Chap 3_2 Thessalonians

OOOOOOOO 2 Thessalonians 3:1–5 (HCSB) 3 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the Lord’s message may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not all have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful; He will strengthen and guard you from the evil one. 4 We have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do what we command. 5 May the Lord direct your hearts to God’s love and Christ’s endurance.

With the introductory word of “finally” Paul signals that he is leaving that topic and leading into another

Paul asks for protection wicked [word =topos means hurtful or unreasonable] from evil men [those who actively hate them]and for efficiency in the speed of the spread and the recognition of the good news.

....and be honored Not only accepted but that it world be honored, be glorified- however root word dokeo means to think about, to consider- so this means to have an opinion that pertains to honor. Before someone honors God, they must first have an intellectual knowledge to form an opinion. The brain is to engage first and the emotions follow.

But Paul is not troubled or worried because the master is always faithful and He will give you the endurance and protection. Faithful as to (1) completing His salvation (1 Cor 1:9); (2) aiding Christians to resist temptation (1 Cor 10:13); (3) fulfilling His promises (2 Cor 1:18; Heb 10:23; 11:11); (4) vindicating believers who suffer (1 Pet 4:19); and (5) cleansing Christians from sin (1 John 1:9). His faithfulness is a major theme in the Psalms (36:5; 88:11; 89:1–2, 5, 8, 24, 33, 49; 92:2; 119:90). So magnificent is this particular attribute of God, that Jeremiah wrote a most memorable line with tears as he watched the temple being destroyed and Jerusalem burned: ‘Great is Your faithfulness’ (Lam 3:23)

And we are confident that you will continue in obedience to what Paul has instructed.

And in all this may the Lord direct you into God’s love [ towards God’s loving of them ]and Christ’s perseverance. Both actions- love and endurance are coming from lGod; not form man.

Note again the dual reference to God and the Lord [master] God is the overall planner and maker of purpose, Jesus is the administrator, the master, the project mgr

OOOOOOOO 2 Thessalonians 3:6–9 (NIV84) Warning Against Idleness 6 In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle 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 make ourselves a model for you to follow.

This is a command delegated from and through Jesus. Shun any brother in Christ who is idle [NIV] [ the word translated means irresponsibly]. This meaning could pertain to improperly doing work ,or late in work, or being lazy and not helping in work, or contrary to helps] Being idle implies not doing anything.

V7 We were not idle when we were with you [when translated as irresponsible i means not working enough, being a burden by not completing or screwing up work] As guests, they had every right to kick back and enjoy the hospitality, but Paul wanted to be an example. Remember the common practise of the day was for the wealthy or privileged to have servants do everything - Paul is doin much more than working to get something done, he is showing that all are equal and all must pull their weight so they are not a burden but a valued person who contributes.

V8 8 nor did we eat anyone’s food We could have lived of the food of the community since we were honored guests. But Paul is a partaker of bringing salvation and life with them. He is not there to take traditional advantage of them.

since there were questions about the 2nd coming there may have been some who just laid around since they would be gone at anytime.

Team Paul’s demonstration of how to be in the body or going out to evangelize. You are to be a blessing in all ways.

OOOOOOOO 2 Thessalonians 3:10–13 (HCSB) 10 In fact, when we were with you, this is what we commanded you: “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.” 11 For we hear that there are some among you who walk irresponsibly, not working at all, but interfering with the work of others. 12 Now we command and exhort such people by the Lord Jesus Christ that quietly working, they may eat their own food. 13 Brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.

Paul reinforced what he said and repeated the command “If anyone isn’t willing to work, he should not eat.” Some of you apparently are no only not working but interfering with those who do work. Now he commands for the 3rd time!! encourage and remonstrate people to take care of themselves and quietly get er done! Eat your own food. This is similar to what Paul said in 1st letter 1 Thessalonians 4:11–12 (NIV84) 11 Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody. this is wise- if you become dependent on someone else, you lose your skills, your motivation and you are subject to their rules. You have been set free from the slavery of sin; don’t sell yourself back into that condition where you have a new master that is not the Lord.

At lanst 13 Brothers, do not grow weary in doing good. Nwvwer tire nor desist. Keep at doing what is right

OOOOOOOO 2 Thessalonians 3:14–15 (HCSB)14 And if anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take note of that person; don’t associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet don’t treat him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. Don’t condone anyone who is disobedient to this message. This fairly sever and hard for someone preaching encouragement and loving one another. Laziness can dishonor the name of Christ and his followers which could portray lazy laggards and turn people away from the kingdom.Have you seen some Christians today that don’t work?

But he is not your enemy but admonish him - get with it.

OOOOOOOO 2 Thessalonians 3:16–18 (HCSB) 16 May the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 17 This greeting is in my own hand —Paul. This is a sign in every letter; this is how I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.

Closing - the Lord himself will provide peace in all ways.

I have written this in my own hands - it is official. This is how I write. May grace [ favor] of our Lord Jesus the Messaih be with you. Be in your presense, not a far off ruler but actually with you.