Studies in Second Thessalonians, Video preaching

Dealing with disorder, Pt2

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15

Sermon notes 

II  TO WALK CONTRARY TO THIS STANDARD IS DISORDERLY CONDUCT IN THE CHRISTIAN.

  1. Disorderly, v6, 7. The word comes from a Greek word which gives us ‘tactics, tactical’. It is to be ‘unarranged, insubordinate’. Order is overthrown; orders are disobeyed! The disorderly brother is out of step with Divine orders and duty.
  2. Walketh, v6. The word indicates a habit, practice, a lifestyle that has developed. It is not an inadvertent misstep that is corrected but a policy of life that is in view here. Note the use of the words yourselves know, v7. Every Christian knows how easy it is to sin and fall inadvertently, but this is a course that is followed in spite of knowledge and rebuke.
  3. Paul is speaking of a brother, v6, 15. Salvation is not in question at this point. It will be questionable if willful disobedience continues! In spite of the fact that he is recognized as a believer, and for that very reason, disciplinary measures are to be taken against him. Cp 1Cor 5:9-11.
  4. A specific example of disorder, v11. The specific case in view here is of one refusing to work and becoming a burden to others in the name of spirituality! Cp 1Tim 5:8, 11. It was a lifestyle of carnal, lazy selfishness apparently fuelled by doctrinal error about Christ’s return. The point to be learned here is that there are much more serious breaches of Divine order to be considered—and yet often go without any disciplinary response from the Church of Christ.

III   RESPONDING TO DISORDER IN THE RANKS.

A response is required! See how Paul uses the word every in v6 and any in v14. Every time, no matter who it is, these measures are to be invoked against disorder.

1. The authority behind the measures outlined, v6, 12. This is a commanded duty given in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no higher authority for the Church of Christ than this.

2. The response of the Church.

  • Withdraw, v6, 14. There is a breach of fellowship. A separation occurs even from a brother, he is put at a distance—‘avoided’. The term no company means that he is not to ‘mix with’ the saints. Cp 1Cor 5:11, 13.
  • Admonish, v15. He is to be instructed. The truth is to be ‘put in [his] mind’ again! The process of admonition may be seen in Matt 18:15-17, Titus 3:10. It is to be seen that the process of admonition is carried on from a position of separation. See the same caution over sin in the midst of efforts to restore an offender in Gal 6:1. It is emphasized that at this point he is not to be considered as an outright enemy. Yet there comes a point when he is treated so, Matt 18:17, 2John 9-11.
  • Keep doing what is right, v13. They are not to be led astray into disorder themselves. It can be a wearying thing to continue faithfully adhering to Divine order when other Christians live in defiance of it!

3. The response of the offender.

  • Ashamed. This is the end in view for the disciplinary measures taken. The presence of grace will respond to such isolation from the fellowship of the saints with shame. It will be an alarming thing to the Christian to be cut off from the means of grace! Like a living plant, he will wilt under the affliction while an artificial one feels no such stress.
  • Repent and obey. This is the substance of v12. Get back in step! Again, the authority of the Saviour is invoked.

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