SCRIPTURE: 2 THESSALONIANS 3
BIBLE VERSES:
“But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3)
“In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” ( 2 Thessalonians 3:6-10)
“And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good. Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them, in order that they may feel ashamed. Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13-15)
REQUEST FOR PRAYER (vs. 1-5)
Paul’s request to pray that the message of the Lord may spread and be honored and that they may be delivered from wicked and evil men.
PAUL’ CONFIDENCE IN GOD:
- The Lord is faithful. He will strengthen and protect the Thessalonian believers from the evil one (v. 3)
- That they are doing the thing he commanded. (v. 4)
- That God’s love and Christ perseverance will direct their hearts. (v. 5)
WARNINGS AGAINST IDLENESS (vs. 6-15)
Paul admonished the believers not to be idle but to follow his example of laboring and toiling without demanding their support. He did this to serve as a model for them to follow. His rule is: “If a man will not work, he shall not eat” (v. 10)
Because some among them were idle, they became busy bodies. Paul urged tthem to settle down and earn their own living.
PAUL’S INSTRUCTION:
- Never tire of doing what is right (v. 13)(
- Take special note of anyone who does not obey the instruction of this letter (v. 14a)
- Do no associate with those disobedient believers so that they may feel ashamed (v. 14b)
- Do not regard them as enemies but treat them as brothers (v. 15)
FINAL GREETINGS (vs. 16-18)
“May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in everyway. The Lord be with all of you. The grace of our lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
THOUGHTS;
3 Practical admonitions of Paul concerning Christ’s return:
- Pray for God’s servant (v. 2)
- Work so that you can eat (v. 10)
- Never tire of doing what is right (v. 13)
Paul gave a rule concerning idleness. “Whoever does not work should not eat”. Christians should make the most of their talent and time to provide for themselves and their dependents. We give care and support to those who CANNOT WORK, but not to those who WILL NOT WORK. As Christ is coming, we must live in such a way that our faith and our daily practice will please him when he arrives.