Church of Christ Sermons and Lessons for 2011
Bobby Stafford	The Command to Withdraw  II Thessalonians 3:6-15		Thessalonians

The Command to Withdraw  

  God’s Word informs us that obedience to Christ is essential for us to be considered faithful.  This obedience includes all of the Lord’s commands, not just the ones we choose or like.  The Lord’s command to withdraw has been called “The Forgotten Commandment” because it has been ignored by many of God’s people.  Things must change! 

Text:  II Thessalonians 3:6-15 

 I. The Command to Be Obeyed (Verse 6) 

  This is a command; not a suggestion, an opinion, or an option!  “In name of” shows divine authority.  It has the same authority as a command to “repent and be baptized.”  We should view this as if it were spoken directly by God Himself.  We should remember I John 5:3, “For this is the love of God.”  “Withdraw” is from a Greek word that suggests to avoid, keep away from, shun, shrink away from.  This is not done in a self-righteous way; but done to show you do not condone the sinful actions of the brother.  This applies to any brother, regardless of who he is, if he neglects his duties and shirks responsibility.  When one walks disorderly, he is out of step or out of line.  This does not refer to an occasional lapse, but a continual walk.  “Tradition”  Recall: II Thessalonians 2:15.  Traditions came down from God.  These brothers were not following the teachings of their Lord as had been handed down through the apostles and other inspired men.  This would include doing anything contrary to the teachings of the apostles. 

II. An Example to Be Followed (Verses 7-11) 

• Verse 7  Paul and Silas had set a good example.  They were walking orderly; keeping God’s Word carefully.
• Verse 8  Paul reminds them that he and Silas had worked night and day so as not to be a burden to any of them.  “Toil” means strenuous labor involving painful effort.  He emphasizes the good example of an orderly life.  This includes honorable work.  Recall Acts 20:34-35.
• Verse 9  The apostle had the right to expect support from the brethren (which he often took).  But he sometimes waived that right.  (I Corinthians 9)  He does this to set an example of working and not being lazy.
• Verses 10-11  This was the essence of the problem.  Some of the brethren in Thessalonica had stopped working entirely because they were sure Christ would return any moment.  They weren’t providing for their own, but were sponging off others. Paul warns the brethren not to feed those who were unwilling to work, but rather withdraw from them!  Notice I Timothy 5:8.  There men’s idleness had led them to become busybodies, meddling in other people’s business where they didn’t belong.  The seriousness of this is shown in  I Timothy 5:11-13.

III. Some Guidelines to Be Observed (Verses 12-15) 

• Verse 12  Those who had quit working and were sponging off of others were told to go to work!  This was a command.  They were to support themselves with work of a quiet and peaceable manner.
• Verse 13  Even though the members were not to feed those disorderly members who had been sponging off others, they were not to be discouraged in doing good.  There were some who were truly needy that needed help.
• Verse 14  Serious!  If any brother does not submit to the instructions in this epistle, then certain actions must be taken.  They were to “note,” to mark, so all would know not to associate with him.  Do not keep company with; do not mingle or have dealings.  Hopeful results would be that the person become ashamed of his conduct; realizing the enormity of his sin.
• Verse 15  A correct attitude is one that does not think of him as the enemy, but as a brother.  Admonish or warn him.  Warn him that if he continues in his present state and never repents, he will be lost.  Note:  These verses show clearly that church discipline is an act of love! (Hebrews 12:5-6)  There is a very dangerous error in the Lord’s church which uses love as an excuse to tolerate sin.  Action taken toward a “disorderly” brother is a demonstration of genuine love for that person’s soul.  It shows we care.  Since God commands us to do this; if we choose not to, this means we don’t love God either.  “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”  (John 14:15) See how very serious this is!

Invitation: 

  Read Verses 16-18.  “Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way.  The Lord be with you all.  The salutation of Paul with my own hand, which is a sign in every epistle; so I write.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”  NKJV  True peace only comes through Christ.  It is through Him we enjoy peace with God, the Father, and can have that inner peace knowing our sins have been forgiven. 

Bobby Stafford