criterion for disfellowship

2 Thessalonians 3:6 (JDV)

2 Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from every brother or sister who is undisciplined and does not walk according to the tradition received from us

criterion for disfellowship

Notice the criterion for disfellowship here. It is not someone who holds to a different theological position. There is bound to be theological diversity in any congregation. Nor is the criterion the person’s cultural or racial background. Nor is it the person’s social status. Paul does not even emphasize the person’s political views.

No, the criterion for disfellowship is an undisciplined walk. Paul mentions the tradition received. He had previously said:

• 2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm and hold to the traditions you were taught, whether by what we said or what we wrote.

Paul taught a lot of theology, but he also taught traditions: ways to act so that the gospel would receive a hearing. The kinds of people who hold to the theology but don’t respect the discipline of Christian living — those are the kind of “Christian” to avoid.

Lord, give us wisdom as to who we do life with.