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 he
received of us. For yourselves know
how ye ought to follow us:
for we behaved not ourselves
disorderly among you; neither
did we eat any man's bread for
nought; but wrought with labor
and travail night and day,
but to make ourselves an example
unto you to follow us.
2Thessalonians 3:6-9
The purity of the congregation, the Church was always a priority of Paul's and should be a priority of us. I have attended over my 73 years many different denominations and noticed that there was no effort to follow Paul's commands about a brother or sister who were living in sin to be removed from the Church. In fact, a person if removed from a Church would simply go to another one for that Church did not require any proof that this person was a faithful brother and had not been removed from a prior Church. The problem lies in the fight among denominations to prove their doctrine right and the others wrong, a theological debate that never ends. Churches do not talk with one another, they are autonomous, puffed up, saying: "I am a Reformed Church," or, "I am a Charismatic Church," or, I am Lutheran," or, or, or,or....... And the sinful brother or sister never has to meet their sin as sin.
Why? Many reasons can be accounted for this lack to follow this command about those who are walking disorderly. Yes, some Churches do follow this command, therefore this statement is one of generality, but unfortunately, it is true among most Churches. After the Great Awakening, an evangelical and revitalization movement that occurred in the 1730's and 40's that left a permanent impact on Protestantism. The Second Great Awakening which began about 1800 was more of a socialistic movement that attempted to reach out to the unchurched. This movement focused on the "outpouring of the Holy Spirit" and this focus is still the focus or the Charismatics, and the Pentecostals. This Awakening was more of a liberal movement to make and attempt to include every person in conversion, regardless of gender, or race, and status. There was a rise in a modern naturalistic liberalism and that rise did not come by chance, but arose due to changes in the conditions of life. This was a beginning of a new era in human history. While we can look at the changes in industrialization, and even war, there was more, and this more was produced by might changes in the human mind, they gave more rise to spiritual changes that was spiritual in nature but not Scriptural in actuality. This problem may be at the core: if there was a separation of naturalistic liberalism, there would be a diminishing of the size of Churches. This problem may further stated that for some pastors it is more important to keep their congregation in number that to keep their congregation pure. Therefore there is little, or no, attempt to remove sinful people as instructed by Paul. What is the duty of Christian men and women, the pastor, the leaders of the Church? They should be encouraging those who are struggling in their intellectual and spiritual struggle. The propagation of the numbers of the Church should not be a devotion to Christianity, for this lessens the defense of Christianity.
You know the truth! Paul makes mention of this fact, and we have examples that manifest how and what we should be doing to keep our congregations pure. Paul says: "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you. that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies" (2Thessalonians 3:10-11). Do you have those in your congregation that could work, but give excuses as to why they are not working? Could they find a job, either in the town they live, or maybe have to go to another town to find work, but give excuses as to why they won't go? Do you continue to allow such excuses with your own excuses? I have heard complaints about a religious organization that follows this command as being wrong or bad, but how, does not Scripture speak plainly? Paul continues: "Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, they work and eat their won bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 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. Now the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all" (2Thessalonians 3:12-16). These words may seem contradictory, but they are not, we are commanded not to have company with such people. But, we are not to make them our enemy and if possible aid them to return to the faith that is Authentic. You are not their savior, you are to follow the commands of Christ in Matthew 18. If you can help and not be affected by their sin, it may be good for you to do so, but remember a bad apple makes a barrel of apples bad and a good apple will not make a barrel of bad apples good. One must be discerning and careful so as not to fall into sin. Liberal Christianity, if one can call Liberal Christianity, Christian in actuality is heresy. Stay away from this form of Christianity, they do not follow Scripture and they are not Authentic Christians. Yes, there are some very serious people in this heresy and need to come out and you may be the one to aid them to do so, but if you are not following Scripture, then your words of comfort are not truthful words. We are to be Authentic and at times we must make very difficult choices, but did not God?
They that forsake the law
praise the wicked: but
such as keep the law
contend with them.
Proverbs 28:4
Stand for truth: at any cost
Richard L. Crumb
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