AUGUST 13TH BIBLE STUDY LESSON

What does withdrawing from another believer

for the purpose of restoration look like?

II Thessalonians 2:16

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.

Christian doctrine in general does not elevate separation above unity, which makes particular instructions like these difficult. But the point of this passage is that we should separate ourselves as a church body from those whose ongoing and willful disobedience shows that they are intent on causing division within a fellowship of believers. The phrase keep away (II Thessalonians 3:6) pictures gathering together one’s robe and walking away, not in a spirit of superiority, but in a refusal to condone wrong deeds. The purpose of disassociating with believers who are “walking in idleness” (II Thessalonians 3:6, 11) is to create a distance that will encourage repentance and restoration (II Thessalonians 3:14).

In practical terms, keeping away from these believers means this: Do not be influenced by troublemakers. Do not join in their pursuits or let them whisper destructive things in your ear. In the Greek, to “have nothing to do” with someone literally means “Do not mix yourselves up with them” (II Thessalonians 3:14). If some come along who want to start trouble in the church, shut yourself off from their controversy and encourage others to do the same. And confront them-lovingly (Gal. 6:1) since they are not the enemy but brothers and sisters in Christ (II Thessalonians 3:15). Urge the disruptive to get back in step with the army of believers and walk faithfully in obedience to the Word. This is the biblical way to restore fellowship.