Unity and Peace: The Mark of God’s People

Introduction

. Last week, we learned that Paul wanted the Thessalonians to remove themselves from every brother whose behavior “got out of line.” (see 2 Thess. 3:6).

This runs counter to our modern perception that no standards exist at any time, and if they do, the person with standards hates the person with no standards.

Biblical Christianity is not a “free-for-all” of individually defined service to God.

A church has the necessary prerogative to maintain its purity and conformity to the teachings and examples found in the scriptures.

Both sides must have a humble attitude for discipline through shame to be effective.

Being part of the congregation must matter to people.

How much does being part of your congregation matter to you?

Would it embarrass you if you behaved yourself in such a way that the congregation could no longer associate with you?

Three Sets of Standards

Paul returns to the original issue that is the focus of this section of the letter.

This began in 2 Thess. 3:6.

He has established the following standards:

The traditions received from us (2 Thess. 3:6).

His own practice which they were to imitate (2 Thess. 3:7, 9).

Now, he refers to his own account through “the letter” which must refer to the current letter he has written.

These standards establish:

Orderly behavior.

What it is necessary to imitate.

What should be obeyed.

Mark to Dissociate

Paul has stated a protasis: “assuming someone is not obeying…”

He provides guidance to the congregation about how they should respond under such a condition.

The letter is meant to be a penultimate corrective.

Paul now walks through three thoughts:

An imperative: be noting this person.

The purpose of noting: so as not be to associating with him.

1 Cor. 5 is the only other place where Paul, or the entirety of the NT, uses this word.

The goal of disassociation: so that he might be shamed.

The intent of disassociation is for the disorderly, misbehaving brother to be embarrassed if the congregation has to disassociate themselves from him.

Obedience is the proper response for all.

It is not the congregation that should sense shame. It is the disobedient, unrepentant brother.

This all assumes the following:

Obedience of all matters to the congregation.

Being part of the congregation matters to all the congregation.

Biblical Christianity is not a private, personal matter between us and God

Parting Perspectives

Paul advises the congregation about the perspective they should have about disassociation.

“Do not be considering as an enemy.”

“Be instructing as a brother.”

Discipline, therefore, has the goal not of turning the disorderly brother into an enemy of the congregation.

Instead, it is designed to generate shame and to provide opportunity for corrective instruction.

After all, even the disobedient brother remains a brother.

Godly peace should define a congregation.

1 Thessalonians 5:23 “Αὐτὸς δὲ ὁ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης ἁγιάσαι ὑμᾶς ὁλοτελεῖς, καὶ ὁλόκληρον ὑμῶν τὸ πνεῦμα καὶ ἡ ψυχὴ καὶ τὸ σῶμα ἀμέμπτως ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ τηρηθείη.”

This should govern the congregation in every way.

Paul reassures the Thessalonians of two things:

The Lord is with them.

He genuinely wrote the letter.