Why does Paul instructs Christians to keep away from idle Christians or those who don't follow sound teaching? 540 - 8 - 1

2 Thessalonians 3:13, “But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing.” I find that family and/or those who consider themselves to be Christians are the most difficult to witness to in these day of the church of the Laodicea’s.

My brother is typical of many calling themselves Christians. To him attending church once in a while and doing good deeds is enough. As an idle Christian, he often denigrates my intensive study of the Word. Then there is a good friend who considers herself more in tune with the earth and thinks that I’m obsessed by an out of date book, the Bible. Sigh…

Six months of the year I live in a senior RV park which has a small library and a large recreation hall. The library is a perfect setting for a Bible study so this season I have started suggesting that I would like to start a Bible study in the fall. I have been met by the rolling of eyes and general lack of interest. Often mentioned is that the church that someone was brought up in turned him/her off from any form of religion. A number practice their own version of Christianity. So, as I attempt to start a Bible study in the park, I will keep Paul’s instructions in mind.

Also in keeping with 2 Thessalonians 3:7 I will attempt to lead by example, “For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you.”

2 Thesslonians 3:6, “Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw (G4724) yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly (G814), and not after the tradition (G3862) which he received of us.”

G4724 - properly to set fast (“stall”), that is, (figuratively) to repress (reflexively abstain from associating with): - avoid, withdraw self.

G814 - irregularly (morally): - disorderly.

G3862 - a precept; specifically the Jewish traditionary law: - ordinance, tradition.

2 Thessalonians 3:14, “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 (G1788). Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish (G3560) him as a brother.”

G1788 - to invert, that is, (figuratively and reflexively) in a good sense, to respect; or in a bad one, to confound: - regard, (give) reverence, shame.

G3560 - to caution or reprove gently: - admonish, warn.

Christians can be a great stumbling block to unbelievers who looked for any justification to reject the Gospels. Gandhi was asked what kept him from becoming a Christian and he replied Christians.