The Thief Again
John 10:10a reads, “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy.” Who is that thief? Satan. How does he operate in the church? He works through hypocrites. Not everyone in the church is pure in heart.
“Germs” attack the body when it is weak because they are less capable of success if the body is well-fed and strong. Satan steals—parasites rob of health. Parasites thrive at the expense of another, robbing the victim of all its health: in 2 Thessalonians 3, Paul describes some members as lazy (“not working at all”) and nosy (“busybodies”), v. 11. A church that does not exercise church discipline when necessary will reap serious consequences: sin condoned attracts more problems. What must be done with lazy and gossiping troublemakers? The apostle gives three steps. First, instruct them to get busy—“work in quietness and eat their own bread.” (v. 12) However long the Lord takes in coming, conduct your life according to the highest standard in Christ. Second, inhibit them from enjoying benefits—“If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat.” (v. 10) No work … no food. This principle applies both physically and spiritually to every member of the local body of believers. Third, isolate them from fellowship—“Withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us … note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.” (vv. 6, 14) Withdraw from? Do not keep company with? Why? So that he (or she) may be ashamed. Demonstrate disapproval! If the discipline works, restore him to fellowship. (See v. 15) Why such harsh action? It is for the benefit of church unity. If the church is no different than the world, we will not gain a hearing for the gospel; we will be rejected and despised as hypocrites!
Sin cera, Erik
Erik O. Garthe is Associate Pastor at Canton Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland.
