Just think about it? Who do the “unruly” go to? Who do they talk to? Whom do they try to persuade?
To whom do they complain? To you, other believers in the church. They almost NEVER come to the pastors, deacons and other leaders. The reason is they are most often talking about and criticizing the pastors, deacons and other leaders! They don’t go to the source. They don’t follow Matthew 18 and go to anyone privately to resolve a dispute or offense. They come to you and spread their dissatisfaction.
This is why you, the church members have this instruction. This tells you what to do when someone comes to you like this. This tells you how a growing, mature believer deals with such people. This tells you how to show your love for the church.
Well what are you to do? You are to “warn the unruly.” I believe people progress in their unruliness. They don’t intend to be a problem. It’s not a conscious decision. It happens over time. They don’t deal with an offense. They don’t get their questions answered. They grow more and more frustrated and after a while it spirals out of control.
Did you read today’s verses? Very clearly, the unruly or disorderly need to “recover themselves or come to their senses.” Let’s all do our part to help others!