16/04/2018 - GET AWAY FROM THE TROUBLEMAKERS

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But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 2 Thessalonians 3:6

Orders from the Word must be obeyed, because they come directly from the Most High. So, it is good to move away from those who do not follow it. The Scriptures are not speaking only of those who disobey the laws of the country, but also of those who call themselves saved but despise the biblical recommendation on their way of living. The troublemakers have become friends with the enemy of God (James 4:4), but they will not go unpunished.

The person who violates the rules of government demonstrates that he is not a good citizen, and can probably do other things against his nation. Likewise, the believers that act like troublemakers will not think twice about transgressing the commandments. However, the faithful servants of the Lord fit in the recommendations of the Word. Those who are guided by the heavenly guidance prove to be children of God.

The danger of being next to those who do not obey the biblical norms is to be contaminated by a bad example. Anyone who does not respect the Most High, if he feels threatened, can act in a way that is contrary to order and decency. The lost are under the authority of the devil since Adam´s sin. Even if they resist temptation, they will not be able to get rid of it.

Of course we must love them, so that they are led to salvation in some way. The battle is difficult, and the forces of evil will not easily give up their prey. Paul said he suffered again labor pains for Christ to be formed in the Galatians (Gal. 4:19), just as he felt when he took the Gospel to them and worked hard for them to be saved. Have we committed ourselves even in labor pains to bring the captives into the kingdom of God?

The matter is so serious that the apostle used the Name of Jesus to order the withdrawal of every rebellious brother. Whoever does not respect the divine precepts is excluded from the relationship with the God of order. He is not of confusion but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). The members of the Body of Christ, although they suffer, exhibit a peace which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

The tradition we have to obey comes from the people who served the Lord in the past. Without a doubt, they pleased the Father. The example must be imitated. Where there is respect for the principles of the Gospel, there is the good will of the Lord. Where there is disrespect for the divine norms, the forces of evil operate with deception and suffering. When you keep the commandments, you prove that you love the Lord (John 14:21).

We are examples both for the saved and for the ungodly. We must separate ourselves from those who walk in an unruly manner and draw near to those who delight walking righteously.

In Christ with love,

R. R. Soares