2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
Introductory Thoughts
Scriptural traditions are worthy of the believer’s allegiance and should move him to break fellowship with those who refuse to adhere to those biblical traditions. The apostle Paul spoke of traditions that the believers in Thessalonica had received from him. These traditions were good and were to be maintained by the believers (2 Thessalonians 2:15). In fact, these traditions were so important that the people of God were to “withdraw” themselves from those (including “every brother”) who walked disorderly (in disobedience to the traditions). No doubt, these traditions were the very ones which Paul made known in his epistles.
Devotional Thoughts
- (For children): The Bible is very clear that we separate from those (saved or lost) who go against the scriptures which we have been taught. Some examples are Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:11; Ephesians 5:11; 1 Timothy 6:3-5; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 2 John 1:7, 9-10.
- (For everyone): In a day when everyone suggests compromise in order to get along, what should the Bible-loving Christian do to stay true to the word of God?
- For what should you be willing to separate? From whom should you be willing to separate? What is your scriptural authority for your thoughts?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you be willing to separate when needed.
- Ask God to put a hedge about your fellow believers.
SONG: THY TESTIMONY’S MY DELIGHT
Quotes from the next volume
(VOLUME 4, WEEK 50)
Subject: Truth (con’t)
Truth and love can and must coexist in the life of the believer.
Lies may, in the face of conflict or difficulty, present a temporary way of escape, but speaking the truth will offer greater rewards in the future.
Truth frees a man from the entanglements that would hinder his ability to fight spiritual battles.