When a church doesn’t obey God’s Word it opens the doors to Satan’s attacks inside and outside the church family. We have been given many guidelines that can lead the church to live holy and acceptable to God. For when a church is obedient: it grows within, grows in spirit and truth, and is filled with love.

2 Thessalonians 3:1-6; 11-14; 15

How can we stay pure and continue to be blessed by God?

V1-2. Tells us that a church can be delivered from wicked and unreasonable men, for the truth be said, not all have faith?
We as God’s church must heed the total Word for God shows us how we can be free even though we might feel we are judging a brother or sister. How can the church be free from sin if it continues to house wickedness and unreasonable people? All this would do is help spread this cancer not only within the mature but the babes in Christ would be terribly misled and be taken captive.
V.3-4. for our God will protect and guard the church when we do the things God requires. Now the Word of God shows and guides us how to remain faithful and true to our God.
V.5. a command by the authority of Jesus Christ is we as His church must withdraw fellowship or withhold fellowship from one who walks disorderly among the church. This would include no love feasts (fellowships) or Lord’s Supper.
This is pretty tough but many of the churches of today are disobeying this scriptural teaching which is endangering the church’s purity before God.
V11. God tells us there are some among us who are busybodies. A busybody: an idle person who causes trouble and division in the church. This disorderly brother can bring down the church and its witness.

*Remember: an idle mind is the devils workshop!

V14-15. Disobedience by permitting this offender to keep company will prevent him from being purified and ashamed of what he has done.
V15. Warn him as a church…
Always be ready to forgive if he repents of his waywardness and sinning.

We must pray and seek God’s will with regards to the disorderly person.

Think on these scriptures to guide you in the truth.
Galatians 5:18-21

May these scripture not only warn us all but help us to discern the truth in those who sin against the household of faith.

Father, we can’t even begin to know the truth unless we accept your Word in spirit and truth. There are many out there today that have appeared in the pews and have come to bring great disturbance in thy household. Oh, Father protect they church from the workers of iniquity. Help us to apply thy Word and live it out in our lives. Give us discernment and wisdom. Remove self will from the church of today and may your will be done. Forgive us for not taking thy Word into our lives. Help us Lord for we are aware that time is ticking away and your return is immanent. May we be found worthy of your mercy and grace?
In Jesus Name.
AMEN

A note: Devotions with regards to church discipline will continue in January.