“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us” (2 Thessalonians 3:6).
Introduction
This section, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, deals with behavioural issues in the church. It is highly likely that those who were living disorderly lives had taken on board the false teachings about the Second Coming of Christ. Why bother living godly if the world was going to end in a few days? Paul had no choice but to deal harshly with such people, for unless he did, they would bring the cause of Christ into disrepute.
The command
Straight away we see that Paul’s statements on church discipline are not an option or a suggestion, but instead are a command to obey firmly laid down principles. He had written to them in this fashion before. “And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you” (1 Thessalonians 4:11). The command to obey is made “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”, which ought to have shown the believers the seriousness of what Paul was encouraging them to do.
Steer clear
The word “withdraw” is a nautical term in the Greek which means to “unfurl the sails” or “steer clear of”. The command in this verse requires that those who truly love the Lord must keep away from all who live ungodly. It might sound too harsh to say that we must distance ourselves from certain people, but the teaching is not new. “And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican” (Matthew 18:17). This is especially true if false doctrine is being taught. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:17-18) ... “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John :10-11). Of course, what is being commanded only applies where people wilfully and contemptuously refuse to follow the clear teachings of Scripture.
Disorder
“Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians
14:40) 1 Corinthians 5:1-6 offers us some insight into just what the apostle
thought about disorderly conduct in the church and how it should be dealt with, “It
is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication
as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's
wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done
this deed might be taken away from among you. For I verily, as absent in body,
but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning
him that hath so done this deed, In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye
are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the
spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good.
Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?”
Church order is maintained through teaching and applying what the Scriptures say, for the word of God is the sole authority for all matters of faith, doctrine and practice. Wherever this is not true, disorder will definitely be there instead. Unruly church members are in reality doing Satan’s work instead of the Lord’s.
Conclusion
We must not think that Paul is saying that a disorderly brother or sister in Christ ought to be automatically excommunicated from fellowship, but logic suggest that this would be the unavoidable outcome if they continue to disregard and reject the word of God. This may not be a very pleasant issue to deal with, but unfortunately there are many instances when it must be dealt with for the good of the church and the name of Christ. “Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck: Of whom is Hymenaeus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme” (1 Timothy 1:19-20).
© 10/12/2008