Determined Distance from the Disorderly

GREEK WORD WITH ENGLISH TRANSLITERATION: άτακτως  (ataktos)

PRONUNCIATION:  ah-TAK-toce

STRONG’S CONCORDANCE #: 814

MEANING: disorderly; unruly; to set onself outside of the order

BACKGROUND OF WORD (ETYMOLOGY): this was a military term that described a soldier who was out of rank or a soldier who was out of order; idea of one who is insubordinate or one who is disrespectful of those who have been placed in authority over him.

HOW TRANSLATED IN KJV, NASB AND/OR ESV:  disorderly; unruly

# OF TIMES USED IN THE GREEK NEW TESTAMENT: 2

KEY VERSE IN THE BIBLE WHERE GREEK WORD USED:

2 Thessalonians 3:6 - "But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly (άτακτως) and not according to the tradition which he received from us."

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:

The word “disorderly” is taken from the Greek word ‎ataktoce‎. The word ‎ataktoce ‎was a military term that described a soldier who was out of rank or a soldier who was out of order. It carries the idea of one who is insubordinate or one who is disrespectful of those who have been placed in authority over him.

The word ‎ataktoce ‎was also used in Greek society to portray individuals who refused to work and who lived off the goodwill of others. Apparently some of the rebellious people in Thessalonica refused to listen to the church leadership's command to get a job. Instead, they took advantage of the goodwill of Christians, “sponging off them” whenever they needed some money.

This scenario is very clear as you continue to read 2 Thessalonians 3. The word ‎ataktoce ‎was also used to depict people who meddled in other people's affairs. As in the case of the Thessalonians, these loafers had no jobs and therefore had lots of time to interfere in other people's business. Paul was so against this behavior that he ordered the believers of Thessalonica to withdraw from these habitual loafers.

Paul finished this verse by reminding them that such a chronic loafer was not living “...after the tradition which he received of us.” In the Greek text, the word “tradition” is the word ‎paradidœmi‎, a Greek word that means to personally deliver or to personally transmit something to someone. Paul had personally delivered instruction to the Thessalonians about living responsible lives. No one in Thessalonica could claim ignorance, for Paul had personally taught them. Those who continued to live in this fashion were simply ignoring his instructions. And rather than tolerate their behavior, Paul told them, “Enough is enough!”

   

Paul's command is very clear: Even though such brothers or sisters are related to us in Christ, we are not to have close fellowship with those who show disrespect for authority and who routinely live their lives out of order. When a believer lives in defiance of God's Word and God-established authority, we must inwardly resolve to back away so we don't put our stamp of approval on them by affiliating ourselves with them. Yes, we must continue to love them; nevertheless, there comes a time when we must disassociate from unrepentant, erring believers. As we do, we will help them realize they are wrong and protect our own testimony from being negatively affected.

CHALLENGE FOR THE DAY:

    

In light of Paul's message in 2 Thessalonians 3:6, what is God saying to you about your current friendships? Do you closely associate with any individuals who have no regard for the Word of God or respect for God-established authority? If so, do you have a good reason why you maintain an intimate relationship with them? Are these the kind of close friends you need? Could it be that you need to back away from the people in your life who are living in rebellion? Is it time to invest yourself in someone else who loves God's Word, who is submitted to authority, and who has a heart to prosper under the blessing of the local church?

PRAYER FOR THE DAY:

    

Lord, I ask You to help me truthfully examine my relationships to determine which of them are helping me and which are hindering me. If any of my relationships are with people who are disorderly or rebellious and unwilling to change, please give me the courage to follow the instructions of Your Word. Holy Spirit, I am depending on You to lead and guide me and to help me do exactly what Jesus wants me to do.  I pray this in Jesus' name!  Amen.