Obey the Word and practice it: (3:14-18):
In his first letter Paul had warned twice (1 Thess. 4:11; 5:14). Now Paul says: if that person remains disobedient, he must be given special treatment if he failed to repent. The idle one was to be identified as such by the members of the church and placed in a distinct category as disobedient. This seems to be what each faithful brother should do individually, no mention is made of public identification and discipline in the church (2 Thess.3:14-15).
The faithful were not to have social contact with an idle person till he repented. The purpose of this social ostracism was to make the offender feel ashamed of himself so that he would repent. The design of divine discipline is always to produce repentance but not division. Social pressure can be effective in helping an erring person come to his or her senses. This is exactly what Paul advocated in this case. Ostracism from the body of believers should help such a person be ashamed and feel his separation from fellowship with the Head of the body, Jesus Christ.
If each Christian would obey the Word of God, the church would be holier, happier, and more effective in witness and service.
One of the strengths of the Thessalonians church was its attitude toward the Word of God. They heard and received the Word, believed it (1 Thess.1:5-6; 2:13), and shared it with others. But apparently some of the believers were becoming hardened to the Word: they heard it but did not obey it. The evidence of their unbelief and disobedience was seen in the way they lived, and their lives were a disgrace to the church. We must be hearers and doers of the Word (Jam.1:22-27).
Paul’s benediction deals with peace and grace. The believers needed peace because they were experiencing great tribulation. Some of their members had died and some were living undisciplined lives. We can have peace in our hearts if we surrender to Christ, believe His promises, and look for His return. Nothing will encourage the tested believer like the expectation of Christ’s return!
This peace comes from His presence: “The Lord be with you all.” This is the God of peace giving us the peace of God (Phil. 4:4-9). Paul added his personal signature and benediction of grace, which was the way he closed all of his letters, thus guaranteeing their genuineness. Paul is also advising them not to believe in forged letters as they may be misguided. Now Paul assured them that this letter was authentic and authoritative.
May the Lord help us to examine our church whether we conform to the vision of the local church presented in the Thessalonians letters.
Bibliography:
- NIV Life application Bible.
- ESV Study Bible
- Ryrie study Bible.
- NIV Study Bible.
- Bible Knowledge Commentary/Old Testament.
- The Bible Exposition Commentary by Warren W. Wiersbe
- Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary.
- Adam Clarke’s Commentary
- Wycliffe Bible commentary.
- Mathew Henry conscise.
- Blue letter Bible by David Guzik.
- Unlocking the Bible by David Pawson.
- The outline Bible by Harold L Willmington.
Note: Please use this notes only as an outline, but spend more time studying the Word of God. For your questions please contact,
Kati Ravikumar, Mob: +918986873994, Email: katiravikumar@gmail.com