“If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed.”
2 Thessalonians 3:14
The unity of the church depends on God’s Word. That Word became flesh in Jesus Christ. In union with Him, we live in the light of His promises, walk according to His Word, and grow in grace. Then we are not ashamed of who we are as Christ followers.
No matter where we go in this world, we’ll feel the reality of belonging in one place but being excluded entirely in another. Under Jesus, we join together without a care for ethnicity, skin color, gender, age, status, wealth, or education. In the church of Christ, a former persecutor of believers (Paul) can join up with a child of the faith (Timothy) and work together for the glory of God. In the church of Christ, all are in Christ and unashamed.
The corollary to this is that when someone refuses to obey the Lord, Christians cannot have Christian fellowship with that person. We do try, however, to help him come to repentance, turn away from sin, and seek grace according to the Word of God. These can be tough situations, but they remind us of what really matters.
No matter where we go in this world, we’ll feel the reality of belonging in one place but being excluded entirely in another. Under Jesus, we join together without a care for ethnicity, skin color, gender, age, status, wealth, or education. In the church of Christ, a former persecutor of believers (Paul) can join up with a child of the faith (Timothy) and work together for the glory of God. In the church of Christ, all are in Christ and unashamed.
The corollary to this is that when someone refuses to obey the Lord, Christians cannot have Christian fellowship with that person. We do try, however, to help him come to repentance, turn away from sin, and seek grace according to the Word of God. These can be tough situations, but they remind us of what really matters.
Scripture Focus
2 Thessalonians 3:14-18
Insight
Let the Word of God be at work in your life so that it comforts you, directs you, shapes you, and shines brightly in our world.
Bible In A Year
- 1 Chronicles 10-11
- Proverbs 29
- Revelation 13-14
