In part 1 of the Coming Out From Among Them series I talked about Biblical discipline and how separation does not break unity but establishes Biblical unity.
In part 2 I addressed how we are commanded to Come Out From Among Them or separate ourselves from Christians who are unruly, meaning they are morally disorderly. 2 Thess.3:5-7 tells us to keep away from those believers who do these things. Matt.18:15-17 gives of the process we go through before we separate ourselves and declare them as tax collectors or Gentile meaning we are not to have any contact with them.
Here in part 3 of Coming Out From Among Them, I address those Christian brothers who do not follow the Word of God given to them.
2. SEPARATING FROM A CHRISTIAN BROTHER WHO DOES NOT FOLLOW THE WORD:
This could be applied to an individual or to a corporate group that has placed the traditions of man over the Word of truth or those who just walk in what they deem right in their own eyes and refuse counsel. Again I will stress this is not a love issue. Of course we are to love our Christian brothers. However the same command to love them also says to separate ourselves from them if they are unrepentant. The reason for separation is for our protection and for their reconciliation and not for judgment.
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 ESV (14) If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. (15) Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
Romans 16:17-18 ESV I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. (18) For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
In part 2 I addressed how we are commanded to Come Out From Among Them or separate ourselves from Christians who are unruly, meaning they are morally disorderly. 2 Thess.3:5-7 tells us to keep away from those believers who do these things. Matt.18:15-17 gives of the process we go through before we separate ourselves and declare them as tax collectors or Gentile meaning we are not to have any contact with them.
Here in part 3 of Coming Out From Among Them, I address those Christian brothers who do not follow the Word of God given to them.
2. SEPARATING FROM A CHRISTIAN BROTHER WHO DOES NOT FOLLOW THE WORD:
This could be applied to an individual or to a corporate group that has placed the traditions of man over the Word of truth or those who just walk in what they deem right in their own eyes and refuse counsel. Again I will stress this is not a love issue. Of course we are to love our Christian brothers. However the same command to love them also says to separate ourselves from them if they are unrepentant. The reason for separation is for our protection and for their reconciliation and not for judgment.
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 ESV (14) If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. (15) Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
Romans 16:17-18 ESV I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. (18) For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
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