13 As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. 14-15 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. 16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. 17 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:13-18 English Standard Version

In the verses before today's reading the apostle was dealing with the problem of some believers who were too lazy to provide for themselves and expected other Christians to look after them. This shows us that from the earliest days there were people in the Church who caused problems for others. But a problem that goes hand in hand with that is when a congregation does nothing to correct the troublemakers. It’s like when parents don’t try to discipline a child’s bad behaviour. What did Paul urge them to do with any believer who was rebelling against the lifestyle God calls Christians to follow? (vs 14-15)

We speak today of 'sending someone to Coventry'. In other words, we stop associating with a person in the hope that they will get the message that their behaviour is unacceptable. Notice though that this was not to be done in an attitude of hatred. When Paul says 'warn him as a brother', the door is clearly being left open to welcoming the person back when they realize how shameful their attitudes and actions have been.

In a letter to Christians at Corinth, Paul mentioned an extreme case of wicked behaviour by a member of that Church. He said: “Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have.” (1 Corinthians 4:18-19) Then he says: “It's actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that even pagans do not tolerate! A man is sleeping with his father’s wife. And you are proud! Shouldn’t you rather have gone into mourning and have put out of your fellowship the man who has been doing this?” (1 Corinthians 5:1-2)

That sounds really shocking. But even today there are examples of Christians who commit adultery, or walk out of marriages – or who continue to hurt others by uncontrolled words. And there are Christians today who adopt lifestyles that are clearly disobedient to things Jesus taught through His apostles. And while that is bad enough, it becomes even worse when Churches they belong to look the other way and don't try to challenge the sinful behaviour. They are then guilty of tolerating what God has condemned.

Discipline is an important part of Church life. It seeks not only to bring the one going astray back to the Saviour, but also to protect the rest of the members from being led astray. In view of the many problems that can arise in a Church, what does Paul urge believers to do. (vs 13)

We mustn't let the struggles that some people may bring into our life make us give up following Jesus faithfully. Yes, even in the Church there will be people who are difficult to get on with. And there will be some who are doing things that are clearly wrong. There can be in-fighting in the congregation and we can become discouraged. But Paul tells us to keep on doing what is good. We must keep on speaking the truth, and seeking to walk with patient love.

What's the likely outcome for all who persevere in doing what is good in God's sight? (vs 16)

Rocky situations in a congregation and dealing with sinful behaviour can be stressful. But before He left the world Jesus said to His disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) That's a promise we can cling to when we encounter troubling situations, in the Church as well as in the world. And vs 17 of our reading reminds us that these things have been passed on to us by a genuine apostle of Jesus Christ.