“But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us“
and not according to the tradition
A “tradition” is something handed down. “Tradition” here means the oral and written teaching the gospel team passed down to the Thessalonians (1 Corinthians 11:2).
which he received from us
The word “received” carries the idea of receiving from another person. The Thessalonians received both written and oral information from Paul’s team (i.e.1 or 2 Thessalonians).
Principle:
Christians are to reject people who show contempt toward Scripture.
Application:
Some Christians will wound us more than help us. We may be fine on our own, but the moment we are with these people, there is trouble.
Church discipline must be handled biblically. This includes having adequate evidence of the fault and giving the person warning ahead of time. As well, the person should be confronted privately, in accordance with Matthew 18:15. The next step involves public rebuke and banishment from the church.
The purpose of such church discipline is not punishment but restoration to fellowship. It is an attempt to get the offender’s attention so that he/she will repent and stop rebelling against the Word of God.
