The New Testament reading for Sunday, November 16 is from 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13. It is the apostle Paul’s second letter to the church in Thessalonica.
Trouble is brewing in the church in Thessalonica. False teachers have been spreading the word that Jesus Christ will return to earth very soon. The Second Coming is near. While that should be good news to all, how did the teachers know when this would happen? Scripture tells us we won’t know when. It is God’s timing and it is His secret.
Some folks from that church begin to think – if Jesus Christ is returning soon, why should I work so hard or even work at all? It won’t matter, will it, if I don’t show up for work. Why bother? He is coming, at least that is what the teacher said.
In verse 6 of 2 Thessalonians, the apostle Paul counters this attitude with – “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.” Wow – “we command you”. That’s very strong language. And it should be. Idleness is a sin and what idleness leads to is more sin. So stay away from these people is Paul’s command.
After meeting Jesus on the road, Paul worked non-stop to spread the gospel in Asia Minor. Paul not only preached, taught the gospel and started churches there, but he also worked (sometimes as a tentmaker) to earn his keep. Evangelism was costly and Paul did not wish to be a burden to anyone. He set an example for others to follow. Except for some in Thessalonica.
Verse 10 contains a stark warning about not contributing to one’s living expenses: “For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: ‘The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat’”. That seems fair, doesn’t it? Don’t be a burden to anyone, do your share of the work, and pay your way. But to the people who think the Second Coming is about to occur, why bother? I’ll just wait. But while I’m waiting, I have plenty of time to spread gossip, stick my nose in other people’s business and maybe end up causing trouble. Not that I would mean to do that. It would just happen.
But how does that type of behavior glorify God? The God who has blessed you, forgiven your sins, who loves you and who has claimed you as His own. How do you turn your back on a Father who loves you and cares for you?
Paul is warning against the unacceptable behavior that is the result of not having anything to do. It has no place in a Christian’s life. Stay away from those who act that way – the idle ones with too much time on their hands. Instead, like Paul, set a good example and continue to work to glorify God.
Paul closes out this passage in verse 13 with “And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.” Paul never did. He continued to work to glorify God. Always. In everything he did.
It is an example for us to follow.
Marsha Schroeder, Church Elder