Tag: disorderly

2 Thessalonians 3:11 – Another Fine Line

Posted on by Will

For we hear that there are some among you walking in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but being busybodies.

Truth to Learn

There is a difference between taking care of the needs of others and becoming a know-it-all busybody.

 

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “we hear” is akouō, from which we get our English word acoustic. It means “to hear something” or “to listen to something.” The form of the word used here indicates present continuous action. Thus, it appears that Paul was repeatedly hearing about these problem people.

“Walking” is from peripateō, meaning “to walk around.” It refers to the manner in which someone lives his or her life.

The words “in a disorderly manner” are from atakteō, which we saw back in verse seven, meaning “to be disorderly.”

Ergadzomai is the verb translated “work.” It means “to be engaged in a task or occupation.”

“Busybodies” is translated from the verb periergadzomai, which is made up of peri, meaning “around” and ergadzomai, meaning “to work.” Literally, it means “to work around.” It refers to someone who is constantly busy, but never really accomplishing anything. It also refers to someone who meddles in the affairs of others instead of doing their own work.

 

Meaning Explained

People who have nothing of constructive value to do often end up meddling in the affairs of others. This problem was not (and is not) something that only occurred in Thessalonica. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul said:

And besides they learn to be idle, going about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. (1 Timothy 5:13)

Also, the Apostle Peter, in his first general epistle said:

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or a thief, or an evildoer, or as a meddler in other people's matters. (1 Peter 4:15)

From this we can see that Peter categorizes people who are busybodies in the same group as murders, thieves, and other doers of evil things.

We all know people who have a habit of sticking their noses into other people’s affairs. They act like know-it-alls and like to share their knowledge with others whether others want it or not. They are often quick to give advice but seldom willing to take advice. Paul, in his first letter to the church in Thessalonica seems to have been talking to just such people.

that you also Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you, (1 Thessalonians 4:11)

We see here another fine line. This one between “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others,” (Philippians 2:4) and being a busybody. Let’s make sure we don’t cross that line.

 

Application

It is good and right to look out for the concerns of others, but don’t step over the line and become a know-it-all busybody. Instead, be humble as you work hard to provide for yourself and others and show your love to others with generosity, grace, and humility.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:6 – Judgment With Love

Posted on by Will

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 you received from us.

Truth to Learn

There are times when Christians are supposed to judge others.

 

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “command” is parangellō, which we saw back in verse four. It refers to a command given by a superior officer which is passed on from one person to the next.

The word “name” is from onoma, which specifically means “name.” However in the common usage of the first century it usually referred to the title or authority or someone.

“Withdraw” is from a form of stellō, meaning “to set fast,” that is, “to repress or avoid.” In the middle voice, as it is here, it means “to withdraw oneself from.”

Adelphos is the word translated “brother.” It specifically refers to someone from the same womb, hence, “a brother or sister.” It is used throughout the New Testament to refer to “a brother or sister in the Lord,” that is, another Christian.

“Disorderly” is translated from ataktōs, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of tassō, meaning “to arrange in an orderly manner.” Thus, ataktōs refers to a person who is disorderly or neglectful of their responsibilities.

 

Meaning Explained

A couple of verses back, the Apostle Paul expressed his faith that the readers of this letter would continue obeying the commands that he was passing along. He now gives one of those commands, specifically stating that we are to withdraw ourselves from other Christians whose lives are not demonstrating obedience to God.

There are two things that we can learn from today’s verse. The first is that we are supposed to judge the behavior of other Christians. Even though Christ said, “Judge  not, that you be not judged.” In Matthew 7:1, he was referring to not having a judgmental attitude. There are several examples in the New Testament where we are told to make judgments about others and this is one of them. Paul does not tell us here that we are to condemn these disorderly and disobedient brothers and sisters, we simply are to withdraw ourselves from them. The reason for withdrawing from them is two-fold. It sends a message to the disobedient ones that their actions are inappropriate and it keeps us from being adversely affected by their behavior. It’s hard enough to walk the Christian walk without having others affecting our actions by their bad example.

The other thing we need to learn from today’s verse is that we should not carry this teaching to extremes. There are some churches which teach that if a brother or sister is not withdrawing himself or herself from another Christian who is disorderly, then we should break fellowship with them. Carried to an extreme, this isolates such churches from nearly all other Christians. Such churches become very legalistic and completely lose their effectiveness in ministering to others and witnessing to the lost.

 

Application

We need to make judgments concerning other Christians, but we need to do so in love, as our Lord would do. We also need to be willing to welcome them back into the fold when they repent. Let love and mercy guide your actions, not vengeance.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved

2 Thessalonians 3:11 – Another Fine Line

Posted on by Will

For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies.

Truth to Learn

There is a difference between taking care of the needs of others and becoming a know-it-all busybody.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “we hear” is akouō, from which we get our English word acoustic. It means “to hear something” or “to listen to something.” The form of the word used here indicates present continuous action. Thus, it appears that Paul was repeatedly hearing about these problem people.

“Walk” is from peripateō, meaning “to walk around.” It refers to the manner in which someone lives his or her life.

The words “in a disorderly manner” are from atakteō, which we saw back in verse seven, meaning “to be disorderly.”

Ergadzomai is the verb translated “work.” It means “to be engaged in a task or occupation.”

“Busybodies” is translated from the verb periergadzomai, which is made up of peri, meaning “around” and ergadzomai, meaning “to work.” Literally, it means “to work around.” It refers to someone who is constantly busy, but never really accomplishing anything. It also refers to someone who meddles in the affairs of others instead of doing their own work.

Meaning Explained

People who have nothing of constructive value to do often end up meddling in the affairs of others. This problem was not (and is not) something that only occurred in Thessalonica. In his first letter to Timothy, Paul said:

And besides they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle but also gossips and busybodies, saying things which they ought not. (1 Timothy 5:13)

Also, the Apostle Peter, in his first general epistle said:

But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a busybody in other people's matters. (1 Peter 4:15)

From this we can see that Peter categorizes people who are busybodies in the same group as murders, thieves, and other doers of evil things.

We all know people who have a habit of sticking their noses into other people’s affairs. They act like know-it-alls and like to share their knowledge with others whether others want it or not. They are often quick to give advice but seldom willing to take advice. Paul, in his first letter to the church in Thessalonica seems to have been talking to just such people.

that you also aspire to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, (1 Thessalonians 4:11)

We see here another fine line. This one between “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others,” (Philippians 2:4) and being a busybody.

Application

It is good and right to look out for the concerns of others, but don’t step over the line and become a know-it-all busybody. Instead, be humble as you work hard to provide for yourself and others and show your love to others with generosity, grace, and humility.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

2 Thessalonians 3:7 – Walk, or Just Talk?

Posted on by Will

For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you;

Truth to Learn

The most effective proclaimer of the Gospel truth is someone who lives the kind of life he preaches about.

Behind the Words

The word translated “know” is eidō, which means “to see with perception.” As in English, this verb can refer to visibly seeing something and perceiving what it is, or it can mean “to see with the mind,” that is, “to know.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, indicating past completed action with an ongoing effect, where the emphasis is on the effect.

“You ought” is from the Greek word dei, meaning “it is necessary.” It is a bold statement by Paul, for he is not saying “you could …” or even “you should.” He is saying “you need to follow our example.”

“Follow” is translated from mimeomai, from which we get our English word “mimic.” It means “to imitate” or “to follow as an example.”

The words “we were not disorderly” are from the word ou and the verb atakteō. Ou expresses absolute negation (the Greek word mē expressed conditional negation). Atakteō is from the same root as ataktos, which we saw in yesterday’s verse, meaning “to be disorderly.” It is used in a military sense, indicating soldiers who have broken ranks and are being disorderly.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse, Paul instructed the Christians in Thessalonica to withdraw themselves from those who are disorderly, those who are not demonstrating obedience to God. You may also recall that the main purpose of this letter was to correct teaching regarding the Day of the Lord. There had been people who falsely taught that this time of God’s vengeance had already begun.

Based on this verse and the following seven or eight verses, Paul appears to be teaching how to identify the difference between those who teach true doctrine and those who teach false doctrine. His first teaching in this regard is that Paul and his companions were not disorderly. And we will find out in the coming verses that they worked hard for what they had.

There are many preachers today who tell you what you want to hear. They claim that God wants you to be wealthy or that God wants you to be completely healed. They are very charismatic, presenting themselves as someone who can lead you out of your misery into an earthly life of peace and prosperity, and usually asking you to send them money “for their ministry.” Paul, on the other hand, was humble, apparently not very tall or charismatic, and supported his own ministry by working as a tent maker. Which of these two types of preachers do you want to follow as an example of Christian teaching and Christian living? Paul was bold enough to tell people, “Do as I do, not just as I say.”

Application

Who is your favorite preacher or Bible teacher? Is he someone who lives an exemplary life of a submitted servant? Does he just talk the talk, or does he also walk the walk?

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved

 

2 Thessalonians 3:6 – Judgment With Love

Posted on by Will

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.

Truth to Learn

There are times when Christians are supposed to judge others.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “command” is parangellō, which we saw back in verse four. It refers to a command given by a superior officer which is passed on from one person to the next.

The word “name” is from onoma, which specifically means “name.” However in the common usage of the first century it usually referred to the title or authority or someone.

“Withdraw” is from a form of stellō, meaning “to set fast,” that is, “to repress or avoid.” In the middle voice, as it is here, it means “to withdraw oneself from.”

Adelphos is the word translated “brother.” It specifically refers to someone from the same womb, hence, “a brother or sister.” It is used throughout the New Testament to refer to “a brother or sister in the Lord,” that is, another Christian.

“Disorderly” is translated from ataktōs, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “not” and a form of tassō, meaning “to arrange in an orderly manner.” Thus, ataktōs refers to a person who is disorderly or neglectful of their responsibilities.

Meaning Explained

A couple of verses back, the Apostle Paul expressed his faith that the readers of this letter would continue obeying the commands that he was passing along. He now gives one of those commands, specifically stating that we are to withdraw ourselves from other Christians whose lives are not demonstrating obedience to God.

There are two things that we can learn from today’s verse. The first is that we are supposed to judge the behavior of other Christians. Even though Christ said, “Judge  not, that you be not judged.” In Matthew 7:1, he was referring to not having a judgmental attitude. There are several examples in the New Testament where we are told to make judgments about others and this is one of them. Paul does not tell us here that we are to condemn these disorderly and disobedient brothers and sisters, we simply are to withdraw ourselves from them. The reason for withdrawing from them is two-fold. It sends a message to the disobedient ones that their actions are inappropriate and it keeps us from being adversely affected by their behavior. It’s hard enough to walk the Christian walk without having others affecting our actions by their bad example.

The other thing we need to learn from today’s verse is that we should not carry this teaching to extremes. There are some churches which teach that if a brother or sister is not withdrawing himself or herself from another Christian who is disorderly, then we should break fellowship with them. Carried to an extreme, this isolates such churches from nearly all other Christians. Such churches become very legalistic and completely lose their effectiveness in ministering to others and witnessing to the lost.

Application

We need to make judgments concerning other Christians, but we need to do so in love, as our Lord would do. We also need to be willing to welcome them back into the fold when they repent. Let love and mercy guide your actions, not vengeance.

In God's service, for His glory,

Copyright © 2013 Will Krause. All rights reserved