Utawala, Ibada na Sakramenti za Kipresbiteri — Sehemu ya 5: Nidhamu ya Kanisa na UshirikiPresbyterian Polity, Worship, and Sacraments — Unit 5: Church Discipline and Membership

Mstari MkuuKey Verse

"Tena ndugu yako akikosa, enenda ukamwonye, wewe na yeye peke yenu. Akikusikia, umempata ndugu yako." (Mathayo 18:15, SUV)"Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother." (Matthew 18:15, NKJV)

Malengo ya KujifunzaLearning Objectives

Utakapomaliza kipindi hiki, unapaswa kuwa na uwezo wa:When you finish this unit, you should be able to:

1. Kueleza ushiriki wa kanisa ni nini, kwa nini Maandiko yanauunga mkono, na makanisa ya Matengenezo yanawataka nini wale wanaojiunga.1. Explain what church membership is, why Scripture supports it, and what the Reformed churches require of those who join.

2. Kueleza kwa nini nidhamu inaitwa alama ya kanisa la kweli na Maungamo ya Ubelgiji na ya Uskoti, na kueleza mjadala juu ya jinsi alama zinavyohesabiwa.2. Explain why discipline is called a mark of the true church by the Belgic and Scots Confessions, and describe the debate over how the marks are counted.

3. Kutaja makusudi ya nidhamu na hatua za Mathayo 18, na kuonyesha jinsi vifungu vingine (1 Wakorintho 5, 2 Wakorintho 2, Wagalatia 6, 2 Wathesalonike 3) vinavyounda mazoezi hayo.3. State the purposes of discipline and the steps of Matthew 18, and show how other passages (1 Corinthians 5, 2 Corinthians 2, Galatians 6, 2 Thessalonians 3) shape the practice.

4. Kutofautisha hatua za nidhamu, kutoka kuonya hadi kutengwa na ushirika, na kueleza jinsi mtu aliyetubu anavyorejeshwa.4. Distinguish the stages of discipline, from admonition to excommunication, and describe how a repentant person is restored.

5. Kutaja pingamizi kuu dhidi ya nidhamu ya kanisa na kutoa jibu la Matengenezo kwa kila moja.5. State the main objections to church discipline and give the Reformed answer to each.

Sauti ya Kozi HiiThe Voice of This Course

Kozi hii imeandikwa kutoka ndani ya mapokeo ya Matengenezo (Reformed) na ya Kipresbiteri, kwa ajili ya wanafunzi wanaoyashiriki. Ni ya kihafidhina na ya kiungamo cha imani. Wakristo wengi waaminifu katika makanisa mengine wana shaka kwamba Maandiko yanafundisha ushiriki rasmi, na wengi hawana raha kuhusu nidhamu. Tunaeleza maoni yao kwa haki, kisha tunatoa jibu letu. Katika kipindi hiki cha mwisho juu ya uongozi tunauliza ni nani anayehusika na kundi na jinsi wazee wanavyolitunza.This course is written from inside the Reformed and Presbyterian tradition, for students who belong to it. It is conservative and confessional. Many faithful Christians in other churches doubt that Scripture teaches formal membership, and many are uneasy about discipline. We state their views fairly and then give our answer. In this last unit on government we ask who belongs to the flock and how the elders watch over it.

Ushiriki wa Kanisa Ni Nini?What Is Church Membership?

Ungamo la Imani la Westminster (sura ya 25) linafundisha kwamba kanisa linaloonekana lina wote ulimwenguni kote wanaokiri dini ya kweli, pamoja na watoto wao. Ni ufalme wa Kristo na nyumba na jamaa ya Mungu. Hii haimaanishi kwamba kila mshiriki wa kanisa linaloonekana ameokoka. Inamaanisha kwamba Kristo ameliweka kanisa kuwa mahali ambapo watu wake wanakusanywa, wanalishwa na wanalindwa. Ungamo la Imani la Ubelgiji (Kifungu cha 28) linafundisha kwamba waumini wote wamefungwa kujiunga na kanisa la kweli na kudumisha umoja wake.The Westminster Confession of Faith (chapter 25) teaches that the visible church consists of all those throughout the world who profess the true religion, together with their children. It is the kingdom of Christ and the house and family of God. This does not mean that every member of the visible church is saved. It means that Christ has appointed the church as the place where His people are gathered, fed and kept. The Belgic Confession (Article 28) teaches that all believers are bound to join themselves to the true church and to keep its unity.

Maandiko yanaonyesha wapi ushiriki? Makanisa ya Matengenezo yanataja mambo haya:Where does Scripture show membership? Reformed churches point to these things:

• Waumini "waliongezwa." Siku ya Pentekoste watu wapatao elfu tatu "waliongezwa" kwenye kanisa (Matendo 2:41), na Bwana "akawaongeza kanisani kila siku wale waliokuwa wakiokolewa" (2:47).• Believers were "added." On the day of Pentecost about three thousand were "added" to the church (Acts 2:41), and the Lord "added to the church daily those who were being saved" (2:47).

• Kulikuwa na "ndani" na "nje." Paulo aliwaambia Wakorintho kwamba si shughuli yake kuwahukumu wa nje, bali kanisa lilipaswa kuwahukumu wa ndani (1 Wakorintho 5:12-13).• There was an "inside" and an "outside." Paul told the Corinthians that it was not his business to judge outsiders, but that the church was to judge those inside (1 Corinthians 5:12-13).

• Viongozi waliwajua kundi lao. Wazee wanapaswa "kulitunza kundi lote" na kulichunga kundi lililo "kati yenu" (Matendo 20:28; 1 Petro 5:2). Waebrania 13:17 inasema juu ya viongozi wanaowatazamia roho na watakaotoa hesabu. Mchungaji hawezi kuwajibika kwa kondoo ambao hawezi kuwataja kwa majina.• Leaders knew their flock. Elders are to "take heed to all the flock" and to shepherd the flock "among you" (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:2). Hebrews 13:17 speaks of leaders who watch over souls and who will give account. A shepherd cannot answer for sheep that he cannot name.

• Kulikuwa na orodha. Paulo alimwambia Timotheo kwamba mjane alipaswa "kuandikwa katika hesabu" ya wale wanaosaidiwa na kanisa (1 Timotheo 5:9).• There was a list. Paul told Timothy that a widow was to be "taken into the number" of those supported by the church (1 Timothy 5:9).

• Barua za mapendekezo zilipita kati ya makanisa. Waumini wa Akaya walihimizwa kumpokea Apolo kwa barua (Matendo 18:27), na Paulo alimpendekeza Febe kwa kanisa la Roma (Warumi 16:1-2).• Letters of commendation passed between churches. The believers in Achaia were urged to receive Apollos by letter (Acts 18:27), and Paul commended Phoebe to the church in Rome (Romans 16:1-2).

Baadhi ya marafiki hujibu kwamba Agano Jipya halina orodha ya ushiriki wala viapo, na kwamba kanisa ni yeyote anayejitokeza tu. Tunajibu kwamba kanuni iko wazi, hata kama umbo halijaamriwa. Makanisa yalijua nani alikuwa ndani na nani alikuwa nje, na wazee waliwajibika kwao. Orodha ya ushiriki ni njia ya kiutendaji ya kutekeleza fundisho hili. Bila hiyo, wazee hawawezi kuchunga, na nidhamu haiwezi kufanywa.Some friends respond that the New Testament has no membership roll or vows, and that a church is simply whoever shows up. We answer that the principle is clear, even if the form is not prescribed. The churches knew who was in and who was out, and the elders were responsible for them. A membership roll is a practical way to carry out this teaching. Without it, the elders cannot shepherd and discipline cannot be done.

Makanisa yanachohitajiWhat the churches require

Makanisa ya Matengenezo huwataka wale wanaotaka kujiunga kutoa ungamo la imani linaloaminika katika Kristo. Kikao cha wazee (session) husikiliza maelezo ya imani yake na huchunguza ujuzi wake wa injili na njia yake ya maisha. Ikiwa hajabatizwa, hubatizwa. Kisha anaapa viapo, ambavyo kwa kawaida hujumuisha imani katika Kristo kama Mwokozi na Bwana, ahadi ya kuacha dhambi, ahadi ya kuhudhuria ibada na Meza ya Bwana, na ahadi ya kunyenyekea, katika Bwana, kwa uongozi na nidhamu ya kanisa.Reformed churches ask those who wish to join to give a credible profession of faith in Christ. The session hears an account of his faith and examines his knowledge of the gospel and his way of life. If he has not been baptized, he is baptized. He then takes vows, which usually include faith in Christ as Savior and Lord, a promise to forsake sin, a promise to attend worship and the Lord's Supper, and a promise to submit, in the Lord, to the government and discipline of the church.

Watoto wa waumini waliobatizwa nao ni washiriki wa kanisa linaloonekana (Kipindi cha 8 kinashughulikia ubatizo). Wakati mwingine huitwa washiriki wasioshiriki Meza, hadi watakapotoa ungamo la imani na kuja kwenye Meza ya Bwana (Kipindi cha 9).Children of believers who have been baptized are also members of the visible church (Unit 8 treats baptism). They are sometimes called non-communing members, until they make a profession of faith and come to the Lord's Table (Unit 9).

Washiriki wanaohama hupewa barua ya kuhamisha kwenda kwa kanisa lingine la uaminifu.Members who move are given a letter of transfer to another faithful church.

Alama za Kanisa la KweliThe Marks of the True Church

Tunawezaje kutofautisha kanisa la kweli na la uongo? Waliofanya Matengenezo walijibu kwa alama za kanisa. Ungamo la Imani la Ubelgiji (Kifungu cha 29) linataja tatu: kuhubiri injili kwa usafi, kuendesha sakramenti kwa usafi kama Kristo alivyoziamuru, na kutumia nidhamu ya kanisa katika kuadhibu dhambi. Ungamo la Uskoti (sura ya 18) linataja alama zile zile tatu. Calvin, katika Institutes (Kitabu cha 4, sura ya 1), alifundisha kwamba mahali ambapo Neno linahubiriwa na kusikilizwa na sakramenti zinaendeshwa, hapo kuna kanisa, na akaichukulia nidhamu kama mishipa ya mwili, inayoushikilia pamoja (Kitabu cha 4, sura ya 12).How can we tell a true church from a false one? The Reformers answered with the marks of the church. The Belgic Confession (Article 29) names three: the pure preaching of the gospel, the pure administration of the sacraments as Christ instituted them, and the exercise of church discipline in punishing sin. The Scots Confession (chapter 18) names the same three. Calvin, in the Institutes (Book 4, chapter 1), taught that where the Word is preached and heard and the sacraments are administered, there is a church, and he treated discipline as the sinews of the body, holding it together (Book 4, chapter 12).

Si kila mtu amehesabu alama kwa njia ile ile. Makanisa ya Kilutheri, kufuatia Ungamo la Augsburg, husema juu ya alama mbili: Neno na sakramenti. Baadhi ya walimu wa Matengenezo pia huhesabu mbili, na nidhamu ikiwa ni muhimu kwa ustawi wa kanisa na si kiini chake. Wengine hufuata Ungamo la Imani la Ubelgiji na huhesabu tatu. Wote wanakubali kwamba kanisa linalokataa nidhamu yote limepoteza kitu ambacho Kristo aliamuru. Katekisimu ya Heidelberg (Maswali 83-85) inafundisha kwamba funguo za ufalme ni kuhubiri injili na nidhamu ya kanisa: kwa ya kwanza ufalme hufunguliwa kwa waumini na kufungwa kwa wasioamini; kwa ya pili, ufalme hufungwa kwa wale ambao, ingawa wanaitwa Wakristo, wanashikilia mafundisho ya uongo au wanaishi maisha yasiyompendeza Mungu na wanakataa kutubu.Not everyone has counted the marks the same way. The Lutheran churches, following the Augsburg Confession, speak of two marks: the Word and the sacraments. Some Reformed teachers likewise count two, with discipline necessary for the well-being of the church and not its essence. Others follow the Belgic Confession and count three. Both agree that a church that refuses all discipline has lost something Christ commanded. The Heidelberg Catechism (Questions 83-85) teaches that the keys of the kingdom are the preaching of the gospel and church discipline: by the first the kingdom is opened to believers and shut to unbelievers; by the second, the kingdom is shut to those who, though called Christians, hold false doctrine or live ungodly lives and refuse to repent.

Makusudi ya NidhamuThe Purposes of Discipline

Kwa nini kanisa liwaadhibu washiriki wake? Ungamo la Imani la Westminster (sura ya 30) linasema kwamba adhabu za kanisa ni muhimu kwa kuwapata na kuwarejesha ndugu waliokosa, kwa kuwazuia wengine wasifanye makosa kama hayo, kwa kuondoa chachu ambayo ingeweza kuambukiza donge zima, kwa kutetea heshima ya Kristo na utakatifu wa injili, na kwa kuzuia ghadhabu ya Mungu ambayo ingeweza kulipata kanisa linaloruhusu agano lake na muhuri wake kuchafuliwa. Calvin alitoa makusudi matatu kwa njia inayofanana: ili Meza ya Bwana isichafuliwe, ili wema wasiharibiwe na wabaya, na ili mwenye dhambi atubu.Why should a church discipline its members? The Westminster Confession (chapter 30) says that church censures are necessary for the gaining and reclaiming of offending brothers, for deterring others from like offenses, for purging out the leaven that might infect the whole lump, for vindicating the honor of Christ and the holiness of the gospel, and for preventing the wrath of God that could fall on a church that lets His covenant and its seal be profaned. Calvin gave three purposes in a similar way: that the Lord's Supper not be profaned, that the good not be corrupted by the bad, and that the sinner repent.

Kusudi la kwanza ni upendo. Nidhamu inakusudiwa kumrudisha ndugu aliyepotea. Yakobo anasema kwamba yeyote anayemgeuza mwenye dhambi kutoka katika kosa la njia yake "ataokoa roho na mauti" (Yakobo 5:20). Kanisa ambalo halisahihishi washiriki wake halina upendo kwao.The first purpose is love. Discipline is meant to win back the brother who has strayed. James says that whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way "will save a soul from death" (James 5:20). A church that never corrects its members does not love them.

Aina Mbili za NidhamuTwo Kinds of Discipline

Mapokeo yanatofautisha aina mbili.The tradition distinguishes two kinds.

Nidhamu ya kujenga ni kazi inayoendelea ya kufundisha, kuhubiri, kutia moyo na kutunzana ambayo huumba maisha ya kanisa. Paulo anawaambia waumini wafundishane na kuonyana (Wakolosai 3:16), na mwandishi wa Waebrania anawaambia "mnaonyana kila siku" (Waebrania 3:13). Nidhamu nyingi ni ya aina hii.Formative discipline is the ongoing work of teaching, preaching, encouragement and mutual care that shapes the church's life. Paul tells believers to teach and admonish one another (Colossians 3:16), and the writer of Hebrews tells them to "exhort one another daily" (Hebrews 3:13). Most discipline is of this kind.

Nidhamu ya kusahihisha inashughulikia dhambi iliyotendeka. Hufuata hatua ambazo Yesu alifundisha.Corrective discipline deals with sin that has happened. It follows the steps Jesus taught.

Hatua za Mathayo 18The Steps of Matthew 18

Maagizo ya Bwana wetu katika Mathayo 18:15-17 ndiyo msingi.Our Lord's instruction in Matthew 18:15-17 is the foundation.

1. Nenda kwa faragha. "Enenda ukamwonye, wewe na yeye peke yenu." Lengo ni kumpata ndugu. Akisikia, jambo huishia hapo.1. Go privately. "Go and tell him his fault between you and him alone." The goal is winning the brother. If he listens, the matter ends there.

2. Chukua mmoja au wawili. "Asipokusikia, twaa pamoja nawe mmoja au wawili, ili kwa vinywa vya mashahidi wawili au watatu kila neno lithibitike" (mstari wa 16). Hili linatumia sheria ya Kumbukumbu la Torati 19:15. Mashahidi husaidia kuthibitisha mambo na kushawishi.2. Take one or two others. "But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that 'by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established'" (verse 16). This applies the law of Deuteronomy 19:15. The witnesses help to confirm the facts and to persuade.

3. Liambie kanisa. "Asipowasikia hao, liambie kanisa." Katika makanisa ya Kipresbiteri wazee hutenda kwa niaba ya kanisa, na jambo zito hupelekwa kwa kikao cha wazee.3. Tell it to the church. "And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church." In Presbyterian churches the elders act for the church, and a serious matter is brought to the session.

4. Mchukulie kama mtu wa nje. "Asipolisikia kanisa nalo, na awe kwako kama mtu wa mataifa na mtoza ushuru" (mstari wa 17). Mtu huyo hachukuliwi tena kama mshiriki mwenye hali nzuri.4. Treat him as an outsider. "But if he refuses even to hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector" (verse 17). The person is no longer treated as a member in good standing.

Kisha Yesu alilipa kanisa mamlaka: "Mtakalolifunga duniani litakuwa limefungwa mbinguni" (mstari wa 18). Hii ni mamlaka ya funguo (tazama pia Mathayo 16:19 na Yohana 20:23). Ungamo la Imani la Westminster (sura ya 30) linafundisha kwamba Kristo amewapa viongozi wa kanisa funguo.Jesus then gave the church authority: "Whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven" (verse 18). This is the power of the keys (see also Matthew 16:19 and John 20:23). The Westminster Confession (chapter 30) teaches that Christ has given the keys to the church's officers.

Vifungu VingineOther Passages

1 Wakorintho 5. Mshiriki mmoja wa kanisa la Korintho alikuwa akiishi katika dhambi ya wazi na ya aibu ambayo hata wapagani hawakuivumilia. Paulo aliliambia kanisa limwondoe, kwa sababu "chachu kidogo huchachusha donge lote" (mstari wa 6). Aliwaambia wasichangamane na yeyote anayeitwa ndugu aliye mzinzi, mwenye tamaa, mwabudu sanamu, mtukani, mlevi au mnyang'anyi (mstari wa 11). Maandiko yanaorodhesha mambo haya pamoja, na hatuyaweki moja juu ya mengine.1 Corinthians 5. A member of the Corinthian church was living in an open and shameless sin that even the pagans did not tolerate. Paul told the church to remove him, because "a little leaven leavens the whole lump" (verse 6). He told them not to keep company with a so-called brother who is sexually immoral, covetous, an idolater, a reviler, a drunkard or an extortioner (verse 11). Scripture lists these together, and we do not rank one above the others.

2 Wakorintho 2:5-11. Baadaye Paulo alilihimiza kanisa kumsamehe na kumfariji mtu aliyeadhibiwa, "asije akamezwa na huzuni nyingi mno" (mstari wa 7). Walimu wengi wanaamini kwamba huyu alikuwa mtu yule yule, na kwamba alikuwa ametubu. Kifungu hiki kinaonyesha lengo: kurejesha. Kanisa linalomtenga mtu pia lazima liwe tayari kumkaribisha.2 Corinthians 2:5-11. Paul later urged the church to forgive and comfort a man who had been punished, "lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow" (verse 7). Many teachers believe this was the same man, and that he had repented. This passage shows the aim: restoration. The church that excommunicates must also be ready to welcome.

Wagalatia 6:1. Wale walio wa kiroho wanapaswa kumrejesha mtu aliyeshikwa na kosa "kwa roho ya upole." Roho ya nidhamu ni unyenyekevu.Galatians 6:1. Those who are spiritual are to restore a person overtaken in a trespass "in a spirit of gentleness." The spirit of discipline is humility.

2 Wathesalonike 3:14-15. Kanisa linapaswa kumtambua yule asiyetii, lakini "msimhesabu kuwa adui, bali mwonyeni kama ndugu."2 Thessalonians 3:14-15. The church is to note one who disobeys, but "do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother."

1 Timotheo 5:19-20. Mashtaka dhidi ya mzee yanahitaji mashahidi wawili au watatu.1 Timothy 5:19-20. An accusation against an elder needs two or three witnesses.

Hatua za NidhamuStages of Discipline

Mashirika ya Matengenezo hutumia maneno tofauti kiasi, lakini hatua kwa kawaida ni hizi.Reformed bodies use somewhat different terms, but the stages are usually these.

• Onyo. Tahadhari ya faragha au ya hadharani, inayotolewa kwa upendo.• Admonition. A private or public warning, given in love.

• Kusimamishwa. Mtu huzuiwa kushiriki Meza ya Bwana, na wakati mwingine haki nyingine, hadi atakapotubu. Haondolewi kanisani, na anahimizwa kuhudhuria mahubiri.• Suspension. The person is kept from the Lord's Table, and sometimes from other privileges, until he repents. He is not put out of the church, and he is urged to attend the preaching.

• Kutengwa na ushirika (excommunication). Ikiwa mtu anabaki bila toba, anaondolewa kwenye ushiriki. Hii ndiyo hatua nzito zaidi: kanisa haliwezi tena kutambua ungamo lake.• Excommunication. If the person remains unrepentant, he is removed from membership. This is the most solemn step: the church can no longer recognize his profession.

• Kurejeshwa. Anapotubu, anakaribishwa tena. Toba yake hutangazwa, na kanisa linamsamehe na kumchukulia kama ndugu.• Restoration. When he repents, he is welcomed back. His repentance is made known, and the church forgives him and treats him as a brother.

Kanisa linahukumu yanayoonekana, maneno na matendo, na si siri za moyo, ambazo ni za Mungu. Wazee hufuata utaratibu unaostahili: humsikiliza mshtakiwa, hutegemea mashahidi wanaofaa, huepuka uvumi na huruhusu rufaa kwa presbyteri (Kipindi cha 3).The church judges what can be seen, words and actions, and not the secrets of the heart, which belong to God. The elders follow due process: they hear the accused, rely on proper witnesses, avoid gossip and allow appeal to the presbytery (Unit 3).

Historia na Wasiwasi wa KweliHistory and Honest Concerns

Nidhamu ya kanisa ina historia mchanganyiko. Huko Geneva, baraza la Calvin la wachungaji na wazee (consistory) lilisimamia maisha ya kimaadili ya jiji, na Calvin alihangaika kwa miaka mingi na mahakimu wa jiji kuhusu nani alikuwa na haki ya kumtenga mtu na ushirika. Kozi ya 1 inasimulia hadithi hiyo. Wanahistoria hawakubaliani kuhusu jinsi mfumo ulivyofanya kazi. Wengine wanasisitiza ukali wake. Wengine wanasisitiza kwamba kesi nyingi ziliishia katika upatanisho na kwamba baraza lilitumia muda mwingi kwenye ugomvi kati ya majirani na familia. Katika vikao vya wazee vya makanisa ya Uskoti (kirk sessions) pia, nidhamu inaweza kuwa ya kuingilia mambo ya watu na wakati mwingine kali.Church discipline has a mixed record. In Geneva, Calvin's consistory of pastors and elders oversaw the moral life of the city, and Calvin struggled for years with the city's magistrates over who had the right to excommunicate. Course 1 tells the story. Historians disagree on how the system worked. Some stress its severity. Others stress that many cases ended in reconciliation and that the consistory spent much of its time on quarrels between neighbors and families. In Scottish kirk sessions, too, discipline could be intrusive and at times harsh.

Walimu waaminifu wa Matengenezo wanakubali kwamba unyanyasaji umetokea. Wazee wamekuwa na kiburi, na wengine wametenda kwa hasira au upendeleo. Hata hivyo jibu la matumizi mabaya ya amri ni kuitii ipasavyo. Kushindwa kwa upande wa pili ni kweli vilevile: katika makanisa mengi leo, dhambi ya wazi na nzito haishughulikiwi, na injili inaharibiwa.Honest Reformed teachers admit that abuses have occurred. Elders have been proud, and some have acted from anger or favoritism. Yet the answer to misuse of a command is to obey it rightly. The opposite failure is as real: in many churches today, serious public sin goes unaddressed, and the gospel is damaged.

Pingamizi na MajibuObjections and Answers

Pingamizi la 1: "Msihukumu." Yesu anatukataza kuwahukumu wengine (Mathayo 7:1).Objection 1: "Judge not." Jesus forbids us to judge others (Matthew 7:1).

Jibu letu. Yesu alilaani hukumu ya unafiki na ya kujiona mwadilifu, na alituambia kuondoa boriti katika jicho letu kwanza (7:3-5). Yesu yule yule alitupa Mathayo 18, na Paulo aliwaambia Wakorintho kwamba kanisa lazima liwahukumu walio ndani (1 Wakorintho 5:12). Nidhamu ni marekebisho ya unyenyekevu na ya upendo, yanayofanywa na wale wanaojua kwamba wao pia ni wenye dhambi.Our answer. Jesus condemned hypocritical and self-righteous judging, and told us to remove the plank from our own eye first (7:3-5). The same Jesus gave us Matthew 18, and Paul told the Corinthians that the church must judge those inside (1 Corinthians 5:12). Discipline is humble, loving correction, done by those who know they are sinners too.

Pingamizi la 2: Mfano wa ngano na magugu unakataza kuwang'oa wenye dhambi.Objection 2: The parable of the wheat and tares forbids us to uproot sinners.

Katika Mathayo 13:24-30, bwana alimwambia watumishi wake waache magugu yakue pamoja na ngano hadi mavuno.In Matthew 13:24-30, the master told his servants to let the tares grow with the wheat until the harvest.

Jibu letu. Yesu alieleza kwamba shamba ni ulimwengu (13:38), na somo ni kwamba kutenganisha kwa mwisho ni kwa Mungu. Kanisa haliwezi kuona mioyo, na tunapaswa kuwa na subira kwa waumini wasio wakamilifu. Lakini Yesu yule yule aliamuru nidhamu kwa dhambi ya wazi isiyotubiwa, na Paulo aliitumia. Mfano huu unafundisha kwamba kanisa halitakuwa safi kabisa. Haufundishi kwamba kanisa livumilie dhambi ya wazi isiyotubiwa.Our answer. Jesus explained that the field is the world (13:38), and the lesson is that the final separation belongs to God. The church cannot see hearts, and we should be patient with imperfect believers. But the same Jesus commanded discipline for open and unrepentant sin, and Paul practiced it. The parable teaches that the church will never be perfectly pure. It does not teach that the church should tolerate open and unrepentant sin.

Pingamizi la 3: Nidhamu ya kanisa haina maana kwa sababu mtu anaweza kuondoka na kujiunga na kanisa lingine.Objection 3: Church discipline is useless because a person can leave and join another church.

Jibu letu. Hatuwezi kumzuia mtu kuondoka, na Kristo hatuiti kumlazimisha mtu yeyote. Lakini kanisa halipaswi kumpokea mshiriki aliye chini ya nidhamu mahali pengine bila kuuliza, na hii ni mojawapo ya sababu za barua za kuhamisha. Uaminifu hautegemei matokeo.Our answer. We cannot stop a person from leaving, and Christ does not call us to force anyone. But a church should not receive a member who is under discipline elsewhere without inquiry, which is one reason for letters of transfer. Faithfulness does not depend on results.

Pingamizi la 4 (ukali): Nidhamu huwafukuza watu na haina upendo.Objection 4 (harshness): Discipline drives people away and is unloving.

Jibu letu. Nidhamu ya baridi na ya kiburi huleta madhara, na tunakiri hilo. Lakini upendo bila marekebisho si upendo. Mwandishi wa Waebrania anatuambia kwamba Bwana humrudi yule ampendaye (Waebrania 12:6), na wazee wa Matengenezo wanaiga kusudi lake, ambalo ni kurejesha.Our answer. A discipline that is cold and proud does damage, and we confess it. But love without correction is not love. The writer of Hebrews tells us that the Lord disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6), and Reformed elders imitate His purpose, which is to restore.

Matumizi ya KichungajiPastoral Application

Mume katika kusanyiko dogo ameacha mke wake na watoto na anaishi na mwanamke mwingine. Mchungaji anapata habari hizo kutoka kwa mke wa mtu huyo, anayelia na kuomba msaada. Mwanamume huyo haji kanisani tena.A husband in a small congregation has left his wife and children and is living with another woman. The pastor learns of it from the man's wife, who weeps and asks for help. The man does not come to church any more.

Kwanza, mchungaji hatendi peke yake na hasambazi habari hizo. Anakwenda kwa mtu huyo pamoja na mzee anayeaminika na kuzungumza kwa upendo, akimhimiza arudi kwa mke wake na atubu. Ndoa, mwanamume mmoja na mwanamke mmoja maisha yote, ni zawadi ya Mungu, na mchungaji anasema hivyo kwa huzuni na si kwa hasira.First, the pastor does not act alone and does not spread the news. He goes to the man with a trusted elder and speaks with love, urging him to return to his wife and to repent. Marriage, one man and one woman for life, is God's gift, and the pastor says so with sorrow and not with anger.

Pili, ikiwa mtu huyo anakataa, mchungaji anachukua wazee wawili au watatu, kama Yesu alivyofundisha, nao wanamtembelea tena.Second, if the man refuses, the pastor takes two or three elders, as Jesus taught, and they visit him again.

Tatu, anapoendelea kukataa, jambo hilo linapelekwa kwa kikao cha wazee. Wazee wanaomba, wanasikiliza ushahidi, wanamwalika mtu huyo ajitokeze, na wanaamua kumsimamisha kutoka Meza ya Bwana.Third, when he continues to refuse, the matter is brought to the session. The elders pray, hear the evidence, invite the man to appear, and decide on suspension from the Lord's Table.

Nne, wazee wanaendelea kumwombea na kuuacha mlango wazi, huku wazee na mashemasi wakimtunza mke wake na watoto.Fourth, the elders keep praying for him and keep the door open, while the elders and deacons care for his wife and children.

Tano, akitubu baadaye, kikao cha wazee kinapokea ungamo lake na kumkaribisha tena hadharani, kama Paulo alivyowahimiza Wakorintho kusamehe na kufariji.Fifth, if he repents later, the session receives his confession and publicly welcomes him back, as Paul urged the Corinthians to forgive and comfort.

MuhtasariSummary

Ushiriki wa kanisa unategemea picha ya Biblia ya kundi ambalo "linaongezwa," lenye ndani na nje, na linalotazamwa na wachungaji. Makanisa ya Matengenezo huomba ungamo la imani linaloaminika na viapo, na huwahesabu watoto waliobatizwa wa waumini kuwa washiriki. Maungamo ya Ubelgiji na ya Uskoti yanaorodhesha nidhamu kama alama ya kanisa la kweli, ingawa baadhi ya walimu wa Matengenezo huhesabu alama mbili tu. Nidhamu inalenga kumpata ndugu, kulinda kanisa na kumheshimu Kristo. Huanza na utunzaji wa kujenga na, dhambi inapoonekana, hufuata Mathayo 18 kupitia karipio la faragha, mashahidi, kanisa na, ikibidi, kusimamishwa na kutengwa na ushirika, daima ikilenga kurejesha. Tunajibu pingamizi kutoka Maandiko, na tunakiri kwamba unyanyasaji umetokea. Nidhamu ni zawadi ya Mfalme kwa kanisa lake, inayopaswa kutumiwa kwa unyenyekevu.Church membership rests on the Bible's picture of a flock that is "added to," that has an inside and an outside, and that is watched by shepherds. Reformed churches ask for a credible profession of faith and for vows, and they count the baptized children of believers as members. The Belgic and Scots Confessions list discipline as a mark of the true church, though some Reformed teachers count only two marks. Discipline aims to win the brother, to protect the church and to honor Christ. It begins with formative care and, when sin appears, follows Matthew 18 through private rebuke, witnesses, the church and, if necessary, suspension and excommunication, always aiming at restoration. We answer the objections from Scripture, and we confess that abuses have occurred. Discipline is a gift of the King to His church, to be practiced with humility.

Usomaji ZaidiFurther Reading

• John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (Misingi ya Dini ya Kikristo; tafsiri ya Beveridge, 1845), Kitabu cha 4 sura ya 1 na sura ya 12.• John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion (Beveridge translation, 1845), Book 4 chapter 1 and chapter 12.

• Ungamo la Imani la Ubelgiji (The Belgic Confession, 1561), Vifungu vya 28, 29 na 32.• The Belgic Confession (1561), Articles 28, 29 and 32.

• Ungamo la Uskoti (The Scots Confession, 1560), sura ya 18.• The Scots Confession (1560), chapter 18.

• Katekisimu ya Heidelberg (The Heidelberg Catechism, 1563), Maswali na Majibu 83-85, na Ursinus, Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism (Ufafanuzi juu ya Katekisimu ya Heidelberg), juu ya funguo za ufalme.• The Heidelberg Catechism (1563), Questions and Answers 83-85, and Ursinus, Commentary on the Heidelberg Catechism, on the keys of the kingdom.

• Ungamo la Imani la Westminster (The Westminster Confession of Faith), sura ya 25 na 30.• The Westminster Confession of Faith, chapters 25 and 30.

• Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology (Teolojia ya Kimfumo; 1872-73), sehemu juu ya kanisa na nidhamu yake.• Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology (1872-73), the section on the church and its discipline.

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