The Bad Brother! (What To Do?) II Thessalonians 3: 14-15

“Bad Brother! (What To Do?)” II Thessalonians 3: 14-15

“And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that
man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a
brother.” II Thessalonians 3: 14-15

These verses (6-15) give practical instructions for
Christian action toward disobedient brethren. Christian
discipline and Church discipline is very touchy and difficult.
As a consequence practically nothing is exercised along this
line of Scriptural teaching.
Paul commands in the name of Jesus that believers should
withdraw from disorderly brethren (vs. 6). Note the following
ways in which Paul sets up himself and his co-workers as
examples:
First, as examples of order by stating that they did not
behave disorderly. They supported themselves materially
rather than be chargeable to any of the believers (vss. 7-8).
Second, Paul commanded physical work to eat. There is
no welfare state in Paul’s teaching. Neither is there to be
support by God’s offerings for lazy preachers or other
believers who are able-bodied and able to work (vs. 10).
Third, Paul said disorderliness is not working and being a
busybody. Fourth, Paul commands the cure for disorder by being
quiet (not a busybody). Working and eating your own bread.
Fifth, that well doing is never to be regarded as wrong or
wearisome.
Sixth, anyone who didn’t obey what Paul was saying was
to be separated by withdrawn fellowship (vs. 14)
Seventh, the door of repentance was to be left wide open
so the disorderly brother could correct himself and return. He
was not to be treated as an enemy, but admonished as a brother.
– H.N.

Roger Fulk, from excerpts from the “Baptist Bread” APRIL 1st, 2025 devotional by author DR. HERB NOE, (Deceased), Livonia, MI. , Revival In Our Time, Day Heights, OH. With permission from Tim Green, editor of Baptist Bread. The Baptist Bread