Taking Care Of Business
Opening Prayer
Dear Father, let the word of joy and truth in the Gospel resonate in my heart with new fervor today.
Read 2 THESSALONIANS 3:6–18
6 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 you received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, 8 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. 9 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. 10 For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”
11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies. 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.
14 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. 15 Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.
Final Greetings
16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.
17 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord… you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward” (Col. 3:23,24).
The final issue in 2 Thessalonians is specific. Some are abusing the church’s generosity. This could be due to a misguided view that Jesus is about to return, or because people are abusing the patronage of the church toward the needy. Paul urges these people to work for what they receive. The implication to the church is to cease financial support for those who refuse to work. Such people are to be identified, repudiated and shamed. However, this is not excommunication—they are to be warned as family (as in 1 Cor. 5 or 2 Tim. 2).
Throughout, Paul urges imitation of his own example—when in Thessalonica; he worked night and day as preacher and tentmaker (1 Thess. 2:9). He renounced his right to receive payment from the Gospel, not wishing to be a burden. He tells them he did so intentionally, that his converts would have a living example of a working Christian—working hard at work and providing for himself, yet also working hard in his Christian ministry. As we go about our work, we are doing this, fulfilling our creation mandate and providing for ourselves (Gen. 2:15; cf. the note on 1 Thess. 2:1–16). It is good. Yet, there is also work special to the kingdom that must be infused into our lives, the work of the Gospel. We have in Paul an example of what that looks like. It is up to us to make it actual in our work, whatever that is. In all spheres of life, we must not become weary in doing good.
As we have come to expect in Thessalonians, assuring them of the genuineness of this letter, Paul ends in prayer. He prays for them that the Lord’s peace, grace and presence be with them. That is my prayer for you: that the riches of Christ’s shalom and his grace will be with you all.
Apply
How does your work contribute to God’s big project of building a world? Are you emulating Paul and contributing to the church? Pray verses 16 and 18 for others.
Closing prayer
Mighty God, You are a working God. You worked in creation and You work through providence. I need for You to instill in me a true understanding of the nature and value of my work.
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