Imitate Our Labor and Hardship

Introduction

Tonight we are resuming our study through 2 Thessalonians. In particular, we return to our study of a biblical work ethic in chapter 3. As we have already seen this is an important topic. It is important for many reasons. For example, Jacob took a step back to point out that we should work because God works. He showed us that we serve a working God. Dan, on the other hand, preached Paul’s warning that the lazy are liable. They are liable even to church discipline! So we’ve seen both the carrot and the stick. Something to encourage us and something to exhort us.

Both of these last two sermons have been introductory. Jacob’s introduction was topical, and Dan’s introduction was textual. Both were helpful. But now we will begin to dig into the meat of Paul’s argument in verses 7-8.

2 Thessalonians 3:6–15 LSB

6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who walks in an unruly manner and not according to the tradition which they received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us, because we did not act in an unruly manner among you, 8 nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; 9 not because we do not have the authority, but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you, so that you would imitate us. 10 For even when we were with you, we used to command this to you: if anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat. 11 For we hear that some among you are walking in an unruly manner, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that working with quietness, they eat their own bread. 13 But as for you, brothers, do not lose heart in doing good. 14 And if anyone does not obey our word in this letter, take special note of that person to not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. 15 And yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

Pray with me before we begin.

Last week Dan preached on verse 6, which he mentioned serves as the introduction to this entire section. In verse 6, Paul uses three phrases that are just begging for explanation. Verse 6 is like getting stuck at the top of a roller coaster. Paul just leaves us swaying in the breeze. There is a dizzying sense of responsibility and urgency in his command.

Thankfully in verses 7-15 Paul resolves the three points of confusion that arise in verse 6. Let’s review them.

What does it mean to “keep away” from a brother? What are we supposed to not do? Paul answers this in verses 13-15 where he speaks to faithful believers and teaches them how they should conduct themselves.

What does it mean to “walk in an unruly manner”? Who are we supposed to keep away from? The answer to these questions is in verses 11-12, where Paul rebukes the unruly and exhorts them to get their act together.

What is this “tradition” that Paul delivered? Is he talking about Christmas trees? Thankfully Paul explains this tradition in verses 7-10, where he directs everyone’s attention to model that he set with his group.

So our focus for this evening will be the first part of this third question, which is Paul’s first answer. In verses 7 and 8, Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his, Timothy, and Silas’s example, and he commands the Thessalonians to imitate them. This is the main point of these verses. If you look at verse 7, you can hear him say, “For you yourselves know how you ought to imitate us.” And then in verse 9, he concludes by explaining, “So that you would imitate us.”

Imitate Paul’s model

Now at this point I'm going to go out on a limb. I’m going to guess that you don’t like the word imitate. Maybe the first thing that comes to mind is a little kid going [face and hands]. You’ve probably heard complaints like “he’s copying me” or “he’s making fun of me.” Maybe you’ve seen someone mimicking or mocking. Our word imitate is just steeped in negative connotations. But that’s not all! I’m sure you’ve heard of the corporate fad with diversity, equity, and inclusion. The higher-ups call it “DE&I initiatives” or “the office or department of DE&I.” Everybody wants to be different. This is why they’ll use up the whole alphabet on the LBTQIA2S+ movement soon. Consumerism is obsessed with personalization and customization. Everything has to be unique. Heaven forbid it says “Made in China” as if some factory were pumping out thousands of them. We want individual user experiences that buck the system.

I could go on and on. I think you get the point, though. Our culture hates imitation. We do not like doing things the same way as someone else. We want to be different because we want to be better. People say that competition breeds champions. We’re capitalists. Our pride is free-spirited and independent. Imitation feels like handcuffs.

And here Paul is saying, “You yourselves know how you ought to follow our example,” which we left “so that you would imitate us.” What should we think of this? Let me provide an army of biblical reinforcements for Paul.

First of all, remember in Genesis 1:27 that we were made in the image of God. This is why Yahweh repeats six times in Leviticus that “You shall be holy, for I, Yahweh your God, am holy.” This also shows up 1 Peter 1:16. Do you remember how Jesus called Peter and his brother? He says to them, “Follow me” in Matthew 4:19. Jesus told the disciples after he washed their feet, “I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you” in John 13:15. In 1 Peter 2:21, we learn this was also the reason for Christ’s suffering, “Leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps.” Paul commands imitation to other churches too. In 1 Corinthians 4:16 he writes, “Therefore I exhort you, be imitators of me.” And in Philippians 4:9 he says, “The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things.” In fact, just one chapter before he says in 3:17, “Brothers, join in following my example, and look for those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.” Imitation. Following. Examples. Patterns. Practicing.

And all of this imitation must be guarded by godliness. Later Paul would write in 1 Corinthians 15:33, “Bad company corrupts good morals.” Yahweh told Israel the same, warning them not to associate with their pagan neighbors. In Deuteronomy 12:30, Yahweh warns, “Beware lest you be ensnared to follow them.” And in Exodus 23:2, He commands, “You shall not follow the masses in doing evil.” Solomon even warns his son in Proverbs 1:15, “My son, do not walk in the way with them.” But 3 John 1:11 says it best, “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good.”

I hope you get my point by now. Imitation is good, and it is godly. Imitation is what it means to follow Christ. This is why we say that we want to be “Christ-like.” And all of this is essential to understanding our text for tonight.

Let me briefly explain what I mean. First of all, these references prove that imitation is a very important topic in Scripture. Imitation is important because it uniquely demonstrates the immutable nature of Christ.

Hebrews 13:7–8 LSB

7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

This is why our culture hates imitation. Our culture is trying to smash this idea on the ground. The only thing they want you to imitate is the masses who are doing evil. Nothing else. So this means we are under heavy fire for trying to follow the biblical model. And the reason why the world hates imitation is that it points to a greater reality. It points to an objective standard that holds them responsible for their behavior. It is a sign of judgment to come.

Secondly, I want you to recognize the power of imitation. It’s like the difference between reading schematics and watching YouTube. It teaches us to be thorough and intentional, to be more precise in our own behavior.

1-2 Thessalonians b. “We Were Not Idle When We Were with You”—The Example of the Apostles (3.7–10)

Seneca was even of the opinion that “the living voice and the intimacy of a common life will help you more than the written word. You must go to the scene of action, first, because men put more faith in their eyes than in their ears, and second, because the way is long if one follows patterns. Cleanthes could not have been the express image of Zeno if he had merely heard his lectures; he shared in his life, saw into his hidden purposes, and watched him to see whether he lived according to his own rules” (Epistulae Morales 6).

Seneca is just so insightful here, even though he was a pagan. People get it. Even nonbelievers know that more is caught than is taught. One novelist said “children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” Seneca was saying you’ll learn way faster by watching someone do something than you ever will by reading instructions. And you’ll learn more carefully and with better insight as well.

But imitation is even more important because it is Paul’s main point. Whatever else you take away from tonight, let it be this: You need to imitate Paul’s model. You do not have the right to go rogue. In fact, Paul is saying that imitation is so important that you should be disciplined out of the church for non-compliance. God is dead serious about this. It is not as if it would be simply a good idea to imitate Paul. Notice in verse 7 that it says “you ought to imitate us.” That verb ought places you under divine orders. By the decree of our Lord Jesus Christ, you must imitate this model.

So pay close attention, and let me explain two reasons why you must imitate Paul’s model. The first reason is because it isn’t harmful. The second reason is because it is helpful. These reasons are simple but profound. And Paul actually goes on in verses 9-10 to add more reasons, but tonight we only have time to look at the first two.

Because his model isn’t harmful

As I said, Paul is commanding you to follow his model because it isn’t harmful. Look with me at verse 7. Paul says “you out to imitate us,” and he immediately explains why, “Because we did not act in an unruly manner among you.” Honestly, this statement does not bring much clarity by itself. We still have no idea what Paul is talking about.

But Paul is not trying to describe his behavior here. He is cementing his argument from precedent. Paul says to “keep away from every brother who walks in an unruly manner” because he says that “we did not act in an unruly manner.” There is a direct parallel in the vocabulary. No monkey see, no monkey do. It’s the regulative principle at work—Paul does not want anyone inventing new traditions. You need to pay attention and follow his example carefully.

But besides the parallel vocabulary, there is also a subtle nuance here. He says to “keep away from every brother who walks in an unruly manner” because he says that “we did not act in an unruly manner.” Did you catch that? Paul is calling you out if you’ve made it a consistent habit to walk in an unruly manner. His point is that he never once acted in an unruly manner. This is the force of his argument. Only if you are continuing in unrepentant sin will you be liable to church discipline. Paul says you have no justification whatsoever for that disobedience. You cannot point to a single instance of unruly behavior in his past. He was confident that any accusers would turn up empty-handed, just like the evil wise men in Daniel. Paul exemplifies God’s requirement that church leaders be above reproach.

The apostle continues in verse 8, “nor did we eat anyone’s bread without paying for it.” This is interesting. Turn with me to Acts 17, to the account of Paul’s visit in Thessalonica. In Acts 17:7, the Jewish uprising brings their accusation. They say, “Jason has welcomed” Paul and his companions. Let me also quickly read Philippians 4:16 for you, where Paul writes to that church, “For even in Thessalonica you sent a gift more than once for my needs.”

So here is the paradox: how could Paul be working hard to earn his keep when Jason was graciously hosting him, and when the church in Philippi was sending him stacks of cash? In Acts 16:15 Lydia urges Paul in Philippi, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.” And in Acts 18:3 Luke records, “Because Paul was of the same trade, he was staying with Aquila and Priscilla and they were working, for by trade they were tent-makers.” Are you starting to see a pattern? In Acts 17:2, Luke says that Paul had a “custom” whenever he entered a city. Mainly this refers to Paul’s preaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath. But it is possible that he also chose to stay with Jason because he was a believer and a tent-maker, just like Aquila was in Acts 18. Perhaps Paul helped him with his business in exchange for room and board. And the gifts he received from Philippi could have covered any extra expenses for Silas and Timothy, especially when they were traveling. All this just goes to show that Paul was serious. He reminds you that he literally never took a slice of toast from Jason without paying for it.

And the wording here is important. If you go to a restaurant and you eat their food “without paying for it,” what does that make you? It makes you a thief! You’ve just stolen from them. And Paul says he never did that. The Thessalonians had no right to go steal, mooch, beg, borrow, or bum anything off of anyone. If you have been paid fairly and in full, then why should you take from someone else? Can you not give as you have received? This is our obligation today. Do not steal by neglecting to pay. Do not shirk your responsibilities. Depend on God’s provision and make things right.

Because his model is helpful

But this is just the beginning. Now we move to our other point, that you should imitate Paul’s model because it is helpful. I’ve chosen simple titles for our main points to help you remember them. But calling Paul’s model simply “helpful” is an understatement. He poured blood, sweat, and tears into these Thessalonians!

Look at verse 8, where he says “But with labor and hardship we kept working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.” This is the art of manliness. Paul and his men set forth a tireless and timeless example.

First of all, notice the emphasis on hard work. In Greek the order is slightly different, and it reads “with labor and hardship, night and day, we kept working.” When others grow tired, this group keeps working. When the going gets tough, this group keeps working. When the moon is up and the stars are out, this group keeps working. When the sun gets out of bed to begin a new day, this group keeps working. They are indefatigable. Relentless. Driven.

And all of this coming right on the heels of their Philippian imprisonment! Remember Paul and Silas singing hymns at night? Remember the earthquake and the jailer? When Paul left Philippi, they went straight to Thessalonica. Just a year or two prior Paul had written Galatians 6:17 where he said that he “bore on his body the marks of Jesus.” Despite the physical pain, despite the heavy burdens, despite the long hours, these men kept working. They did not stop.

So you can imagine the Apostle’s frustration in verse 11 when he says, “We hear that some among you are walking in an unruly manner, doing no work at all, but acting like busybodies.” How dare you! This wounded warrior has poured out his heart and soul for you, like a drink offering before the Lord. But you are oblivious and indolent! Do not offend him. Do not act in such a way that you discredit him. You dare not tell the Apostle his work was for nothing.

And here is the crucial question: Why? Why would these men work so hard? Look at the end of verse 8 where he says, “So that we would not be a burden to any of you.” What an expression of tender love. Paul could have said he only did it because God wanted him to. He could have said he did it to improve his stamina. But he doesn’t say these things. Instead, he bares his soul. He confesses he did it for you. Do you appreciate that? In 1 Thessalonians he compared it to the tender affection of a mother and the loving admonition of a father. Their sacrifices were entirely selfless.

This is the key to everything Paul wants you to understand. In 1 Thessalonians 4:12, he said the problem was that the Thessalonians were not walking properly toward outsiders. This was a bad look for the church. They were bringing shame on the Name. But he doesn’t make that argument here. In 1 Thessalonians he gives them a jab, “Come on, I know you can do better than that.” Now his tone is more serious. He is afraid you have misunderstood everything. Don’t you realize they did this for you? Didn’t you see the roses and chocolates had your name on the card?

Here is biblical generosity at its best. Learn from Paul’s example. Most people tell themselves that they will give more when they get a raise. If Paul had thought that way, he might have told the Thessalonians he’d only need to eat their bread until the cash from Philippi showed up. That whole picture is upside down. That is worldly generosity, and it doesn’t even deserve to be called generosity. It’s just self-indulgence. Biblically speaking, generosity is more about making sacrifices than it is about making money. Let me repeat that. Biblical generosity is more about making sacrifices than it is about making money. If you want to give more, then don’t wait for a raise. Go fix your budget.

This is why Paul was concerned. He realized that not only were the Thessalonians ungrateful, they were selfish. They had no idea what it meant to be generous. They almost missed the point of the gospel. They were eating bread without paying for it. And the solution was not just to stop stealing. The solution in Ephesians 4:28 is this: “He who steals must steal no longer, but rather he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.” The solution is to practice hard-working, self-sacrificial generosity.

Listen to Paul’s last words with the Ephesian elders, just before he left them for martyrdom:

Acts 20:33–35 LSB

33 “I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. 34 “You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to those who were with me. 35 “In everything I showed you that by laboring in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

This is the key principle behind a godly work ethic. Heaven forbid you just hang around to see if someone else will take care of things for you. You are not even working to pay your bills. You are working to be generous. You are working to help the weak. This is why you must imitate Paul’s model of tireless labor and hardship. This is why you must keep working and never. give. up. As Paul told Timothy, “Be sober in all things and endure hardship.”

Postlude

As we wrap up this evening, I want to offer you some encouragement to press on at work.

We are nearly done with 2 Thessalonians. There is no 3 Thessalonians to study next. I’m not sure if the Thessalonians ever got another letter from Paul. And if you think about this last section, it’s a little bit sad. Paul opened his first letter to them with high praise for their love and faith, turning from idols amidst persecution. But now he ends his last letter to them with threats of church discipline for their sluggish indolence. What a sad story.

Thankfully, this is not the last we hear of the Thessalonians. Remember the order of events. While Paul was staying in Thessalonica, he received financial gifts multiple times from the church in Philippi. And Paul thanks the Philippians in his letter to them because they were the only church who did that for him. Then Paul wrote 1 and 2 Thessalonians, rebuking these believers. This leaves us wondering, How did the Thessalonians respond?

Let me read the first five verses from 2 Corinthian 8 to answer this question:

2 Corinthians 8:1–5 LSB

1 Now brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, 2 that in a great testing by affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the richness of their generosity. 3 For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, 4 begging us with much urging for the grace of sharing in the ministry to the saints, 5 and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.

Check this out! Thessalonica was the leading city in Macedonia. Their church was probably the largest too, as Luke recounts that a “great multitude” of Greeks were converted with many others also. The church of Philippi had already sent gifts to Paul, and Paul did not mention any further gifts from them in his letter. The only other Macedonian church Paul planted was in Berea, but it was smaller. This helps us understand the Thessalonian response.

After they received this final letter from Paul, his words probably sparked action. They remembered how the church of Philippi had sent money for Paul. They got back to work and started saving, even despite harsh persecution for their faith. Within 3-4 years, they were able to band together with the churches of Philippi and Berea to send money for the poor, persecuted church in Jerusalem. In response, Paul praised the Thessalonians for the “richness of their generosity.” What an amazing testimony! This lazy church went on to set a record for sacrificial giving.

So let this be an encouragement to all of you. No matter how much you’ve mooched, now it is time to move. You need to take action and press on in diligence. Work to be faithful, and work to be generous.

Imitate Paul’s model of labor and hardship. Remember Jesus’s sacrifice for you, and do it all to the glory of God.