Our Conduct - Study 3/24/11
Our Conduct
One of the debates that surfaces during political campaigns is the one on personal conduct and public life. Usually a politician’s immoral indiscretion is exposed and often you hear that what he does in his personal life should not affect his public life. In essence he should not be judged and held accountable for his private conduct or lack of discipline. When it comes to the Christian life, should we therefore be held to a certain conduct or is it anything and everything goes especially since we are under grace? You may not like it but every kingdom that existed has a code of conduct and likewise institutions. The military has a code of conduct. Jesus instituted and called for a code of conduct for his disciples in His kingdom when he said "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" John 13:34.
In our study for today, Apostle Paul calls the attention of the Thessalonians to good conduct and to correct errors observed in lack of a good conduct. In particular, Paul addresses idleness, a topic he addressed in his first letter and now the Thessalonians still had to deal with. Let’s hear Apostle Paul. “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us” vs.6. The word “command” sounds very authoritative and has a military flavor. It should be rightly so. The saints of old saw themselves as soldiers in the army of God. Even Paul used military metaphors for the Christian walk or life. A soldier should not be at ease but disciplined and ready always. Listen to Paul counsel his beloved son in the Lord, Timothy. 3 “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer”(2 Timothy 2:3-4).
Come on saint and soldier of Christ, let’s study so that we can conduct ourselves appropriately with the help of the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live above sin. Some of us may have to repent of our bad conducts as the Spirit convicts us. Remember, which son/daughter does not receive his father’s discipline. Let judgment begin in the house of God and Apostle Paul has given us guidance for Church discipline in today’s study.
2 Thessalonians 3
1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”
11 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.
14 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. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. 16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 17 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Here are my observations in addition to the ones you may have:
1. Apostle Paul was revisiting a subject he had written about and had also tried to teach by his own example by way of living (See vs. 7 and 8). Let’s recall from the first Letter the following commands. “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). Apparently, as a result of error in understanding about the second coming of Jesus, some of the believers decided to literally check-out and stopped working. They said, “Well if Christ is soon coming back, why work. Let’s just relax and wait for him”. Paul then and now corrects this error in conduct leading us to the second Letter.
2. In this second Letter, Paul goes much further in addressing this problem of idleness which is sin. “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us” vs.6. Notice that in the first Letter, it was a warning. “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Now Paul by the authority of the Lord (“In the name of the Lord Jesus”) the Thessalonians believers are to “keep away from every brother who is idle”. Sounds very serious.
3. Why do we have to keep away from a brother or sister who is engaged in a bad behavior or conduct? Bad company corrupts good manners. Likewise good company will influence good behavior. Paul had another reason for commanding “keep away” (i.e. “Not withdrawal of all contact but withholding of close fellowship”). “Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother”vs.14 and 15. Note the phrase “feel ashamed”. The goal is to make the brother or sister notice that people are running from him or her so that he or she may begin to ask questions and reflect and repent.
4. The goal of all Church discipline is to restore a brother or sister to full fellowship. Do not throw the baby away with the dirty bath water. “Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother”. Keep in mind this person who is in error is still chosen by God and still a brother and not an enemy. These days we have so many in our Christian fellowship who need to be kept away from especially after repeated warnings of their bad conduct. For example, a brother who chooses to be living with a woman that is not his wife should be warned. If there is no sign of repentance we should keep away from such a brother (Read 1 Corinthians 5).
5. Let’s make this important point. Our good or bad conduct is not the basis of our calling and relationship with God. Paul made it clear. However, we are expected to do good works in words and deeds (see 2 Thessalonians 2 and Ephesians 2:8-10). As the “Chosen” there is an expectation we are called to live up not necessarily to impress God but to allow God live out His life that is us. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:12-14). It is the love for our God that causes us to obedience to his commands.
6. There is solution for idleness. Paul encourages the Thessalonian believers. “12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat”. Settle down and work (get a job). In today’s economy, it may not be so easy for those who are looking for work. But it is a different thing not to want to work at all. To this Paul says, then don’t eat. Much can be said about our American welfare system that encourages able-bodied people not to work but depend on others. If you are a believer in this state, please repent and go to work. Of course there are many who are helped by the welfare system that are truly in need of help.
7. There is solution for other sins other than being idle. Christ is the permanent solution for our sin. “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof….For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace”. Sin is no longer our master and does not have dominion or power over us as believers because the seed of Christ is in us. “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God” 1 John 3:9 This is contrary to popular teaching that makes excuse for our sin. Yes, if we do sin we repent but a believer in Christ is living the life of Christ and it is a sinless life. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
We must live daily, the live of Christ that is in us. Let’s hold each other accountable and gently call each other to repentance when one is not living up to God’s standard. Let’s not tolerate a brother or sister who is shaming the gospel of Christ with repeated warnings and nudge to repentance. Apostle Paul asked, 1”What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Roman 6:1-2). Also, “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them” 1 John 5:18. Is there a brother or sister you need to prayerfully go to and gently warn of his/her sin? We owe it to each other and please do so not because you are more righteous but because Christ lives in you and in the person. I know it is un-American but it is Christ-like.
Worried about living up to God’s standard? Not at all but let’s repent of any sin and trust our God. 23”And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (1Thessalonians 5:23-24). Amen
One of the debates that surfaces during political campaigns is the one on personal conduct and public life. Usually a politician’s immoral indiscretion is exposed and often you hear that what he does in his personal life should not affect his public life. In essence he should not be judged and held accountable for his private conduct or lack of discipline. When it comes to the Christian life, should we therefore be held to a certain conduct or is it anything and everything goes especially since we are under grace? You may not like it but every kingdom that existed has a code of conduct and likewise institutions. The military has a code of conduct. Jesus instituted and called for a code of conduct for his disciples in His kingdom when he said "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another" John 13:34.
In our study for today, Apostle Paul calls the attention of the Thessalonians to good conduct and to correct errors observed in lack of a good conduct. In particular, Paul addresses idleness, a topic he addressed in his first letter and now the Thessalonians still had to deal with. Let’s hear Apostle Paul. “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us” vs.6. The word “command” sounds very authoritative and has a military flavor. It should be rightly so. The saints of old saw themselves as soldiers in the army of God. Even Paul used military metaphors for the Christian walk or life. A soldier should not be at ease but disciplined and ready always. Listen to Paul counsel his beloved son in the Lord, Timothy. 3 “Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer”(2 Timothy 2:3-4).
Come on saint and soldier of Christ, let’s study so that we can conduct ourselves appropriately with the help of the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live above sin. Some of us may have to repent of our bad conducts as the Spirit convicts us. Remember, which son/daughter does not receive his father’s discipline. Let judgment begin in the house of God and Apostle Paul has given us guidance for Church discipline in today’s study.
2 Thessalonians 3
1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.
6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. 9 We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves a model for you to follow. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat.”
11 We hear that some among you are idle. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers, never tire of doing what is right.
14 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. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. 16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 17 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
Here are my observations in addition to the ones you may have:
1. Apostle Paul was revisiting a subject he had written about and had also tried to teach by his own example by way of living (See vs. 7 and 8). Let’s recall from the first Letter the following commands. “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody” (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12). Apparently, as a result of error in understanding about the second coming of Jesus, some of the believers decided to literally check-out and stopped working. They said, “Well if Christ is soon coming back, why work. Let’s just relax and wait for him”. Paul then and now corrects this error in conduct leading us to the second Letter.
2. In this second Letter, Paul goes much further in addressing this problem of idleness which is sin. “In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us” vs.6. Notice that in the first Letter, it was a warning. “And we urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone” (1 Thessalonians 5:14). Now Paul by the authority of the Lord (“In the name of the Lord Jesus”) the Thessalonians believers are to “keep away from every brother who is idle”. Sounds very serious.
3. Why do we have to keep away from a brother or sister who is engaged in a bad behavior or conduct? Bad company corrupts good manners. Likewise good company will influence good behavior. Paul had another reason for commanding “keep away” (i.e. “Not withdrawal of all contact but withholding of close fellowship”). “Do not associate with him, in order that he may feel ashamed. 15 Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother”vs.14 and 15. Note the phrase “feel ashamed”. The goal is to make the brother or sister notice that people are running from him or her so that he or she may begin to ask questions and reflect and repent.
4. The goal of all Church discipline is to restore a brother or sister to full fellowship. Do not throw the baby away with the dirty bath water. “Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother”. Keep in mind this person who is in error is still chosen by God and still a brother and not an enemy. These days we have so many in our Christian fellowship who need to be kept away from especially after repeated warnings of their bad conduct. For example, a brother who chooses to be living with a woman that is not his wife should be warned. If there is no sign of repentance we should keep away from such a brother (Read 1 Corinthians 5).
5. Let’s make this important point. Our good or bad conduct is not the basis of our calling and relationship with God. Paul made it clear. However, we are expected to do good works in words and deeds (see 2 Thessalonians 2 and Ephesians 2:8-10). As the “Chosen” there is an expectation we are called to live up not necessarily to impress God but to allow God live out His life that is us. “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:12-14). It is the love for our God that causes us to obedience to his commands.
6. There is solution for idleness. Paul encourages the Thessalonian believers. “12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the bread they eat”. Settle down and work (get a job). In today’s economy, it may not be so easy for those who are looking for work. But it is a different thing not to want to work at all. To this Paul says, then don’t eat. Much can be said about our American welfare system that encourages able-bodied people not to work but depend on others. If you are a believer in this state, please repent and go to work. Of course there are many who are helped by the welfare system that are truly in need of help.
7. There is solution for other sins other than being idle. Christ is the permanent solution for our sin. “Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof….For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace”. Sin is no longer our master and does not have dominion or power over us as believers because the seed of Christ is in us. “No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God” 1 John 3:9 This is contrary to popular teaching that makes excuse for our sin. Yes, if we do sin we repent but a believer in Christ is living the life of Christ and it is a sinless life. “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
We must live daily, the live of Christ that is in us. Let’s hold each other accountable and gently call each other to repentance when one is not living up to God’s standard. Let’s not tolerate a brother or sister who is shaming the gospel of Christ with repeated warnings and nudge to repentance. Apostle Paul asked, 1”What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? 2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Roman 6:1-2). Also, “We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them” 1 John 5:18. Is there a brother or sister you need to prayerfully go to and gently warn of his/her sin? We owe it to each other and please do so not because you are more righteous but because Christ lives in you and in the person. I know it is un-American but it is Christ-like.
Worried about living up to God’s standard? Not at all but let’s repent of any sin and trust our God. 23”And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it” (1Thessalonians 5:23-24). Amen
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