Paul Admonishes Christians to Work and Not Be Lazy 2Thessalonians 3:6-18 Presented by Bob DeWaay February 11, 2007

2Thessalonians 3:6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us. Paul Urges Church Discipline for Those Who Evade Obligations

1Thessalonians 5:14 And we urge you, brethren, admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all men. Paul Had Given Previous Instruction, So Now Church Discipline

2Thessalonians 3:7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined manner among you, Paul’s Example

2Thessalonians 3:8, 9 nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we might not be a burden to any of you; not because we do not have the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, that you might follow our example. Paul’s Exemplary Hard Work

1Corinthians 9:14 So also the Lord directed those who proclaim the gospel to get their living from the gospel. Paul’s “Right” That He Did Not Exercise

2Thessalonians 3:10 For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat. Proverbs 16:26 A worker's appetite works for him, For his hunger urges him on. A Moral Duty to be Willing to Work

A Play On Words: Not “busy” But “busybodies” 2Thessalonians 3:11 For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.

A Strong, Binding Command 2Thessalonians 3:12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and eat their own bread.

2Thessalonians 3:13 But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. Galatians 6:9 And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary. Be Careful Not to Think Obedience Isn’t Worth the Effort

Church Discipline 2Thessalonians 3:14, 15 And if anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that man and do not associate with him, so that he may be put to shame. And yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Paul’s Prayer/wish for the Church 2Thessalonians 3:16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually grant you peace in every circumstance. The Lord be with you all!

Concluding Benediction 2Thessalonians 3:17, 18 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Applications Work done as unto the Lord is never menial. As Christians we should never be known as sluggards. Christians should work so that they can care for those who cannot.

To Work is to Serve Christ Colossians 3:23, 24 Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men; knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.

Laziness is Condemned in the Bible Proverbs 6:6-8 Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise, Which, having no chief, Officer or ruler, Prepares her food in the summer, And gathers her provision in the harvest.

Laziness is Condemned in the Bible Proverbs 6:9-11 How long will you lie down, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? “A little sleep, a little slumber, A little folding of the hands to rest”-- And your poverty will come in like a vagabond, And your need like an armed man.

Christians Should Work and Help Others Ephesians 4:28 Let him who steals steal no longer; but rather let him labor, performing with his own hands what is good, in order that he may have something to share with him who has need.

Christians Should Work and Help Others Titus 3:14 And let our people also learn to engage in good deeds [marg. “occupations”] to meet pressing needs, that they may not be unfruitful.