A. Key Differences in this passage from others on Church Discipline
1. Here – the congregation is exhorted to “withdraw” from him, literally “keep aloof” from him.
2. v. 14 – The congregation is to take note of the brother who will not heed the word of this epistle – whereas in Titus – the leaders were to mark them.
3. v. 15 – The man is not to be totally removed from them. The goal is to make him ashamed.
4. This man is still regarded as a brother. Whereas – in the final stage of Matthew 18 – we see the person is regarded as a non-christian (heathen and publican).
B. The Practical Problem in Thessalonica
1. The non-workers – instead of doing good – became idle busybodies. It was time for them to be quiet (in their spirit) and get to work. V. 12.
This was the exhortation in 1 Thess. 4:11-12 a. to lead a quiet life, b. to mind your own business, c. to work with your own hands
2. It appears many in the church were tired of working hard and then being asked to help support this small minority who refused to work.
Paul says ,”Keep on working and obeying”. Paul also lets them know that does not include supporting these folk who will not work. v. 10
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Pastor Steve came to Christ at the age of 11. He graduated from Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College in 1979 with a B.A. in theology as the Valedictorian of his class. He joined our church in 1978, came on staff, full-time in 1980, was ordained as an Elder in 1982, and became...
