Sermon Tone Analysis

Purpose

Purpose: (n) -the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists.

(v) - have as one's intention or objective.

Purpose, there is a purpose, plan and provision for church discipline.

Though uncomfortable to talk about, uncomfortable to hear, the church at Thessalonica needed to hear it, and so do we today.

Paul is bringing to a close his second letter to the church, this one though brings a hard message, a serious charge, in fact a command when it comes to protecting the body of Christ (the church)

The charge to withdraw (2The3:6, 14)

Since we know bad company corrupts good morals that is easy there to withdraw, but what about the unruly brother in the church, in the fellowship of believers, there is a charge with withdraw.

The authority to withdraw (2The3:6)

Paul will call upon the name of Jesus as the authority to withdraw

The example to withdraw (1Cor1:10)

There is other biblical examples of withdrawing from Jesus, and even of Paul

The circumstances to withdraw (2The3:11-12; 2The7-10)

There is a reason to withdraw

Paul offers his previous instructions too in (vv.7-10)

The way to withdraw (2The3:14-15)

Take note by watching then withdrawing, but it comes with another purpose so don’t miss out on the re reason to withdraw (v.15)

This is a hard thing to hear and harder to apply and to accept, but it was vital then and should be vital to the church today.

As we look at this passage we should consider even the words of Jesus Himself, Paul’s charge as well as John’s too, on this uncomfortable issue as we go.

Now this could be a very long, multi point message, but in effort to be out of here before noon, only two points today but I think you will get the point.

The point of the command

The point of the purpose

The command

When it comes from God’s Word and the word “command” is used it is not an option, not open for discussion, it is what is to be done, even if unpopular or uncomfortable.

May we look at the passage and then look at the command to withdraw fellowship.

The command by Jesus Himself (Mt18:15-17)

This is not the rumor mill, this is seen, sin what has gone unchecked that is now known and is being addressed, personally first, then with other witnesses of the known sin.

(expand on the reason and importance of witnesses and why a drastic step)

This is spoken of in social relations, Jews did not do anything with Gentiles or with tax collectors.

This is not putting the person out of the church but out of social gatherings.

We have no authority to say who is in the church and who is out of the church, but there is a way and a purpose to handle church discipline, we will get to the purpose shortly.

Jesus used the word “brother” twice in v.15, 16, so this is a believer not a heathen.

We need to remember that.

The command by Paul to church at Rome (Rom16:17-18)

Paul to the church at Rome it was watch out, look out, for anyone who brings on dissensions (which is a disagreement that leads to discord); and hindrances that are not in line with the teaching of what had been taught to them previously.

The instruction is to withdraw and the purpose is they are serving self and not God and they can deceive others and bring division within the body of believers

The command by Paul to church at Corinth (1Cor5:1-13)

To the church of Corinth that was not dealing with the sinning brother by not dealing with means they are saying it is OK, and sin is to be grevious and needs to be dealt with.

Paul handed the man over for a purpose in (v.5) it was so that his flesh could be destroyed but the spirit saved!

And, yes the command to the church at Thessalonica (2The3:6-15)

We are going to discuss this more as we go.

But you can check v.6, 12 both use the word command so it is not optional, it is with purpose.

But wait, there is more, the command by John too (2Jn9-11)

If we were to look at 2Jn2:9-11 we would see that John says do not even receive one who does not abide in the word of God.

Hum, so do you think it is important?

It is.

The charged in Thessalonica

The unruly, some versions say disorderly (v.6)

Those who do not follow the tradition which was given (v.6)

This is not the tradition of men, except it is the exampled tradition of godly men who labored day and night (vv.7-9)

Those unwilling to work (v.10)

For some it was sloth, laziness, these are the ones who had the ability but chose not to work

Those who thought the return day of the Lord was upon them and why work when the Lord is coming now.

Those leading undisciplined lives (v.11) - expand on this

Those acting as busybodies (v.11) - expand on this

The evidence is presented to substantiate Paul’s charges.

There is a reason Paul is addressing this issue, it has a purpose and may we look at that next.

Intended result of withdrawing

Withdrawing fellowship with someone is not an easy thing to have happen and is not taken lightly.

It is to be done purposefully with an intended result.

So may we look at some scriptures about that subject in line with our text today too.

To save the soul of the unrepentant sinner (2Th3:14; Heb10:26-31; 1Cor5:4,5, 13)

Paul wanted the person to have sin exposed so to bring shame and save their souls.

It is important for us to note the severity of an unrepentant sinner, this is not an occasional sin, this is a sinful choice and lifestyle.

For the 1st Century former Jew that once tasted the goodness of God and returns to a sinful lifestyle there is no hope of return and you can read about that in Heb10:26-31, and sin was serious then and is serious now.

Paul in 1Cor5 delivered over such one, unrepentant sinner, to Satan.

This is tough love in action, this is withholding Christian fellowship, godly influence in an effort for the destruction of the flesh.

Shame can go a long ways in helping to destroy such things as the flesh.

This command to the church at Corinth it was publically notice of the the withdrawl.

I think maybe we better for a minute look at the passage in whole.

Unrepentant sin does not just impact the sinner, it can impact the church, the body, the all.

If we jump down a few verses in the passage you see.

Paul had previously written to the church on what to do and they were not doing it.

He had told them not to associate with immoral people and they were allowing immorality to be a part of the body.

then just a little further

Paul tells the church it is about the church not those outside of the church.

And this removal is so that the flesh can be destroyed and the soul saved, restored to the body.

To save the souls of other members (1Cor5:6-8; Rev2:14-16)

Don’t socialize with the old leaven (unrepentant sinner) for they can impact the whole lump (church); May we hope that the Word of God will pierce a heart again and there will be a repentance and return.

This command has nothing to do with worship, it has to do with social setting, so don’t think we are not to love them when they come to the assembly to hear God’s Word, for we are!

To magnify the Lord, His church in eyes of the world (Act5:1-14)

In the first act of church discipline after the birth of the church in Act5 we see the story of Ananias and Sapphira who lied to the Holy Spirit and to God and it cost both of them their lives because of unrepentant sin, but in the end look what happened.

Sin was drastically dealt with and it brought more people in.

Some want to leave when church discipline happens, may we remember again, this is not about judging, it is about saving the soul of the person and protecting the souls of the saved.

In this passage the end result was more people.

(insert story about ex wife living together and the conviction of the Lord and my heart, soul was in danger- lead to marriage and baptism for forgiveness of sins) Was a member of a church where sin was preached as deadly and the solution to sin was the one who died for us!

Drawing a conclusion

Christ is coming for His church, His church that is holy because He gives us everything we need for life and godliness.

A few more words on Church discipline.

We cannot ignore sin and the subject of church discipline, souls are at stake.

It is commanded by Jesus, by His apostles and we hold the formula in our hands.

This is an eternal life issue here for the very soul of the erring brother and the protection of the the brethren.

It is tough love not done in spite, it is done in the spirit of love it is an admonishment of a brother with a purpose (2The3:15)

Remember it is about love and we need to love one another (1The4:9-10)

(invitation slide 1-love the sinner picture)

Love- we are to love, God loved us and sent Jesus (Jn3:16); at just the right time He died for us (Rom5:8) He died so our sins could be forgiven (ACt2:38) when we believe and confess (Rom10:9-10) and are baptized (Act2:38) so we can walk in the newness of life (Rom6:4).

Remember we all fall short, so love!

Let love lead the way!

You are loved more than you will ever know by the one who wants you to know Him, He died so you can come to know Him! Come as you are as we stand and sing.

(invitation slide 2- you are loved more picture) song (exit slides)