Definition: 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.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 2 Thessalonians 3:14. It’s a pretty serious message about the importance of following God’s instructions. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Core Idea: This verse is essentially saying that if someone doesn't really read and understand the Bible (specifically this letter), they are not truly following God’s will. It’s a warning to be cautious about those who aren’t actively engaged with scripture. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “2 Thessalonians 3:14” : This refers to a specific letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christians in Thessalonica. “And if any man obey not our word…” : Paul is telling us that if someone doesn’t understand or follow what he’s teaching , they aren't truly Christian. He’s referring to the core beliefs and teachings of the Christian faith. “…by this epistle” : This means by reading and studying the letter itself – the Bible. “Note that man, and have no company with him…” : Paul is urging us to observe or watch out for these people. It's a gentle but firm call to distance ourselves from those who aren’t engaged with God’s word. “…that he may be ashamed.” : This is the key part! Paul wants us to recognize that this person is ashamed of their lack of understanding and adherence to God's teachings. He wants us to see them as a danger to themselves and to others because they aren’t following His guidance. In short, it’s a warning about spiritual laziness and the importance of actively engaging with scripture. It’s suggesting that genuine faith requires more than just reading – it requires understanding and applying God’s word. Why is this important? Paul wrote this to address a situation where people were confusing their beliefs with mere opinions or practices, and he wanted to ensure they weren't being misled. It’s about maintaining the integrity of the Christian faith. Does this mean we should just ignore them? No! It doesn't mean we should simply shun these individuals. Instead, it means we need to be vigilant and evaluate who is truly following God’s teachings. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the verse in more detail? Give an example of how this verse might apply in a real-life situation?