2 Thessalonians 3:6 - 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.
Since there was a growing problem with Thessalonian Christians quitting their jobs to await the coming of the Lord, Paul emphasized the importance of daily work for the Christian. He instructed idle church members to work hard for their daily necessities, just as Paul himself did. If they refused, the church ought to discipline them.
Problem in Thessalonica:
2 Thessalonians 3:6 - 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.
2 Thessalonians 3:11 - We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.
Paul's Instructions:
2 Thessalonians 3:10 - For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”
2 Thessalonians 3:12-13 - Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.
Paul's Example:
2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 - 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.
Discipline for the Disobedient:
2 Thessalonians 3:6 - 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.
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 - 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.
Although we live in anticipation of the return of Jesus, God wants us to continue in our daily work while we wait.
Since there was a growing problem with Thessalonian Christians quitting their jobs to await the coming of the Lord, Paul emphasized the importance of daily work for the Christian. He instructed idle church members to work hard for their daily necessities, just as Paul himself did. If they refused, the church ought to discipline them.
Problem in Thessalonica:
2 Thessalonians 3:6 - 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.
2 Thessalonians 3:11 - We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.
Paul's Instructions:
2 Thessalonians 3:10 - For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”
2 Thessalonians 3:12-13 - Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to settle down and earn the food they eat. And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.
Paul's Example:
2 Thessalonians 3:7-9 - 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.
Discipline for the Disobedient:
2 Thessalonians 3:6 - 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.
2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 - 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.
Although we live in anticipation of the return of Jesus, God wants us to continue in our daily work while we wait.
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