2 Thessalonians 3:6

“Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which they received of us”

“Now”: Previously (2 Thessalonians 3:4), he expressed confidence that these brethren would obey his commands. Now he gives one. “Brethren”: Notice how this command is not addressed specifically to just one group of Christians (such as the elders), rather the command is addressed to the whole congregation. It is the responsibility of every member to obey the commands of Christ. “In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”: “Paul did not give this command on the authority of his own likes or dislikes” (Fields p. 228). The withdrawal progress or discipline in the church is not cruel or unspiritual; rather it has the full approval of Jesus Christ. In fact, it is Jesus Christ Himself who is issuing this decree (Matthew 18:15; 1 Corinthians 5:4). This means that God is 100% behind the congregation that withdraws from the member who refuses to repent. Unfortunately, often such unrepentant individuals try to accuse the congregation of wrongdoing or that they lack the love of Jesus. Notice that withdrawal is. command it is not an option. It is just as necessary as the command to be baptized into the name of Christ (Matthew 28:19), and carefully observe the compassion and mercy of God. Those that must be withdrawn, had been given many chances (the admonitions of the first letter, 1 Thessalonians 4:9). They could not argue that they did not need to work because the Lord was coming immediately. For Paul had already removed that misconception (2 Thessalonians 2:1 ff). Therefore any further refusal to work was just. plain manifestation of unbelief. Notice that Paul does not caution against withdrawing because of real or supposed abuses in the past, yet this is an argument that many today use against practicing any church discipline at all.

“Ye”: Withdraw is something in which the whole congregation has an obligation. “Withdraw”: “To move oneself from or to withdraw oneself from” (Robertson p. 58). “Keep away from” (RSV). “Avoid” (TCNT). “Don't associate with” (Phi). “Yourselves”: The context reveals that the Christian still can have some contact with the withdrawn, that is contact in which that person is admonished (2 Thessalonians 3:15), yet. socializing contact is not to be extended (1 Corinthians 5:11). Morris notes, “Such. line of conduct is meant as would impress on the offenders that they had opened up. gap between themselves and the rest” (p. 251). For other passages on this subject see: Matthew 18:15; 1 Corinthians 5:1 ff; 2 John 1:10; Romans 16:17.

“It signifies the withdrawing into one's self, holding oneself aloof from the offender in question. This is not to be done in. spirit of superiority. The appeal to brotherliness shows that it is. part of. man's duty to the brotherhood that he should not condone the deeds of any who, while claiming the name of. brother, nevertheless denies by his actions what the brotherhood stands for” (Denton Lectureship p. 286).

“Every brother”: All Christians are equal and hence no Christian is exempt from being withdrawn from if they refuse to repent. “Walketh”: "Walk is. present participle, indicating. continuous manner of conduct” (Fields p. 229). Carefully note that the individuals being withdrawn from, are those who refuse to repent and obey the teachings of Scripture. “Disorderly”: “Out of ranks, disobedient to the prescribed order or rule” (Fields p. 229). “Playing truant from work” (Stott p. 188). “And not after”: Here is what defines "disorderly" conduct. The Christian is "out of line" when they depart from the teachings of the apostles. “The tradition which they received of us”: (2 Thessalonians 2:15). These disorderly Christians could not claim ignorance, because had they received, that is had heard the truth on this matter previously. 2 Thessalonians 3:10 “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you”. The limits of fellowship are defined by the apostles teaching (2 John 1:9). This is why we cannot fellowship the denominations. They are teaching things that violate what Jesus revealed through the His messengers (John 16:13), (such as teaching salvation by faith alone, or that baptism is not necessary for salvation). This places. high value on what the apostles wrote (Ephesians 3:3). This verse infers that Paul believed that God's instruction on this matter were very clear. The commandments of God are not misleading nor are they confusing. This is fair. Rightness with God and fellowship with other Christians is not based upon personal preference,. popularity contest, external factors, such as social position, looks, and wealth. Feelings or how people feel about you. What particularly talents one has. Or the changing whims of society, rather the only rules that the true church has are God's rules, which we all must equally obey.