Discipline in the Body of Christ

Members With Impure Testimonies

There are several scriptures that speak directly about a brother who is not giving a proper testimony for one who names the name of Christ. One such instruction is II Thessalonians 3:6: "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." In obeying this command of Paul to the Thessalonians, there are several things that must be prayerfully considered.

First of all, the command concerns brothers. Is the one under consideration a brother? Do we see evidence of the life of God? A parallel command is found in verses 14-15 and ends with, "Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." If we cannot bear solid witness that this person is a member of Christ and has shown evidence that he is alive unto God, then we do not have a basis in this scripture to discipline in this manner.

A second consideration is whether there has been time for God to deal in the matter. Included in this would be the normal functioning of oversight. Again, we need spiritual discernment. This is not a license to bring any member before the church for discipline that does not meet up to our standard. Rather, this is to restore one who has allowed an area of disobedience to God to go on not dealt with. We must be able to witness that the Word of God has come and not been heeded. Under the direction of the Spirit, church discipline brings pressure that helps to cause a member to deal with God instead of escaping what he knows to do.

A third consideration is the effect that disobedience is having on others and on the testimony as a whole. The specific example given in the above passage indicates that the member was making a nuisance of himself and even a burden on others, not being responsible in work. It was openly seen, and bringing discredit to the testimony of Christ. The specific instruction given surely applies to more than just the specific case of not working, but we must know that we have judged properly before God in the matter and that we have the mind of the Spirit.

What does it mean to "withdraw" or "not keep company"? Verse 15 gives us some help when Paul says, "Do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." The whole body acting together by withdrawing from normal social discourse, yet with a godly care and concern, can be a powerful encouragement to a member to do business with God. We must let the Lord give us all understanding in these things.

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