2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 - Church discipline

Scripture:

2 Thessalonians 3:14-15
14 If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame.
15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
NASU


Thoughts:

Church discipline may be one of the most misunderstood aspects of church life.  Some churches find themselves neglecting this role for fear of "rocking the boat," while others take it too far and move into legalism, in which the personal convictions and opinions of those in authority become the governing rule.  Either extreme of course, falls short of God's design.

In these few verses, Paul reveals so much about this confounding subject.  First of all, there's a clear standard of conduct for the believer:  the Bible (verse 14a), of which this letter is a part.  When someone falls into sin according to the Bible, that's when action becomes necessary.  Jesus outlined so clearly exactly how this should take place -- starting informally from a friend and progressing in formality when necessary.  The situation Paul is addressing has clearly progressed to the final level Jesus provided.

Matthew 18:15-17
15 " If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. 
16 "But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that BY THE MOUTH OF TWO OR THREE WITNESSES EVERY FACT MAY BE CONFIRMED. 
17 "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.
NASU

And what is the heart behind this discipline?  It's not to divide or to look down upon the one in sin, but rather a desire that they will come to their senses.  We are seeking to help them as a part of the family, not shun them as an enemy (verse 15).  We may find it easier to "not associate" with them than to continue to love them as family, but both are essential.  We cannot accept what they are involved in, and therefore our relationship to them will be noticeably detached, but not broken.  Our heart must continue to be for their restoration, not their condemnation.


Prayer:

Lord, I thank You that Your word is so real and complete.  It addresses all of these kinds of messy situations that come up in church life and life in general.  Thank You for not leaving us wondering what we should do, but giving us clear instructions!

Help me to walk this out.  When a brother or sister is in sin, to seek to help bring them back into a healthy walk.  Confronting when necessary and continuing to love them as family, praying for them even, that they may return home.

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.