not do this!” Jehovah kept warning Israel and Judah through all his prophets and every visionary, saying: “Turn back from your wicked ways! Keep my commandments and my statutes according to all the law that I commanded your forefathers and that I sent to you through my servants the prophets.” But they did not listen, and they remained just as stubborn as their forefathers who had not shown faith in Jehovah their God. They continued rejecting his regulations and his covenant that he had made with their forefathers and his reminders that he had given to warn them, and they kept following worthless idols and became worthless themselves, imitating the nations all around them that Jehovah had commanded them not to imitate.)
His actions show that he has chosen not to abide by Jehovah’s standards.-
(Deuteronomy 30.19, 20: I take the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you today that I have put life and death before you, the blessing and the curse; and you must choose life so that you may live, you and your descendants, by loving Jehovah your God, by listening to his voice, and by sticking to him, for he is your life and by him you will endure a long time in the land that Jehovah swore to give to your forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”)
4. Why is an announcement made when an unrepentant wrongdoer is removed from the congregation?
4. When an unrepentant wrongdoer is removed from the congregation, an announcement is made to inform the congregation that he is no longer one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The purpose of that announcement is not to humiliate the wrongdoer. Rather, it is made so that the congregation can follow the Scriptural admonition to “stop keeping company” with that person, “not even eating with” him.
(1 Corinthians 5.9-11: In my letter I wrote you to stop keeping company with sexually immoral people, not meaning entirely with the sexually immoral people of this world or the greedy people or extortioners or idolaters. Otherwise, you would actually have to get out of the world. But now I am writing you to stop keeping company with anyone called a brother who is sexually immoral or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man.)
That direction is given for good reason. The apostle Paul wrote: “A little leaven ferments the whole batch of dough.”
(1 Corinthians 5.6: Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven ferments the whole batch of dough?)
Unrepentant wrongdoers can weaken the determination of those who are trying to live by Jehovah’s righteous standards.-
(Proverbs 13.20: The one walking with the wise will become wise, But the one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly.)
(1 Corinthians 15.33: Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.)
5. How should we view a person who has been removed from the congregation, and why?
5. How, then, should we view a fellow believer who is removed from the congregation? Although we do not socialize with him, we should view him as a lost sheep, not a lost cause. A sheep that has strayed from the fold may well return. Remember, that lost sheep dedicated himself to Jehovah. Sadly, he is not living up to that dedication at present, and that puts him in a dangerous position.
(Ezekiel 18.31: Rid yourselves of all the transgressions you have committed and acquire a new heart and a new spirit, for why should you die, O house of Israel?’)
Nevertheless, as long as Jehovah’s mercy is available, there is hope that the person will return. How do the elders reflect that hope even toward a wrongdoer who has been removed from the congregation?
HOW THE ELDERS ASSIST THOSE WHO ARE REMOVED
6. What steps will the elders take to assist one who has been removed from the congregation?
6. Is the individual who has been removed from the congregation abandoned-left completely on his own to find his way back to Jehovah? By no means! When informing an unrepentant wrongdoer that he will be removed from the congregation, the committee of elders will explain to him what steps he can take to return to the congregation. But the elders will do even more. In most cases, they will tell the wrongdoer that they would like to meet with him again after a few months have passed to see if he has had a change of heart. If the wrongdoer is willing to meet with them again, the elders will at that subsequent meeting make a warm appeal for him to repent and return. Even if he has not had a change of heart at that time, the elders will make periodic efforts to contact him in the future.
7. How do the elders reflect Jehovah’s compassion when dealing with a person who has been removed from the congregation? (Jeremiah 3:12)
7. The elders strive to reflect Jehovah’s compassion as they deal with someone who has been removed from the congregation. For example, Jehovah did not wait for his wayward people in ancient Israel to take the first step. Rather, he took the initiative to reach out to them even before they showed any signs of repentance. As noted in the second article in this series, Jehovah illustrated his compassion by telling the prophet Hosea to offer reconciliation to his wife, who was still sinning.
(Hosea 3.1: Then Jehovah said to me: “Go once again, love the woman who is loved by another man and is committing adultery, just as Jehovah loves the people of Israel while they turn to other gods and love raisin cakes.”)
(Malachi 3.7: From the days of your forefathers you have turned aside from my regulations and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says Jehovah of armies. But you say: “How are we supposed to return?”)
In imitation of Jehovah, Christian elders genuinely want the wrongdoer to return, and they do not make it difficult for him to do so.-Read
(Jeremiah 3.12: Go and proclaim these words to the north: “‘“Return, O renegade Israel,” declares Jehovah.’ ‘“I will not look down angrily on you, for I am loyal,” declares Jehovah.’ ‘“I will not stay resentful forever.)
8. How does Jesus’ parable of the lost son offer further insight into Jehovah’s compassion and mercy? (Luke 15:7)
8. Recall Jesus’ parable of the lost son, as discussed in the second article in this series. When catching sight of his son returning home, the father “ran and embraced him and tenderly kissed him.”
(Luke 15.20: So he got up and went to his father. While he was still a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was moved with pity, and he ran and embraced him and tenderly kissed him.)
Notice that the father did not wait for his son to beg for forgiveness. Rather, he took the initiative, as any loving father would. The elders strive to show a similar attitude toward those who have strayed. They want these lost sheep to “come back home.”
(Luke 15.22-24: But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quick! bring out a robe, the best one, and clothe him with it, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. Also bring the fattened calf, slaughter it, and let us eat and celebrate, for this son of mine was dead but has come to life again; he was lost and has been found.’ And they started to enjoy themselves.)
(Luke 15.32: But we just had to celebrate and rejoice, for your brother was dead but has come to life; he was lost and has been found.’”)
There is joy in heaven when a sinner returns, and there is joy on earth as well!-Read
(Luke 15.7: I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous ones who have no need of repentance.)
9. How does Jehovah warmly appeal to sinners?
9. From what we have considered so far, it is clear that Jehovah does not condone unrepentant wrongdoing. However, he does not turn his back on wrongdoers. He wants them to return. Jehovah’s feelings toward repentant wrongdoers are expressed at “I will heal their unfaithfulness. I will love them of my own free will, because my anger has turned away.” What a strong incentive for elders to respond to any signs of repentance. And what a strong incentive for those who have left Jehovah to return without delay.
(Hosea 14.4: I will heal their unfaithfulness. I will love them of my own free will, Because my anger has turned away from him.)
10-11. How will the elders try to help those who in the past were removed from the congregation?
10. What about individuals who in the past were removed from the congregation, perhaps many years ago? Such individuals may no longer be practicing the sin for which they were removed. In some situations, they may not even recall why they were removed. Whatever the case, the elders will try to locate and visit these individuals. During such visits, the elders will even offer to pray with them and make a warm appeal for them to return to the congregation. Of course, if a person has been away from the congregation for many years, he would no doubt be very weak spiritually. Therefore, if he indicates that he wants to return to the congregation, the elders might arrange for someone to conduct a Bible study with him, even though he has not yet been reinstated. In all cases, the elders would be the ones to arrange for the Bible study.
11. In imitation of Jehovah’s compassion, the elders want to reach out and help as many as possible to know that the door is open for them to come back. When a sinner manifests repentance and abandons his wrong course, he can be reinstated without delay.-
(2 Corinthians 2.6-8: This rebuke given by the majority is sufficient for such a man; now you should instead kindly forgive and comfort him, so that he may not be overwhelmed by excessive sadness. I therefore exhort you to confirm your love for him.)
12. (a) What situations require elders to be especially careful? (b) Why should we not feel that it is impossible for certain types of sinners to receive Jehovah’s mercy? (See also footnote.)
12. In certain circumstances the elders need to be especially careful before reinstating someone. For example, if a person was guilty of child abuse or apostasy or if he schemed to end a marriage, the elders would want to be sure that he is truly repentant.
(Malachi 2.14: And you say, ‘For what reason?’ It is because Jehovah has acted as a witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously, although she is your partner and your wife by covenant.)
(2 Timothy 3.6: From among these arise men who slyly work their way into households and captivate weak women loaded down with sins, led by various desires,)
They must protect the flock. At the same time, we need to realize that Jehovah will accept back any wrongdoer who shows genuine repentance and stops engaging in wrong conduct. So although the elders exercise due caution with those who have dealt treacherously with others, they should not go so far as to say that certain types of sinners can never receive Jehovah’s mercy. -
(1 Peter 2.10: For you were once not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not been shown mercy, but now you have received mercy.)
WHAT THE CONGREGATION CAN DO
13. What is the difference between the way we treat someone who has been reproved by the elders and the way we treat someone who has been removed from the congregation?
13. As discussed in the preceding article, sometimes an announcement is made that a person has been reproved. In such a case, we can continue to associate with him, knowing that he repented and abandoned his wrong course.
(1 Timothy 5.20: Reprove before all onlookers those who practice sin, as a warning to the rest.)
He is still a part of the congregation and needs the encouragement that comes from associating with fellow believers.
(Hebrews 10.24, 25: And let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking our meeting together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you see the day drawing near.)
However, the situation is quite different with a person who has been removed from the congregation. We “stop keeping company” with that person, “not even eating with such a man.”-
(1 Corinthians 5.11: But now I am writing you to stop keeping company with anyone called a brother who is sexually immoral or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man.)
14. How can Christians use their Bible-trained conscience in dealing with those who have been removed from the congregation? (See also picture.)
14. Does what we have considered mean that we would completely ignore a person who has been removed from the congregation? Not necessarily. Certainly, we would not socialize with him. But Christians can use their Bible-trained conscience in deciding whether to invite a person who was removed from the congregation-perhaps a relative or someone they were close to previously-to attend a congregation meeting. What if he attends? In the past, we would not greet such a person. Here again, each Christian needs to use his Bible-trained conscience in this matter. Some may feel comfortable with greeting or welcoming the person to the meeting. However, we would not have an extended conversation or socialize with the individual.
CAPTION: Christians can use their Bible-trained conscience when deciding whether to invite a person who has been removed from the congregation to a meeting or to welcome the individual to the meeting with a simple greeting (See paragraph 14)
15. What type of sinners are described at 2 John 9-11? (See also the box “ Were John and Paul Discussing the Same Kind of Sin?”)
15. Some may wonder, ‘Doesn’t the Bible say that a Christian who says a greeting to such a person becomes a sharer in his wicked works?’ (Read9-11.) The context of this scripture shows that this direction refers to apostates and others who actively promote wrong conduct.
(Revelation 2.20: “‘Nevertheless, I do hold this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and misleads my slaves to commit sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols.)
Therefore, if a person is actively promoting apostate teachings or other wrongdoing, the elders would not arrange to visit him. Of course, there is hope that he will come to his senses. Until that happens, though, we would neither greet such a person nor invite him to attend a congregation meeting.
Were John and Paul Discussing the Same Kind of Sin?
In his second inspired letter, the apostle John wrote: “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him. For the one who says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works.”-10, 11.
In stating that Christians should not even “say a greeting,” was John adding to the apostle Paul’s direction found at
(1 Corinthians 5.11: But now I am writing you to stop keeping company with anyone called a brother who is sexually immoral or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man.)
“to stop keeping company” with people who had been removed from the congregation? Were John and Paul discussing the same kind of sin? Evidently not.
Consider the differences between the circumstances addressed by each apostle. Paul wrote with regard to a man who was committing sexual immorality. About 43 years later, John wrote with regard to apostates and others who actively promote false teachings and wrong conduct. For example, some were teaching that Jesus was not the Christ.-
(1 John 2.22: Who is the liar but the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one who denies the Father and the Son.)
(1 John 4.2, 3: This is how you know that the inspired statement is from God: Every inspired statement that acknowledges Jesus Christ as having come in the flesh originates with God. But every inspired statement that does not acknowledge Jesus does not originate with God. Furthermore, this is the antichrist’s inspired statement that you have heard was coming, and now it is already in the world.)
When John wrote his letters, apostasy was widespread. Although he knew that he could not prevent it, he fulfilled his responsibility as an apostle to act “as a restraint” against apostasy by holding it back as long as possible.-
(2 Thessalonians 2.7: True, the mystery of this lawlessness is already at work, but only until the one who is right now acting as a restraint is out of the way.)
Thus, John warned fellow believers to avoid being fooled by these deceivers and false teachers. He directed Christians never to accept such ones into their homes or even to greet them. Greeting someone who promotes falsehood would give him an opening for presenting his twisted, corrupt teachings. Something similar could happen if a person commented on apostate computer blogs or social media. Anyone who would welcome an apostate with a greeting would become “a sharer in his wicked works.”
By contrast, Paul wrote with regard to a man who had to be removed from the congregation for sexual immorality, as indicated in 1 Corinthians chapter 5. But that man was apparently not an apostate; nor was he actively teaching others to violate God’s standards. (Compare )
(Revelation 2.20: “‘Nevertheless, I do hold this against you, that you tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, and she teaches and misleads my slaves to commit sexual immorality and to eat things sacrificed to idols.)
So while Paul directed those in the congregation to stop keeping company with him-not even eating with him-he did not state that they must never say a simple greeting.
IMITATING JEHOVAH’S COMPASSION AND MERCY
16-17. (a) What does Jehovah want sinners to do? (Ezekiel 18:32) (b) How can elders show themselves to be fellow workers with Jehovah when trying to help wrongdoers?
16. What have we learned in this five-part series? Jehovah does not want anyone to be destroyed!
Read Ezekiel 18.32: “‘I do not take any pleasure in the death of anyone,’ declares the Sovereign Lord Jehovah. ‘So turn back and live.’”
He wants sinners to be reconciled to him.
(2 Corinthians 5.20: Therefore, we are ambassadors substituting for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us. As substitutes for Christ, we beg: “Become reconciled to God.”)
That is why throughout history, Jehovah has repeatedly urged his wayward people-as well as wayward individuals-to repent and return to him. Congregation elders are privileged to be fellow workers with Jehovah as they strive to lead wrongdoers to repentance.-
(Romans 2.4: Or do you despise the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, because you do not know that God in his kindness is trying to lead you to repentance?)
(1 Corinthians 3.9: For we are God’s fellow workers. You are God’s field under cultivation, God’s building.)
17. Imagine the joy in heaven when sinners repent! Our heavenly Father, Jehovah, personally experiences that joy every time one of his lost sheep returns to the congregation. Our love for Jehovah continues to deepen as we meditate on his compassion, mercy, and undeserved kindness.-
(Luke 1.78: because of the tender compassion of our God. With this compassion a daybreak will visit us from on high,)
HOW WOULD YOU ANSWER?
• Why do some need to be removed from the congregation?
• How can elders reflect Jehovah’s compassion?
• How can individuals in the congregation use their Bible-trained conscience when dealing with those who have been removed?
[End of article.]