Daily Devotions
2 Thessalonians
"Withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly..."
Text: 2 Thessalonians 3:6
A STRONG WORD
The Thessalonian church was doing well generally. However there were some among them who were not behaving well. The apostle had to help the church address this problem effectively.
“But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly
and not according to the tradition which he received from us.”
2 Thessalonians 3:6
1. “But we command you, brethren”
a) Apostolic authority is exercised here.
b) This word was not a suggestion but an actual command.
2. “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”
a) This command was given by apostolic authority.
b) The name of the Lord Jesus Christ was invoked.
i) To give an even greater air of seriousness.
ii) The name of the Lord is seldom invoked unless it was necessary.
iii) The use of apostolic authority would vindicate the invocation of the Lord’s name.
3. The problem that had to be addressed
a) There were people who walked in a disorderly manner.
b) This problem had in fact already been addressed.
i) This was mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 5:14.
ii) A word of admonition had already been given to the unruly brother.
iii) The word “disorderly” can mean “unruly”.
iv) It can also be used to describe an idle or a lazy person.
c) If the first word of admonition had fallen on deaf ears then stronger action is necessary.
4. Disciplinary action to be taken
a) The command was to withdraw from such disorderly people.
b) To be in fellowship with disorderly people would be tantamount to endorsing bad behavior.
5. The traditions of the apostles
This would be a reference to both the teachings and the practices of the apostle Paul and his team. They were conscious that their behavior was meant to be a standard for all to emulate. Paul appealed to all to take careful note of those who behaved aberrantly.