Necessary Separation

Introduction

The last time we were here in the book of II Thessalonians, we looked at the promise of the Lord’s faithfulness. Paul had confidently declared that the Lord is faithful and that it was he who would stablish, protect, and help them to do what he had instructed them to do.

Yet in the church at Thessalonica, there were some who refused to give heed to Paul’s teaching and chose to live a life that was dishonoring to Christ. It is a sad reality that in every church there will be some who reject the teachings of the Word of God and choose instead to go their own way and to live a life that brings shame and reproach to the name of Christ.

The question then is how should the church respond? Paul gives very clear instruction on this matter that is still applicable today!

Notice first of all the:

The Intensity of the Instruction

Paul gives this instruction to the church not as an option to be considered, but as a definitive command to be obeyed.

Paul even delivers the command in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ attaching even greater significance and weight to the instruction.

It is quite clear that Paul was not merely speaking his opinion on the matter, but was delivering instruction under the inspiration of the Spirit of God.

If the church was to honor Christ, they would have to abide by the instruction that Paul was giving to them concerning this matter.

It is no wonder that Paul would speak in such a manner on this issue for truly it was the testimony of Christ that was at stake. The churches response to these disorderly brethren would either strengthen or do great harm to the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In this particular instance we have some detail concerning the error of these disorderly brethren, we know that they were refusing to work to provide for themselves and that they were becoming busybodies meddling in the affairs of others. (II Thessalonians 3:11)

It was vital to the health of the church that this matter be handled properly so as to preserve their good testimony in their community.

Moving on we then come to:

The Content of the Command

Paul instructed the believers in the Thessalonica to withdraw themselves from (avoid or shun) those who were living in a manner contradictory to Paul’s instruction.

Paul speaks specifically of how the believers are to identify those that they must separate themselves from.

He speaks first of those who walk disorderly, II Thessalonians 3:11- referencing those who had decided not to carry on their work and had become gossips and busybodies stirring up strife and contention in the church and depending upon the church to provide for them.

If there are individuals in any church who refuse to contribute and expect to benefit from the church or who are meddling in the affairs of others, it is our duty to withdraw ourselves from them.

He also describes those who they must withdraw themselves from as not walking according to the tradition (instruction) that they had received.

If there are those who refuse to follow biblical instruction and are intent on living in a manner that is contrary to the Word of God, we have a responsibility to withdraw ourselves from them as well.

Many times these descriptions will overlap and those who walk disorderly, do so because they have refused to submit themselves to biblical instruction.

It is vital to the health of any church that discipline such as this is exercised to preserve the purity of the church. We are all but sinners saved by grace and not one of us has arrived or is perfect.

Paul is not encouraging them to separate from those who have made mistakes of have failed and repented and corrected their error. Those whom Paul speaks of are those who persist in sinful behaviors and attitudes unwilling to repent or receive correction.

If a professing believer is intent on living contrary to the scriptures and is not willing to receive biblical instruction we must not associate ourselves with them.

This is important because of the danger of further corruption as well as the damage to the testimony of the church. We cannot even give the impression that we approve of any professing believer who is living in rebellion against God and His Word.

We see Paul make mention of this again in II Thessalonians 3:14- obey not, note that man and have no company with him.

When we recognize that a brother or sister in Christ is living contrary to the clear instruction of the scriptures or is guilty of taking advantage of the church for their own selfish gain we should take note of that person and they should be excluded from fellowship with the church.

The Intent of the Instruction (II Thessalonians 3:14b-15)

What was the purpose behind Paul’s instruction. We know that this command was given under the inspiration of the Spirit of God so it must be to the benefit both of the wayward brother/sister and to the church.

The ultimate intent for this type of church discipline is that the wayward brother/sister would be restored to fellowship. The withdrawal from fellowship is in the hope that they will recognize their error and desire restoration.

The separation that Paul is calling for is not to be done harshly or angrily but in love out of concern for our brother or sister in Christ.

The goal is that they would be made to feel the shame of their behavior and the reproach it brings to the name of Christ so that they may repent and be restored.

Paul is careful to remind them that in following through on his command they are not to treat the individual who is in error as an enemy but to admonish (warn, rebuke, correct) the individual as a brother.

We ought never to do anything with the intent of driving someone away but always with the intent of bringing them back into fellowship.

Galatians 6:1- restore such an one- we ought to always bear in mind that we are to do all that is in our power to work towards restoration but we simply cannot compromise biblical principles to bring about restoration.

Herein is the great problem for many who are living in error or who have fallen away from following Christ. Far too often the church simply allows them to continue in sin rather than risk confronting the error and losing them.

When we recognize that a brother or sister is living in error, it is our duty to confront them in a spirit of compassion and genuine concern and to seek to instruct them in correcting their behavior.

If a person refuses instruction and persists in their error our duty then is to break fellowship with them with the hope that they will then repent and seek restoration.

Shaming- professional athlete/professor/journalist that is shamed into backing down from their convictions- Galatians 4:17-18- zealously affected

Conclusion

The purity of the church is of the utmost importance if we desire God’s presence and power. These instructions are not for the church of the 1st century but are also for the church in the 21st Century!

We must strive to preserve the testimony of the church while at the same time seeking the restoration of the wayward back to the fold.

We must be willing to confront those who are living contrary to the plain teachings of the scriptures so that they may recognize their error and so that they may repent and find restoration.

If we find ourselves in a position that requires us to act as Paul instructs, let us do so with the right spirit and with a sincere desire for our brother or sister to be restored!