Rudiments for Difficult Relationships (Part 2) by Dr. Rod Mattoon

About this sermon

2 Thessalonians 3:11-15... For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. 13 But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. 14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. In part two of this message, we continue to examine the blessings that come from being a good example to others. Paul encourages us to not be wearing in well doing. We are to keep on keeping on, even in the face of hardship, discouragement, failure or a broken heart. Ebay is a household name that generates billions of dollars annually. It began in 1995 as Auction Web and the first product it sold was…a broken laser pointer. Mark Fraser couldn’t afford a new laser for his presentations so he sought out a broken one that he might be able to repair and use. His purchase was $14.83 and it became the genesis of a digital behemoth. Ebay sells used and new items, but it is significant to call to mind that its success began with brokenness. We tend to shun brokenness, yet, the Lord can bring blessing, joy, peace, and success from it in our lives. * Psalm 51:17—The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Paul issues a command on what to do if anyone will not obey the instructions found in this epistle. Rebels have no regard for authority and that is why they reject authority. Paul said, “Note that man or take note of that person for the purpose of avoiding them or isolating them.” He continues and says that you should not keep company with that person so that they will be ashamed and turn from their disobedience. Fellowship with that person was to be withdrawn. Paul did not mess around when it came to matters of rebellion in the church. The rebels were not coddled but were confronted and dealt with firmly. Yet, Paul makes it clear that the rebels were not to be considered as enemies, but they were to be warned or gently rebuked, and exhorted as brothers or sisters in Christ. The purpose of the exhorting and warning was to bring a person to repentance and be restored to fellowship. This 34-minute message was preached on Sunday morning, September 4,2022, at Lincoln Land Baptist Church.

Topics

• Relationships