For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.

2 Thessalonians 3

For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 2 Thessalonians 3:10

I continue my pause of my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  This morning, on week 2-day 3, my focus is a review of 2 Thessalonians 3 by DesiringGod.com's Look at the Book (Lab) "Does ‘No Work, No Food’ Mean No Mercy? 2 Thessalonians 3:6–10, Part 3" to unpack the text.  John Piper first starts by looking at the "key action" from verse 10 - which commands that the within the church everyone must be "willing to work", and Piper emphasizes the willing as there is recognition that some may not be able to work because of various disabilities, etc.  Paul is directing his command to those able to work and Piper shares how Paul's words demonstrate "tough love."  Piper then moves to Matthew 5:38-42 where the text clarifies that such tough love does not mean that believers are to be without mercy even when it may seem that others may be taking advantage of you or worse, cheating or harming you. To reinforce this view, Piper provides Matthew 5:11-12 where Jesus promises blessing to believers who yearn to do good - in spite of harm that may occur. Piper describes this further by describing how believers' satisfaction in Christ is so deep that our reward in Heaven from doing good overshadows any harm we may experience.  Returning to 2 Thessalonians 3, and how Paul commands shaming and not feeding idle brothers/sisters in Christ, Piper provides yet another text Romans 12:20-21 that reinforces how mercy overcomes any harm that may befall you. Piper then describes exceptions where "turning the other cheek" is not appropriate and tough love is warranted.  Two questions believers should ask in seeking wisdom in difficult ethical questions here: (1) is my heart satisfied in Christ to overcome any harm when I do good and not retaliate, (2) do I want my brother's good?

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome such love.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to and apply Your message for me today and every day.  

Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.

2 Thessalonians 3

Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living. 2 Thessalonians 3:12

I continue my pause of my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  This morning, on week 2-day 2, my focus is a review of 2 Thessalonians 3 assisted by the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary Series volume for 1-2 Thessalonians to unpack the text. The commentary's divisions for this text are spread over two chapters of the commentary where the main idea for from the commentary for 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5 is*: "[g]enuinely converted people will bear the fruit of transformed lives," and the divisions/sub-divisions that cover chapter 3 include*:

• They Are Secure in God’s Salvation (2:16-3:5)
• A guarded faith (3:2-3)
• A growing faith (3:1,4)

The main idea from the commentary* for 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18: "Christians have an obligation to hold one another accountable for how they pursue their work and how they relate to one another."  Key excerpts from the introduction of the commentary for this text include*: "[s]urprisingly, one of the greatest dangers to the Thessalonian church was not a blatant attack from people on the outside, but the carelessness and laziness of people on the inside....This is not the first encounter with these individuals. In fact, they appeared several times in Paul’s first letter (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12; 5:14). Some suggest that these people represent those who have quit their jobs in anticipation of the coming of Christ. Others argue that they were poor members of the church who were taking advantage of the affluent members. Whoever these people were and whatever the reason for their irresponsibility, clearly their conduct and their attitude were adversely affecting the church.  Paul clearly sees the need to address this issue." Divisions from the commentary for this text:

1. Don’t Be Lazy (3:6b-10): We are referred to Colossians 3:23-24 where Paul writes how, regardless of what we do, "work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men"; Paul* provides two reasons why Christians should avoid laziness: (a) "Christianity was worthless unless it found its way into the fabric of life....If we take God’s Word seriously, then we will take it to work with us. That is, how we do our work will reflect on the One we claim to worship."  Paul* seeks to admonish "in the strongest words possible" those in the church who are idle. He writes how he has worked and how this should serve as an example.
   
2. Don’t Be a Burden (3:11-12): Paul* points out that idle "individuals [in the church] were becoming a burden to those who were seeking to quietly live out their faith. It’s one thing to be out of line, but it is an entirely different matter when you become a distraction to the entire church."
   
3. Don’t Be Weary (3:13): Paul* turns to those who were not being idle to encourage them to keep going in their good works in serving the Lord. Apparently these members of the church in Thessalonica were becoming discouraged "by the wayward members and so [were] tempted to lose heart or patience, [so] Paul challenges them to keep doing the right thing." 
   
4. Don’t Be Negligent (3:6, 14-15): Paul* describes that church discipline is critical and that "God expects His people to take an active role in maintaining the purity and guarding the integrity of His church."  Church leadership and the body must be on-guard for idleness and inaction and address it swiftly.    
   
5. Don’t Be Forgetful (3:16-18): In his benediction, Paul* offers a prayer that recognizes that the "Thessalonians were going to need divine enablement to live in the manner set forth in his letters."
   

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is always at work for me - and You give me gifts and talents to use for Your glory.  I am amazed at how You use gifts and talents for Your glory in the church.  Thank You for how You equip me in my role as father, husband and worker.  I am not deserving of Your blessings and love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

*Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary Series, Exalting Jesus in 1-2 Thessalonians, Mark Howell

[D]o not grow weary in doing good.

2 Thessalonians 3

[D]o not grow weary in doing good. 2 Thessalonians 3:13

I continue my pause of my study of 1 Corinthians as I participate in a men's discipleship group (d-group) at my church.  Today, I begin week 3 and my focus is an unassisted review of 2 Thessalonians 3. Here, Paul turns from the topic of end times in chapter 2 to primarily a warning against idleness in chapter 3. Before Paul discusses idleness, he asks for prayer as he continues to press on sharing the gospel.  He asks for prayer first and foremost that "the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored" (v1). He then asks for prayer about protection from "wicked and evil men" (v2).  Paul then pivots from asking for prayer to encouragement for the Thessalonians - the church is thriving but still under attack.  Paul shares how God protects against evil (v3).  His encouragement continues as he shares that he has confidence in the Thessalonian church, that "[they were] doing...the things that [God] command[s]" (v4). In v5, Paul reminds the church to reflect on the abounding love of God and "the steadfastness of Christ," as knowing that God never changes, is faithful (see also v3), and He will never leave or forsake believers allows believers to endure difficulties and attacks from the wicked and evil.  Starting in v6, Paul describes his warning against idleness amongst believers, with commands to:

• "keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us" v6
• imitate Paul and the other disciples in how they "did [not] eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with toil and labor...worked night and day, that [they] might not be a burden" vv7-8
• "do their work quietly and to earn their own living" v12 
• "do not grow weary in doing good" v13 
• "do not regard [an idle believer] as an enemy, but warn him as a brother" v15

Paul concludes with a benediction.

Comment and discuss this post.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of grace and compassion for me - You are faithful and never leave or forsaking me, protecting me from harm by arming me in my daily battle against sin and the dark forces of this world.  Thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of such love.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message to me today and every day.

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 1-3, Acts 18-19

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 3:7-10

Day 331 of my chronological study of the Bible with The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) (available by purchase through Amazon - author F. LaGard Smith) continues as I move further into the New Testament - this morning focusing on Paul's second letter to the church in Thessalonica and his third missionary journey. My commentary notes how Paul's first letter to Thessalonica causes some confusion that the second coming of Jesus is to occur right away, so "Paul sends a second letter to clarify this misunderstanding."

*Smith, F. LaGard. The Daily Bible® - In Chronological Order (NIV®) . Harvest House Publishers. Kindle Edition. 

As is the case with much of scripture, there are many passages where one can focus, but today my focus is a follow up on yesterday's post where Paul warns believers in Thessalonica to avoid idleness and instead to be a light.  I am also struck by Priscilla and Aquila's discipleship of Apollos in Ephesus.

Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah. Acts 18:24-28

We all need to ensure that we have an accurate understanding of scripture.  I have referred to this in many posts as head understanding.  We must also have a heart understanding which is what is God saying to me personally and how am I to apply what I understand.  Both are critical and work together.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who gives me scripture and helps me with understanding - thank You Jesus!  I am not deserving of how You love me and bless me.  My sin continues, including worry.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You and help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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.

2 Thessalonians 3

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. v7-9

Paul warns the Thessalonians about some in the church that are idle.  The definition includes those "avoiding work", "without purpose", or those who are inactive.  On the subject of laziness, this post at DesiringGod.com indicates that "Paul does not soft-pedal laziness. It is profoundly unchristian. It betrays a gospel that does not demand our activity up front but always produces activity in and through us. And laziness dishonors the power and strength that has come to dwell in us in Christ: God the Spirit himself".  

We must not "tire of doing what is good" (v13) but instead work "night and day".  

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31

We must examine our time and push ourselves to direct more of it towards the glory of God.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who has blessed me beyond my imagination - not because I deserve but because You are full of love and grace.  I am grateful.  Yet I know I don't deserve it...my sin is daily and great.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.

Hebrews 6

We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. v12

Jesus our Lord and Savior gives all of us skills and abilities - gifts - that He wants us to use for His Glory.  At the same time we are not be lazy.

See also:
1 Timothy 4
1 Corinthians 12
Luke 12
Matthew 25

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, Your designs and Your works are amazing - how You designed all of Your children with skills and abilities that we can share and work together and how You designed the heavens and the earth and all of its inhabitants.  That I get to experience Your designs and works as well as salvation are amazing gifts - thank You Jesus!  I am not worth such gifts.  I am lazy.  Please forgive me Jesus!  Help me overcome such sin and turn towards You Jesus.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me use my gifts for Your glory.  Give me strength. Give Lisa strength, comfort, and freedom from pain.  Please heal and cure her of this cancer.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

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

For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” v10

Regardless of your political views, this admonishment from Paul is clear - at least to me.  We must work - this is true since the Fall when God punished Adam:

Cursed is the ground because of you;
    through painful toil you will eat food from it
    all the days of your life. 

It will produce thorns and thistles for you,
    and you will eat the plants of the field.

By the sweat of your brow
    you will eat your food
until you return to the ground,
    since from it you were taken;
for dust you are
    and to dust you will return.” Genesis 3:17-19

God also spoke through Paul when He urged us to obey our earthly masters:

Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Ephesians 6:5

We are to work as means to glorify God.

My Prayer: What an awesome God You are.  Although You punish man by giving him work and requiring him to work, You give men skills and gifts that when used fulfill and satisfy souls - work that is life giving.  You have done this for me in my life - what an awesome God You are!  I am not worth such love and blessing....I continue to be quick to anger and slow to listen.  Please forgive me Jesus!  Thanks for all of Your love and blessing Jesus but help me overcome and turn from my sin.  Help me turn towards You instead.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Help me love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Help me earn my way and work and in doing so glorify You.  Give me strength.  Give Lisa strength and comfort.  Please heal and cure Lisa of this cancer.  Help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.