I agree with Johns assessment of this.
Matthew 18:15-17
Actually, the correct translation is
go and reprove him, or show him his fault, condemn him, rebuke him, or convict him as the Greek word is used in 2Tim. 4:2, John 16:8, Jud. 15, 1Tim. 5:2, Tit. 1:13, Tit. 2:15, John 8:46, Tit. 1:9, 1Cor. 14:24, Eph. 5:11, John 3:20, Eph. 5:13, James 2:9, Luke 3:19, Heb. 12:5, Rev. 3:19. This is why Luther translated the word to mean "punish him between you and him alone."
Your first Christian responsibility to these people is to address them and the problem. "JUST BETWEEN THE TWO OF YOU." Paul was saying that the first contact needs to be private. If it is resolved, then so be it, it need not go any further, no one needs to go around saying.."Bob was using drugs, but I streghtened him out..." Or anything like that.
You may even be faced with the unfirtnate situation of saying; "Look, you cannot be around my family unless you can control this problem."
I can't really answer that because I don't have any specifics, but regardless, Matthew 18 teaches us to begin one on one.
If that fails, take witnesses. This is so that a testimony can be established with legal witnesses. This should be someone well versed in scripture that can observe, instruct and guide from a Biblical persepective.
If that fails, take it to the church. The problem continues, you have done all you could, the offender still refuses to see the error of his/her ways. You have witnesses to the problem, take it to the church.
The church has been given this authority and this responsibility as is recorded in Matthew 16:19 Matthew 18:18 John 20:22 .
The church may then use excommunication as the ultimate disciplinary tool.
John pointed to 1 Corinthians 5:11 that is a perfect example. 1 Corinthians 5:13 is another.
Any Christian who is not in communion with their congregation, not in unity of faith is to be excluded ,FROM, said communion.
Some people are under the misconception that "excommunication" means getting kicked out of the club, or ostracized from the church.
That is simply a false understanding. Excommunication, like all Gods disciplines is designed to effectively restore.
To the sinner who refuses to accept that the Word of God prohibits a particular behavior or lifestyle, ie, drunkardness, sorcery, adultery, homosexuality,... then how can that person receive absolution?
In other words, a person cannot truly ask for forgiveness, or truly confess their sin, if in their heart they do not beieve they are doing anything wrong?
Are you following me?
They are unrepentant sinners, and the unrepentant cannot be absolved, and therefore, must be excluded from taking the Holy Eucharist.
2 Thessalonians 3:14 2 John 1:10-11
But once the Holy Spirit does enter into their heart, and restores that person, and that person says; "NOW! I SEE!!!"
I do understand, I should not have been living that way, then they are back in communion. They are now "repentant" and can receive absolution for their sins.
I know this is long but I would like to add one more thing.
Some people believe that the repentance is not enough, that the person must also abstain entirely from the activity.
I do not personally believe that, in my view, that belief indicates that we are saved by our own works and merit, rather than by the grace of God.
The forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation we receive are by the Word and promise of Christ Himself; "Given and shed for you, for the forgiveness of sins."
It is enough to have faith in Christ's own Words and to have repentance. The healing is a part of the process of Sanctification and may be instantanious, or may take a great deal of time and friction.