Exclude the Disobedient. 2 Thessalonians 3:13-15
As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
Dear Royal Priesthood,
As Paul brings his letter to a conclusion, he wants to remind the Thessalonians that at the root of fellowship is a shared set of values and that not everyone has a right to belong.
Continue (v. 13). The encouragement to “not grow weary in doing good” implies that they have been doing good. The danger of growing weary is because of several possibilities: The Undeserving. People who are able-bodied but refuse to work are a real damper on kindness. Some people have made begging a business. The Ungrateful. Some needy people have such a sense of entitlement that they will criticize you for not meeting their expectations. Imagine a beggar insisting on how much you should give him. Whether the needy are genuine or not, thankful or not, we cannot always tell. We should do good and leave the rest to God.
Condemn (v. 14). The instructions Paul gives are not recommendations that people can take or leave. Those who reject the instructions are to be excluded from the fellowship and shamed for their behaviour. The body of Christ must not be perceived as condoning idleness and must make a clear statement to both its members and outsiders.
Counsel (v. 15). The aim of exclusion should not be enmity. It is to be hoped that the estrangement will be for a period only and that the idle brother will see the error of his ways and repent. So we must always make it clear to erring Christians that they are our spiritual kin, but that the exclusion from fellowship is necessary, so that they can reform.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.