Gospel Efficacy

As Paul advises his young protégé he points to the goal of love (1Tim 1:5).  The problem in Ephesus arose from some who were espousing different doctrines and devoting themselves to speculative myths and intricate genealogies.  Timothy must charge them to desist from such unfruitful endeavors and turn their attention to the stewardship from God that is by faith (1Tim 1:4).  It is a reference to the good news of Christ.  This gospel is the instrument by which the Holy Spirit will cultivate in our hearts the virtue of love.  As Jesus Himself said, we are sanctified in the truth (Jn 17:17).  As the gospel is more clearly understood, more tightly embraced and more consistently followed, the necessary conditions for love will emerge, namely a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.  This triad is the fountain from which true charity will flow.  Christian love can only radiate from a heart that is purified by hope in Christ (1Jn 3:3), a conscience cleansed from works that are dead (Heb 9:14) and a faith tested and confirmed by a credible profession (1Cor 11:19).  Since this triumvirate is cultivated by the gospel of Christ, how important is it to give pride of place to the gospel?  How important is it to clearly understand the gospel?  If it is something into which angels long to look (1Pet 1:12), should we not take time to look and look again?  The goal will not be reached by slick gimmicks or novel techniques, but by a steady devotion to the gospel of Christ.  Our mission as a church is to exalt, proclaim and treasure Jesus Christ so that He may have devoted followers throughout the world.  Insofar as we are consistent with that terse mission statement, the threefold fountain from which true love flows will enable us to bring glory to our Redeemer King.

Disassociation

The Spirit gave instructions regarding church members who refuse to obey the word of the Lord.  Apparently this was a problem in Thessalonica (2Thess 3:14-15).  In such a case, we have four obligations.  First we take note of that person.  The verb is related to the noun sign, mark or token.  Obviously it means more than just making a mental note.  As Robertson puts it, we are to put a
tag on that man!  Somehow as Christians and as the church we are to identify him publicly so that others are made aware.  This contributes to the shame he must feel as a result of this procedure.  Second, Paul says we must have nothing to do with him.  Literally it means do not mix up together with him.  We are not to keep company with him or associate with him.  Yet the end of the verse requires us to regard him as a brother.  So shunning must not be intended.  We are not permitted to completely ostracize a Christian brother.  Rather, this must refer to some intermediate sanction between full fledged fellowship and complete banishment.  Certainly it includes suspension from the Lord’s Supper which is the public, visible sign of Christian fellowship.  The offending brother is barred from this sacrament in order to be ashamed.  That also serves as a public tag.  Most likely this also means that our social interactions with him are curtailed.  For example, we would not enjoy a meal with him while he is in this condition in the same way we would if he were striving to obey the Lord.  Any social interaction with him would be for the express purpose of calling him to repentance. Third, the apostle demands that we not regard him as an enemy.  Paul knows our innate tendency toward judgmentalism, bitterness and resentment.  We are likely to overstep our boundary and go beyond the biblical injunction.  Do not view him as an enemy, but as an erring brother.  Fourth, we must warn him as a brother.  Not an enemy…  as a brother.  The distinction is clear.  He remains within the fold.  He is entitled to loving discipline.  We do not give up on him.  This seems to cement the notion that Paul is referring primarily to church discipline.  Notice how shame is an instrument of restoration!  We all know what powerful motivation it provides.  The confluence of God’s law and human conscience exerts a mighty influence upon the individual soul, so mighty that most people cannot stand it.  A crushed spirit who can bear? (Prv 18:14)  God will use it as an instrument of discipline in guiding His beloved and erring children.  These four obligations are difficult to fulfill.  If followed they create tension.  People feel awkward.  Feelings may be hurt.  Shame is brought to bear.  But this is the teaching of holy Scripture.  We do well to heed the instruction of infinite wisdom lest we too require the painful influence of shame.