Faith, Work, and Love in Christian Community

2 Thessalonians 3:6-18

_______________________________________

Brief Review of 2 Thessalonians 3:1-5:
Paul begins this chapter with a prayer request for the message of God to spread and be honored, and for the Thessalonian church to be delivered from evil people. He then offers words of encouragement, confirming that the Lord is faithful and will strengthen and protect them from the evil one. Paul finishes this portion with a confirmation of his confidence in the Thessalonians' obedience to God's commands.

Introduction for verses 6-18:
As we continue in this chapter, Paul's teachings to the Thessalonian church emphasize the importance of discipline, diligence, and peace within the Christian community. He demonstrates how these tenets of the Christian faith shape the church's communal life.

Point 1: A Call to Orderly Living (Verse 6)

"Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to keep away from any brother who leads an undisciplined life that is not in keeping with the tradition you received from us."

Talking Points:

1. Verse 6 emphasizes the importance of discipline within the Christian community. As believers, we're urged to distance ourselves from idle and disruptive behaviors, aligning with Paul's teaching in Romans 16:17: "I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them."
2. This verse encourages believers to live according to the teachings received, reflecting the instructions in 1 Corinthians 11:2: "Now I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I delivered them to you."
3. It highlights the role each believer plays in maintaining the health and unity of the Christian community, as echoed in Ephesians 4:3: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

Point 2: An Example of Diligent Work (Verses 7-10)

"For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we were not undisciplined among you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate. For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.”"

Talking Points:

1. Verse 7 emphasizes the importance of Paul's example. The apostle and his team provided a model of diligent work for the Thessalonian believers, emphasizing that followers of Christ are not to be idle but to contribute positively to their communities. This aligns with Paul's later advice to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:35, where he says, "In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"
2. In verses 8-9, Paul clarifies that while they had a right to receive support from the Thessalonians (an allusion that aligns with Jesus' teaching in Luke 10:7: "Stay in that house, eating and drinking whatever they give you, for the worker deserves his wages"), they chose not to in order to provide an exemplary model of self-support. This choice was to remove any potential accusations and also to distinguish themselves from false apostles who may have sought personal gain.
3. Verse 10 sets a clear boundary, "The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat," encouraging personal responsibility. This idea aligns with Paul's later instruction in 1 Timothy 5:18, "For Scripture says, 'Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,' and 'The worker deserves his wages.'" The apostle is not condemning those who cannot work due to circumstances beyond their control, but those who are able but unwilling.

Paul's instruction to the Thessalonians and his alignment with the teachings of Jesus underscore the significance of a work ethic within the Christian life.

As followers of Christ, we are called not to idleness but to diligent, honest work. And even when we have a right to certain benefits, we may forgo them, as did Paul and his fellow workers, for the sake of the gospel and to uphold the integrity of our Christian witness.

 It's a reminder that faith in Christ also calls for a transformation in our behavior, a commitment to personal responsibility, and a dedication to contributing positively to our communities.

Point 3: Correction and Encouragement for the Undisciplined (Verses 11-15)

"Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies. We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living. But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing. Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother."

Talking Points:

1. Verse 11 criticizes idle and disruptive behavior among believers, highlighting that a lack of disciplined living can lead to a detrimental impact on the community. This instruction aligns with the warnings in Proverbs 10:26: "As vinegar to the teeth and smoke to the eyes, so are the lazy to those who send them."
2. In verses 13-15, the Thessalonians are exhorted to not grow weary in doing good, even when faced with the poor examples of some. This mirrors the advice given in Galatians 6:9, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
3. These verses remind us of the importance of gentle correction within the Christian community, in line with Matthew 18:15, "If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over."

Point 4: A Benediction of Peace and Perseverance (Verses 16-18)

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. This greeting is in my own hand—Paul. This is my mark in every letter; it is the way I write. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.”

Talking Points:

1. These verses reiterate God's desire to grant us peace in all circumstances, as Jesus Himself said in John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."
2. The mention of God as the "Lord of peace" echoes the Old Testament title of God as the "God of peace" found in Romans 15:33, thereby emphasizing God's character as a source of peace.
3. The closing prayer points towards the grace of Jesus Christ, which is integral to our Christian walk, as stated in Ephesians 2:8: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God."

Summary and Invitation
In this section of Paul's letter, we learn of the importance of disciplined and diligent living within the Christian community, all the while experiencing God's peace. As we consider these words, let's reflect on our lives.

• Are we contributing to the peace and unity of our Christian community?
• Are we working diligently and responsibly, just as Paul commanded?
• Are we gently and lovingly correcting our brothers and sisters who fall short, and do we remain committed to doing good even when others don't?
• And most importantly, are we experiencing the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ?

If these questions stir in your heart a longing for such a life, I invite you today to embrace the teachings of the gospel, to strive for discipline and diligence in your work, to correct and encourage each other in love, and to welcome the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ into your life.