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1st and 2nd Thessalonians

Lesson 12 – 2 Thes. 3:6-18

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Key Lessons

• There is honor in diligent labor; let’s not become lazy and fail to work to provide for ourselves.

• Idleness is an opening for trouble. Do not become idle and fall into the trap of being a busybody.

• Withdrawal from an erring brother is not a suggestion. We are commanded to do so and it is necessary for the harmonious functioning of the church.

Discussion: 3:6• Define “withdraw” (v. 6). Who are they to

withdraw from? Is this just a suggestion?– Withdraw – Stello – to set fast; to repress; abstain from

associating with; avoid; withdraw self.

• Withdraw from:– “Every brother who walks disorderly and not according to

the tradition which he received from us.”– Disorderly – ataktos – irregularly (morally); disorderly

• Acts in a disorderly or irresponsible manner; out of rank or insubordinate

– Tradition – paradosis - transmission, i.e. (concretely) a precept• These precepts were in fact from the Lord, not from men

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Discussion: 3:6

• A Suggestion?– No. This is a command!– Given with special emphasis: “we command you,

brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ …”– “command” – literally to “transmit a message” or “give

an order”– Note: given by the authority of the Lord; they MUST

heed it with all due respect to Him– Time for the Thessalonians to take action

Discussion: 3:7-10

• The example of Paul and his companions– Not disorderly among them

• Not unruly or undisciplined; models of admirable behavior

– Worked for their food• As a preacher, could Paul have received support?• Yes – 1 Cor. 9:3-15; 2 Cor. 11:8-9; Phil. 4:10, 15-16

– Worked with labor and toil night and day• A diligence that was obvious

– Did not misuse their authority

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Discussion: 3:7-10

• Why did Paul not receive monetary support?– Would seem that even if offered, he refused it– Served to reinforce sincerity of their efforts – not

for monetary gain

• What did he live on?– Lived on the money made from working

• Likely tent making as was Paul’s craft – Acts 18:1-3

• What basic principle is found in v. 10?– If you don’t work, you don’t eat

Proverbs

• Prov. 6:6-11– “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise …”

• Prov. 24:33-34– “A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to

rest; so shall your poverty come like a prowler, and your need like an armed man.”

• Prov. 26:13-16– “The lazy man says, "There is a lion in the road! A fierce lion is in the

streets!” As a door turns on its hinges, so does the lazy man on his bed. The lazy man buries his hand in the bowl; it wearies him to bring it back to his mouth.”

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Proverbs

• Prov. 10:4-5– “He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent

makes rich. He who gathers in summer is a wise son; he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame.”

• Prov. 13:4– “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the

diligent shall be made rich.”

• Prov. 19:15– “Laziness casts one into a deep sleep, and an idle person will suffer

hunger.”

• Prov. 20:4– “The lazy man will not plow because of winter; he will beg during harvest

and have nothing.”

Discussion: 3:11-13

• What were some among them busy about?– They had become busybodies (literally, medlers)– These were meddling in the affairs of others– Not only were they failing themselves (not

working), but they were causing problems for others

• What should they have been busy about?– Diligent work - work in quietness; eat their own

bread– Doing good - find some good they could do

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Discussion: 3:14-15

• More about discipline within a church?– Who?

• “does not obey our word in this epistle”

– What is to be done?• “Note them” – Semeioo - to distinguish, i.e. mark• Do not keep company with them (associating,

socializing, etc.)• Admonish them as a brother - to caution or reprove

gently; warn

Discussion: 3:14-15

• Other passages that address this subject:– Tit. 3:10-11; Mt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5:9-11; 1 Tim.

6:3-5; Rom. 16:17; 2 Jn. 9-11;

• Sins to which it applies– False teaching and doctrinal error– Those who cause division and offense– Walking disorderly – in an insubordinate manner

that causes trouble in the church– Disobedient – not obeying the words of Paul in

the epistle

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Discussion: 3:14-15

• Timing of discipline– More than one visit/discussion; bringing it before the

church; finally, withdrawal after reasonable time

• Behavior toward– Taken away from you, purge out, have no company with,

not to eat with them, put away from, withdraw from, note them, mark them, receive not into your house

– Count him not as an enemy; admonish him as a brother

• Purpose of discipline (withdrawal)• Influence to correct the sin; that they might be saved• To give no endorsement to their behavior• To cleanse and protect the church

Discussion: 3:16-18

• Paul asks for them in his closing remarks:– Peace always in every way

• Will their persecutions end?– No. This is the peace of God. (Phil. 4:7)– Deep inner peace that calms the soul– Only comes through Christ (Eph. 2:13)

• Authenticity– He signed his name to it– Appears that another penned them (Rom. 16:22 )– Can rest assured - from Paul

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Key Lessons

• There is honor in diligent labor; let’s not become lazy and fail to work to provide for ourselves.

• Idleness is an opening for trouble. Do not become idle and fall into the trap of being a busybody.

• Withdrawal from an erring brother is not a suggestion. We are commanded to do so and it is necessary for the harmonious functioning of the church.

Review – Something you learned

• How doctrinal the two letters are• Paul’s skill in writing in a way that was more easily

received by these “young in the faith” Christians• This was the earliest letter written that we know of with

one exception (the letter from the Jerusalem council, Acts 15)

• Paul’s first use of the triad of faith, hope, and love• How effectively these letters refute premillinial doctrine• That while “peace” (Shalom) was the Hebrew salutation,

“grace” was the Greek salutation. Paul used both in his introductions.

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Review - Themes

• Some major themes of the letters– Their faith – appreciation and concern– The “Day of the Lord”– Sanctification – exhortations unto holiness

• Further guidance for a young church

Review – Some Lessons

• Paul begins the letters boosting their spirit and instilling confidence. Do we do this with one another?

• Do we have faith, love, and hope that are active?• Are we bold in our approach with the gospel today?• We should walk worthy of our calling. Live in a way that

gives honor to our God.• Let us be constant in prayer and thanksgiving to God.• Are we living lives of holiness? We have been separated

unto God and should live like it.• We should be excelling (abounding) in our walk with

God. Don’t be satisfied with where you are. Grow! Strive to do more to please God.

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Review – Some Lessons

• Whether we die before He returns or are living at the time, all who believe have a wonderful hope of life eternal with our Lord.

• The question we need to be most concerned about is not “when shall the Lord return,” but “are we ready for the Lord’s return”?

• Be on guard against the possibility of apostasy. It can be a very gradual thing and we can get caught up in it if we are not vigilant.

• Do not be afraid to expose error and call it what it is. Speak out against it and warn your brethren.