Devotional from 1 Thessalonians 3

This morning in my devotions I was reading in 2 Thessalonians 3 and stumbled upon something rather obvious yet something glossed over previously. I love how scripture can come alive fresh each day.

The context of 2 Thess. 3:14 is that Paul has just finished commanding the believers in Thessanolica to "keep away from every believer who leads an unruly life who's life doesn't heed to the tradition that Paul and the Apostles set forth"(v.6), to "follow his (Pauls') example and "be disciplined"(v.7) ,  and to "work so you can eat" (v.10).

Like many of Pauls' epistles both Pauline and General, he addresses a few concerns (v.11):

a) Some are being un-disciplined

b) Not working and acting like they were/should be

c) Then, reminded them to keep away from "unruly and disobedient believers"

For the lazy crowd he admonishes - Work for your own bread! For those already obedient he says, "don't get weary in doing good" but keep obeying what I'm saying (through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit)

Then, here's where Paul totally surprises me. He says, "If anyone doesn't obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him so that he will be put to shame". YET, do not "regard him as an enemy but admonish him as a brother". 

Isn't Paul a little strong here? Well, is this inspired text? Yes! Therefore, I should obey regardless.

The Universal Principle here is that those who are disobedient to the word in a few areas can easily lead others astray and therefore can be a "threat to the body of Christ" - thus Paul warns us against those kinds of people.

The Specific Application of this in our day is that we need to be very careful with our "friendships" with people who disobey the word of scripture. Be their brother in the Lord and love them like Christ would but don't 'Lean on them' for support or wisdom that you might need in your life if they are lazy and unruly or disobedient. 

Defining Terms: 

A Universal Principle is: 

Something true at all times in all places - based off character of God.

A Specific Application is:

An universal principle that has been applied to a specific situation that's only true at certain times for certain people - i.e. food laws in the O.T.