October 8, 2022

Passage Read: 2 Thessalonians 2-3
Meditation Verses: 3:14-15

Thought

These are strong words from Paul. What he has written, he expects everyone to obey, and if anyone doesn't obey it, we are not to associate with that person. If anyone does not obey what Paul has written, they are to be cut off from fellowship. Paul's writings had better be God's Truth, if we're to break fellowship over someone's disobedience to them. And so we must accept that what writings we have of Paul's, they must be God's will for us to obey. Including the injunction to regard those we disassociate with as brothers, not enemies. We're not to be hostile towards them, but heartbroken at losing a dear brother.

Application

Paul has the boldness to consider his commands as from God, and therefore requiring obedience. I need to trust God that He has indeed spoken through Paul's writings, and I need to obey all he has written. But I also need to separate myself from anyone who will not likewise walk in obedience to what God has written through Paul. But I cannot reject them; instead I need to see them as wayward brothers whom I desire to see return.