In this passage there is a two-fold message, but today we will only address the first regarding the idea of church discipline. Paul is speaking to two distinct groups within the church which he has two different and distinct messages for. For the first, he wants them to acknowledge and deal with sin in the church, especially unrepentant sin. He points out the need to put those who refuse repentance out from the local body. According to 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15, we must withdraw from unrelenting believers. Paul is applying general principles regarding this subject, but how do we apply them today? We can find the answer with a series of questions. 

1. What does it mean to withdraw? (2 Thess 3:14-15)

In v. 6, we are commanded to withdraw, but later Paul goes more in-depth to explain what it looks like to withdraw. First, it is important to understand and take sin seriously. Sin is serious! We must first learn to deal with sin if we are to withdraw at the appropriate time and for the right reasons. Second, withdrawing means you must take note of the disobedient brother. This does not mean we simply see and recognize their actions are sin, but we draw attention in order to call it out. Third, withdrawing also means you have no fellowship with the disobedient brother. This is a withdrawal that creates a totally different kind of relationship. The disobedient brother is to be treated similarly to an unbeliever - as one who is actively rejecting Christ. We do not hold the same kind of fellowship with an unbeliever as we would a believer. Similarly, we would not do so with anyone who is choosing to live in unrepentant sin. Fourth, withdrawing means warning the disobedient brother. We are not called to turn away and ignore the disobedience, but rather to admonish the disobedient brother in the hope that he is truly our brother and will be restored to walking in Christlikeness. Therefore, we do what Ephesians 4:15 says and speak in love. So, we know what it means to withdraw, but how do we know when to implement it? 

2. How do we know when to withdraw? (2 Thess 3:6-7; 12-14)

It is important to know this withdrawing is never something that should be done lightly. These are members of our family in Christ, and therefore we proceed with caution. In this passage there are a few important indicators that answer how we know when to withdraw. First, we must withdraw from those who defy Godly examples (v.6-8). Those more mature in the faith are responsible to teach others, in part by their example. Thus, to defy that example is to put oneself in dark waters and potentially sin. If you have a clear picture of godliness in your life, you should follow it! Second, we must withdraw from those who defy God's word (v.6,12,14). There are several intentional references in this passage to obedience. To disregard Scripture is to disregard God Himself. This is certainly not the activity of a believer. Thankfully, this does not mean we withdraw from people every time they disobey. Rather we take the three-step process outlined in Matthew 18:15-17: 1. Confront the individual and pray they repent. 2. If they do not repent, bring others to confront them again. 3. If they still refuse to repent then they may be brought before the entire local church. If after this refusal continues, then the withdrawing begins to take place.  This seems like a lot of steps…why is all this necessary? 

3. What is the purpose of withdrawing? (2 Thess 3:6; 14-15)

In v. 6, Paul is concerned about the Thessalonians way of life - whether they’re walking in godliness. He desires for true Christians to live like they’re true Christians to ensure there is “proof of life” (c.f., Eph 2:10). If works are absent, there is no evidence of life and therefore we need to treat that “brother” like an unbeliever so he might come to know Christ. In verses 14 and 15, he also states the goal is to make the unrepentant sinner ashamed. This is not some kind of “public shaming” ritual, but rather it is intended to elicit genuine, personal shame based on objective guilt before God. Thereby, as he sees his sin for what it is, and Lord-willing feels the Spirit's conviction, he will repent. Ultimately, we withdraw to help reveal the sin of the disobedient brother to him, that he might be restored. 

Conclusion: 

We must withdraw from unrepentant believers. This is a responsibility we have as a church and as individual believers to keep one another accountable in our walk with God. We may object by thinking this is none of our business, or it makes us uncomfortable, or we don’t know how. You might even be thinking this sounds too harsh - especially since these are our brothers and sisters in Christ…but sin is serious. Sin is not something we should take lightly, and church discipline is therefore our responsibility as we seek to edify one another. We must withdraw from unrepentant believers so that they might be restored to fellowship in the church and their walk with God. 

Questions for Discussion

1. Read v. 6. When should we withdraw from someone who claims to be a believer? 
2. Read v. 14-15. Why should we warn unrepentant believers if they are our spiritual family? What does that tell you about the purpose of church discipline? 
3. Why is church discipline a difficult thing? What joy might come from church discipline that is conducted biblically?