Bye-Bye Busybodies Part 2 (1 Timothy 1:18-20; 2 Thessalonians 3:13-18)

Town Creek Baptist Church

Sermon Direct Link
5/11/25
Rev. Clint Smith

Bye-Bye Busybodies Part 2 (1 Timothy 1:18-20; 2 Thessalonians 3:13-18)
In the Church, when a brother or sister chooses to live in open sin, we are called by the Head of the Church—Jesus Christ—to address the matter lovingly and gently, beginning in private. We must never treat them as an enemy, but as a fellow believer who has strayed. If they remain unrepentant—resisting both the prompting of the Holy Spirit and the loving correction of a friend—their sin will eventually become visible, leading to spiritual harm, the spread of false teachings, and a life drifting aimlessly, like a ship shattered upon the rocks.
Matthew 18:15–20

Jesus is the ultimate example of how Christians are to endure hardship. As our Master, He has called His Church to persevere in doing good and to remain steadfast through trials and persecution. John 16:33; Luke 14:27; 2 Timothy 3:12–13

The apostle Paul held the Church of God in the highest regard and longed for her purity. With apostolic authority, he instructed that if anyone among the believers refused to obey the teachings of Scripture, the Church should take note of their disobedience and distance themselves—not to condemn, but to awaken the individual to their need for repentance and restoration.

When a believer persists in sin that harms themselves, others, or the Body of Christ, intervention is necessary. Yet even then, we must never view a rebellious brother or sister as an enemy, but admonish them firmly as a fellow believer, with grace and love. Romans 12:9-21

Paul offered a blessing over the Church in Thessalonica, praying that the God of Peace would grant them unity—getting along with one another at all times and in every way. He encouraged them with the assurance of God’s abiding presence.

Because forged letters were circulating among the churches, Paul took care to authenticate his writings to protect the integrity of his message.

Though Paul often delivered difficult truths, his prayer remained that the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ would always be with the Church. Paul loved the Church deeply and labored for her growth and purity.

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